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Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel
Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel
Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel
Audiobook11 hours

Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel

Written by Shelby Van Pelt

Narrated by Marin Ireland and Michael Urie

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5/5

()

About this audiobook

This audio edition is read by Marin Ireland and Michael Urie as Marcellus. It was a Finalist for Audiobook of the Year. A New York Times Bestseller * A Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick Soon to be a Netflix Film “This fantastical debut audiobook will enchant listeners. Gifted vocal artist Marin Ireland portrays Tova, a 70-year-old widow with a heart of gold whose teenage son died under mysterious circumstances 30 years earlier. Ireland's encouraging tones suit Tova, whose compassion touches everyone, and every creature, in her small Washington town. After she injures herself at her job at the aquarium, Tova meets her temporary replacement, Cameron, a 30-something recently transplanted Californian. Cameron is searching for the father he never knew, and Ireland poignantly expresses his longing for community. Their quests are aided by Tova's unlikely "friendship" with the formidable Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus whose acerbic wit and shrewd observations are wonderfully captured by Michael Urie. A fanciful and enjoyable listening experience.” -Audiofile Magazine 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. Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.
LanguageEnglish
PublisherHarperCollins
Release dateMay 3, 2022
ISBN9780063204188
Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel
Author

Shelby Van Pelt

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Shelby Van Pelt lives in the suburbs of Chicago with her family. Remarkably Bright Creatures is her first novel.

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Rating: 4.59183670665066 out of 5 stars
4.5/5

8,330 ratings557 reviews

What our readers think

Readers find this title to be a heartwarming and beautiful story about love, loss, and freedom. The characters are well-developed and the narration is excellent. The book offers a fresh perspective and a unique plot that keeps readers engaged. It is a touching and poignant novel that leaves a positive impact. Overall, readers highly recommend this book and consider it one of their favorites.

1 person found this helpful

What did you think?

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Review must be at least 10 words

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Aug 29, 2023

    3 stories come together to paint a beautiful and unique picture of overcoming pain and finding family!

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Aug 29, 2023

    This book truly was a “remarkable and surprisingly “ read. The balance of the storyline and characters was meaningful, heart warming and sweet tempered. An effortlessly intriguing book. The narrator was excellent as well.

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Aug 29, 2023

    What to say about this book? I have no good words. It’s absolutely breathtaking & now one of my favorite stories of all time!

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Aug 29, 2023

    One of the most gentle and heartwarming books I have ever read. The characters are my friends, be they two legged, four legged or eight legged!

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Aug 29, 2023

    Perfektes Buch ich liebe es sehr! Empfehlung auf jeden fall

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Aug 29, 2023

    Never thought I'd care so much about an octopus, but here we are.

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Aug 29, 2023

    This audio book was great. Wonderful narration and sweetest story.

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Aug 29, 2023

    Well-performed, truly enjoyable. Engaging characters and satisfying conclusion. A good read.

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Aug 29, 2023

    Well, that was one of the best books ever. In the way of Frederick Backman, this will warm your heart and give you all the feels! The narration is excellent!

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Aug 29, 2023

    I really enjoyed this book-
    The octopus made it a delightful story.

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Feb 9, 2026

    The part on the octopus! Brings him to life !
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Feb 3, 2026

    This story is amazing! The characters r relatable. Human flaws r ones we can relate to. Marcella is one fantastic sea creature n so good at leading humans to where they need b! Highly recommend!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Feb 1, 2026

    Loved this story, very heartwarming. I loved Marcellus, Tova, Ethan and even Cameron (at the end, after wanting to slap him a few times).
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Jan 23, 2026

    I loved it, it hugged my soul and warmed my heart ♥️
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Jan 2, 2026

    Interesting book that had unexpected turn with all the pieces fitting together lively! I laughed out loud several times
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5

    Dec 30, 2025

    The best parts were definitely the chapters from the octopus POV, but the rest left me wanting more. None of the characters were compelling enough to want me to continue and the main male character was incredibly annoying. I couldn’t stand his whining. Would not waste my time reading or listening to this.
  • Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
    1/5

    Dec 30, 2025

    Omg this is boring! Horrendous and pointless read for sure
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Dec 16, 2025

    Such a wonderful story, people's life beautifully intertwined. The narrators were amazing as well!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5

    Dec 15, 2025

    Good book, thank you for your efforts, thank you, thank you
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Dec 2, 2025

    Easily one of my favourite books. Don’t skip out on listening to this one, the voices make the book so much better!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Oct 28, 2025

    Absolutely loved it couldn’t put it down and couldn’t get back quick enough when I had to break away. I hope I can find more books by Shelby F is interesting and fun as this.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Oct 26, 2025

    Cute little story, emotional but with in a way a happy ending. Loved the narrators.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Oct 13, 2025

    What a very enjoyable story! I loved it from start to finish, even if somewhat predictable, this is comforting reading in these conflicting difficult times. The narrator was completely up to par too! Many thanks to both author and narrator!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Oct 7, 2025

    One of the most heartfelt books I have read in quite awhile. This book was like a warm hug and I am sad it is over. I will miss all of these characters.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Sep 12, 2025

    A nice ‘feel-good’ read. I enjoyed reading it.
    Recommended for someone looking for a light fiction.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Aug 31, 2025

    A feel good story of brokenness coming to healing. The interconnected relationships of man and animal.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5

    Aug 27, 2025

    Beautifully written ? also great narration in particular. Highly recommended
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Aug 21, 2025

    Perfect. Beautiful story. Moving, yet uplifting. Highly recommend. Especially if you love a good yarn without romantic overtones.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Aug 21, 2025

    Storyline - loved it! Audio narration - loved it! Thoroughly enjoyed the book!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5

    Aug 16, 2025

    A delightful, heartwarming story rich with beautifully broken-open characters who find their wholeness in each other. Narration was spot on. A highly recommended when looking for an easy, engaging read/listen.