Staff Picks Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt - Adult Fiction

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt tells the story of an unemployed musician, a widow, and a giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus who is held in captivity at a seaside aquarium in Sowell Bay, Washington. In addition to exceptional insight and a way with words, Marcellus possesses mad skills at escaping from his tank at night. 

While chronicling his days in captivity and nights exploring the aquarium, Marcellus notices interesting details about the aquarium's visitors and staff. He's especially fond of the nighttime janitor, Tova, but far from impressed with her temporary replacement, Cameron. With his watchful eyes and keen intelligent, Marcellus spots things everyone else overlooks. 

Ever since watching the Netflix documentary, My Octopus Teacher, a show about the unique bond between a South African diver and a common octopus, I’ve been fascinated by the intelligent eight-armed sea creatures.  Did you know that a giant Pacific Octopus has three hearts, nine brains, and blue blood?  They’re also masters of camouflage who can use tools and even open child-proof pill bottles.  

Needless to say, I loved reading about Marcellus and other inhabitants of Sowell Bay. Remarkably Bright Creatures is a perfect book to read for FCPL’s summer reading theme, Oceans of Possibilities.  

Check out Remarkably Bright Creatures to learn more about Marcellus’ amazing shape-shifting capabilities and how he uses them to impact the lives of those around him. Fans of A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman will enjoy this bittersweet story.   

Alicia Cavitt
Information Specialist
#WeKnowBooks

Giant Pacific Octopus