Book Review: "Remarkably Bright Creatures," by Shelby Van Pelt

Today is a different type of blog: a book review. I'm considering sprinkling these into my blog posts to share some books that I've read. My desire is to narrow down on themes/aspects of the book that specifically stood out to me, doing so while hopefully not spoiling anything! I hope you enjoy!

Over school break, I had some time to sit and read a book in just two sittings (which for my usual hum-drum of the week is rather unusual). I returned to my cozy corner on the couch and nestled into a soft blanket. The book I chose was Remarkably Bright Creatures, by Shelby Van Pelt. And let me tell you, it was delightful.

As I started it, I wasn’t sure what to think of the seemingly meandering story and unimportant people and events taking place. We are introduced to the main character Tova, and a younger man by the name of Cameron. We also have the delightful time of being narrated to by a great pacific octopus, named Marcellus.

Although I did not see the point to the different scenes at the beginning, what largely kept me reading at this point was Van Pelt’s cozy and warm way of writing. As she switches to writing about the different characters, although she remains in third person, she does a brilliant job of crafting the scene. Her word choices excellently reflect how her characters would see the scene. Each time it switches to a different character, you not only know it is them by who the story is focusing on in that moment, but also because of the slight changes in verbiage and phrases that are used.

As the story slowly unfolds, we are pulled through Tova’s grief, and the end gives a solution that produces a warm, sad-sweet feeling in your chest. The kind of feeling that whelms when you recall warm memories that you know are past, but that you cherish deeply.

So, if you want a cozy read, with clever writing, and a fulfilling ending, I’d highly recommend Remarkably Bright Creatures.

#34

24 April 2026