Remarkably Bright Creatures

Remarkably Bright Creatures — a novel
by Shelby Van Pelt
published in 2022 by Ecco/Harper Collins
audio version narrated by Marin Ireland and Michael Urie

This story!!! Brilliantly created, crafted, and detailed! Redemptive, poetic, creative, original—written in a mysterious manner and rhythm that feels like the manner and rhythm of an octopus slinking in and around the mysteries of the heart. Shelby Van Pelt truly has a way with words that encompasses a wide expanse of literary skills. Her use of metaphor feels deep. Her use of description for sounds and actions feels so deliberate and precise. She navigates the emotional world of multiple aged characters so extensively and realistically.

I was captivated by the mystery of the first chapter introducing the octopus—Marcellus. I also loved the timing of events and discoveries — there was a realistic yet serendipitous feeling to both.

I’ve see this book slinking around book sellers for the past couple of years tapping on my shoulder to be read. It came up in my library app during a recent perusal and I thought — surely I can make time for this… give it a whirl and see if it becomes something. Yes… it was definitely worth the time! I plan to purchase a copy at some point just to study the writing for myself! It’s plain beauty — simple and elegant through and through. So thrilled I read it.