Remarkably Bright Creatures - Shelby Van Pelt

I was intrigued by the premise of Shelby Van Pelt's debut novel - Remarkably Bright Creatures. And I was hooked by the first few chapters.

Tova's son Eric died over thirty years ago and her husband is gone as well. She has coped with her grief by cleaning, both at home and on the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. She's the only one there at night and often speaks to the creatures who live in the tanks. Including Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus. No, he's not a talking octopus, but he is a sentient being.

Tova's grief is tangible, evidenced by the way she cleans and tidies, keeping her heartbreak locked away behind the façade she presents to the world. She's a lead character that you simple can't help like and feel for. There's a quirky group of supporting players. Ethan, the local Sowell Bay grocer - and gossip. And Cameron, a young man who jumps from job to job, searching for what is missing from his life. And a few more as well, including Tova's friends, the Knit Wits.

Tova, Cameron and Marcellus are given voices. The listener can see the tendrils of connection between the three lives. But how Van Pelt weaves those threads is an absolute joy to listen to. Van Pelt deftly explores grief, loss, love, family and friendship in this book. Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The ending brought me both joy and sadness.

The narrators were Marin Ireland and Michael Urie. Ireland is a longtime favourite of mine. She's quite talented, providing easily identifiable voices for each character. Tova's voice is crisp, clean and unfailingly polite. The Scottish brogue for Ethan was spot on. As well as a believable voice for Cameron that matched his age and personality. And if that wasn't enough - all of the supporting players had different voices as well. Ireland's reading is clear, well enunciated and easy to understand. Her speed of reading is perfect. Michael Urie's interpretation of Marcellus was absolutely perfect - a dry, droll, sarcastic tone, with a rich timbre. He also conveys the sadness of Marcellus with his voice. Both narrators interpret the plot well and bring Van Pelt's story to life. I've said it before - listening to a book draws me deeper into a story. That's definitely the case here. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of Remarkably Bright Creatures. Great book, great performances. 

Remarkably Bright Creatures is an amazing first book. It's hands down one of my favorites for 2022. I can't wait to see what Van Pelt writes next!

And just because I was curious, I looked up the great Pacific octopus. They are indeed quite intelligent ' "Like other octopuses, the giant Pacific octopus is extremely intelligent and has been observed opening jars and mimicking other species."