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Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel

This deluxe edition features sprayed and stenciled edges, silver foil, and a reading group guide.

A New York Times Bestseller * A Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick

Soon to be a Netflix Film

“Remarkably Bright Creatures [is] an ultimately feel-good but deceptively sensitive debut. . . . Memorable and tender.” —Washington Post 

A charming, witty and compulsively readable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope that traces a widow's unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus

After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.

Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors—until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.

Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late. 

Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.

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Published Apr 29, 2025

384 pages

Average rating: 8.18

8,260 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Annie.S
May 14, 2025
10/10 stars
I loved this book. The narrators are all so different and the octopus has such a unique perspective. Great story told in a way that keeps you hooked!
BrookeDJ
May 13, 2025
10/10 stars
I absolutely loved Remarkably Bright Creatures! It was such a heartwarming, unique story, and I completely fell in love with Marcellus. His perspective added so much charm and humor, and I found myself rooting for all the characters. The mix of grief, second chances, and unexpected friendships made this such a special read. Definitely one that sticks with you! Can’t wait for a movie to come out!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
lovebookscs
Mar 06, 2025
A widow and an octopus form a friendship. The octopus helps the woman uncover the truth about her son's disappearance.
K Olson
Jan 14, 2025
6/10 stars
To be clear a 3 star rating for me doesn’t mean I dislike a book. As a whole I found this book sweet and quirky although a bit predictable.
Doodlebugsjuju
Jan 12, 2025
8/10 stars
I liked the POV from the Octopus and the friendship he had with Tova. The ending made me happy.

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