Estimated Reading Time: 4min

Who would have thought an octopus being a main character in a book could work.. Somehow, it just does, but when you try and explain this plot to somebody, be prepared for them to stare at you like you’re not quite all there.

Remarkably Bright Creatures

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 the Puget Sound over thirty years ago. As she works, 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 tentacles for his human captors–until he forms an unlikely friendship with Tova. . Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. As his affection for Tova grows, Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late. 

Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief, Child Death, Abandonment
Moderate: Death, Addiction, Drug Abuse
Minor: Suicide Attempt, Cancer, Suicide

My Review

This book was simultaneously hilarious, heartwarming, and heartbreaking. There are a few points of view we follow, and of course the best is Marcellus, however I did enjoy seeing the story unfold from Cameron and Tova’s point of view.
There’s some grief, some questions of what happens when you get older and how your life works, and of course some hijinks with an octopus.
I thought it was quite well written, I really enjoyed the story, and found myself waiting for the next octopus focus point of view. They were honestly the best parts. I didn’t know how much I was going to like this story, and I thought the elements of Mystery were quite well handled. It’s not a mystery as in “who did this crime” kind of mystery, but we do get to find out certain things as we go that of course Marcellus knew before any of us.

Would I Recommend This Book?

Yes, I thought it was a lovely exploration into family, grief and life.

Similar Books You Might Like

If you are thinking what kind of books would have similar feel, themes or content, here is a list that you can consider:

• The Music of Bees (Eileen Garvin)
• A Man Called Ove (Fredrik Backman)
• The One and Only Ivan (Katherine Applegate)

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See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace