Remarkably Bright Creatures Book Review & Book Club Guide

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If your book club has Remarkably Bright Creatures on the list—or you’re considering it—I think you’re in for a rewarding conversation. This gentle, moving novel has plenty to unpack: from grief and aging to unexpected friendships (including one with a very clever octopus).

While there’s no official guide on the publisher or author’s site, the good news is there’s no shortage of discussion material out there. And sometimes, that leaves room for even better, more personal conversations. Below you’ll find a summary, review, and tips to help you get started.

BOOK SUMMARY & STATS

SUMMARY

Remarkably Bright Creatures is a tender, quietly powerful debut novel that blends heartache, mystery, and unexpected friendship—with an octopus at the center of it all. The story follows Tova Sullivan, a widowed night cleaner at a small-town aquarium in Washington state, still grieving the loss of her son, who vanished decades ago. Her unlikely confidante is Marcellus, a curmudgeonly but perceptive giant Pacific octopus nearing the end of his life in captivity.

Told in alternating perspectives—both human and octopus—the novel explores themes of loneliness, memory, and the quiet strength it takes to move forward. It’s an unusual premise that works beautifully, with a surprising amount of heart and warmth. A great choice for book clubs looking for something different and gratifying.

STATS

Title	Remarkably Bright Creatures
Author	Shelby Van Pelt
Book Club(s)	Read with Jenna #41 in May 2022
Publication Date/Year	May 3, 2022
Page Count	368
Genre(s)	Fiction, Contemporary, Mystery, Magical Realism, Literary Fiction
Setting	Washington, California, Pacific Northwest (United States)
Goodreads Rating	4.37
Audience	Adult
Series	No
Translator	N/A
Awards	0; multiple nominations

BOOK RATING & REVIEW

RATING

BCR Rating	4
Availability	5
Format	5
Length	5
Diversity	4
Bechdel Test	Fail
Page Turner	No

REVIEW

I read Remarkably Bright Creatures a few years ago for book club, and while some of the plot details have faded, I still remember how much I enjoyed it. It’s one of those quietly moving stories that stays with you—not necessarily for the twists or the big moments, but for the way it made you feel. It’s tender, whimsical, and just different enough to stand out in a sea (no pun intended) of literary fiction.

I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend that format. Michael Urie voices Marcellus the octopus, and as a fan of his, I thought he brought just the right blend of wit, sass, and emotion to the role. Marcellus is the heart of the book in many ways—snarky, observant, and ultimately very wise.

I can’t recall if this story passes the Bechdel Test—if two named female characters have a conversation about something other than a man—but if it does (let me know!), it would be a quieter pass rather than a standout feminist read. That said, Tova is a wonderful example of an older female protagonist written with depth and agency, which is always a welcome change.

If you’re in the mood for a gentle, character-driven story with a dash of mystery and an unexpectedly charming animal perspective, this one’s for you. And if you liked the octopus angle, I’d suggest pairing the book with the Netflix documentary My Octopus Teacher. It makes a great companion watch and adds even more emotional weight to the world of an octopus.

BOOK CLUB RESOURCES

BCR RECOMMENDATION

I highly recommend this book as a book club pick. It has all the ingredients for a great discussion: memorable characters, emotional depth, and just enough mystery to keep things moving. Plus, the unique perspective of Marcellus the octopus adds a fresh, unexpected layer that sets it apart from your typical literary fiction.

If you want to expand your book club meeting, consider pairing the book with a group viewing of My Octopus Teacher on Netflix. It’s a beautiful, meditative documentary that complements the themes of the novel and will likely get everyone talking even more.

Also worth noting: Remarkably Bright Creatures is being adapted into a movie for Netflix, with Sally Field reportedly in the cast. I didn’t see Michael Urie listed, which is a bit disappointing since his audiobook performance as Marcellus was so fantastic. Still, I’m curious to see how they bring this quietly magical story to the screen.

This one’s gentle but powerful, and it sparked great conversation in our group—perfect if you’re looking for something heartwarming and introspective but not overly sweet and slow.

BOOK DISCUSSION

Looking to spark conversation at your book club meeting? Remarkably Bright Creatures offers plenty to talk about, from grief and second chances to unlikely friendships—and yes, the inner life of an octopus. For discussion, there is a guide at the back of the book. While you won’t find an official discussion guide on the publisher or author’s websites, a quick online search turns up lots of thoughtful questions from readers, bloggers, and book clubs who’ve loved this novel.

You can also use the BCR General Book Discussion Guide to get the conversation going. It’s beneficial for books like this that blend character study, emotion, and mystery. Questions like “Which character surprised you most?” or “What did you make of the alternating perspectives?” can open up some wonderful dialogue.

And don’t forget to ask: What did you think of Marcellus?