I went into Remarkably Bright Creatures expecting something gentle and quirky, but I was not prepared for how deeply it would settle under my skin. On the surface it is a cosy, character driven story about unlikely friendships and second chances. Beneath that, it is a tender exploration of grief, loneliness and the strange ways people find their way back to themselves. What surprised me most was how naturally the book blends all of this with the perspective of a Giant Pacific Octopus. Somehow it works, and it works beautifully.
The story follows Tova Sullivan, a seventy-year-old widow who keeps herself busy with her night shifts at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Her life is quiet and carefully ordered, shaped by the losses she has endured. She is stoic and reserved, yet there is a warmth to her that makes her instantly endearing. Her path crosses with Marcellus, the aquarium’s resident octopus, who is clever, observant and far more perceptive than anyone realises. His chapters are some of the most delightful parts of the book. They offer a sharp, witty voice that gently nudges the reader toward the truth long before the characters see it.
Running alongside Tova’s story is Cameron’s. He is a young man who feels adrift and frustrated, and I often found myself wanting to shake him. His immaturity can be grating, but it is also believable. His life has been shaped by abandonment and a lack of support, and the book treats that with compassion. Watching his arc unfold is strangely satisfying, even when his choices made me cringe.
The themes of grief, found family and emotional connection are handled with a light touch. The book acknowledges pain without sinking into it. It is steady in pace and more focused on character growth than plot twists, although there are a few surprises that land with real emotional weight. I found myself working things out alongside Marcellus, which added a playful sense of anticipation. By the time everything comes together, the payoff feels earned and incredibly moving.
What worked best for me was the warmth that radiates from every page. The relationships feel genuine, the humour is gentle and the emotional beats are honest. I loved that the heart of the story belongs to an older woman whose inner life is treated with respect and nuance. And Marcellus is simply unforgettable. I never expected to feel emotional over an octopus, yet here we are.
Readers who enjoy character driven fiction, cosy stories with emotional depth or novels that blend whimsy with real feeling will find a lot to love here. It is sweet without being saccharine and thoughtful without being heavy.
Remarkably Bright Creatures felt like a warm hug and a cup of tea. Predictable in places, yes, but in a way that feels comforting rather than dull. I would not have wanted it to end any other way.
And of course, I had to read it before the release of the #Netflix movie!
