'Remarkably Bright Creatures' by Shelby Van Pelt

“Smart Cookie. I am smart, but I am not a snack object dispensed from a packaged food machine. What a preposterous thing to say”.

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I finished this yesterday and I think it’s the best book I’ve read this year! It was definitely a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and a new fave for me.

This was so emotional, heart-warming and such a journey from start to finish. I was gripped on each chapter and absolutely love the cast of characters. Especially Marcellus 🐙

The book follows 3 protagonists and their respective lives in and as they come into Sowell Bay in Washington. We have Tova Sullivan, an elderly lady who lives in the community and works at the local aquarium, where she finds peace and connection amongst the sea creatures following a tragic past. Then there is 30 year-old Cameron Cassmore, struggling to find himself and trying to cope with a difficult upbringing. Finally, we have Marcellus, the giant Pacific octopus, who causes mischief with the best intentions.

In the story, these 3 protagonists find themselves working together and meaning more to each other than they realise. Unlikely friendships blossom and the charm of the town shines through the pages and in the interactions shared between the main 3 and the rest of the characters.

It shows us how we can connect with animals, big or small, and the importance of looking out for one another. The perspective we get from each of the characters makes the story so unique and interesting, showing the plot lines from different points of view where we can start piecing things together for ourselves!

I highly recommend this and am so glad I picked it up ✨