Remarkably Bright Creatures was sweet and comforting. It felt like a hug after a good cry.
Synopsis:
A novel tracing 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.
Thoughts
I really liked how this book handled grief, in all its forms, for instance, losing a loved one, changing course in life, and letting go. It also highlighted finding joy in the little things. And to open your eyes to all the wonderful things in your life that you’ve overlooked or written off.
Marcellus’ chapters were the best. The sense of humor and human insights had me alternately chuckling and wiping away tears.
I enjoyed the audiobook narrators, especially for Marcellus. I struggled with Cam’s narration. It played as too young – I know he was supposed to be a somewhat immature 30, but it sounded like he was a 15 year old and I had to keep reminding myself of his actual age.
“Tova has always felt more than a bit of empathy for the sharks, with their never-ending laps around the tank. She understands what it means to never be able to stop moving, lest you find yourself unable to breathe.”
Shelby Van Pelt
Remarkably Bright Creatures was full of heart and a joy to listen to.
I listened to this book on scribd.com
