Et cetera : What we're reading: Remarkably Bright Creatures

This weekend I read the 2022 debut novel from Shelby Van Pelt titled 'Remarkably Bright Creatures.' In a word, this story was lovely. We meet Cameron, a thirty year old man granted no favors in life who hasn't quite grown up; Tova, a stoic widowed Swede plugging away at her solitary life; and Marcellus, an intelligent and sneaky Pacific octopus living out his remaining days in captivity. These characters' lives intertwine in several unexpected ways in a subtle and heartwarming reflection on grief, family and being present for one another.

In her acknowledgements, the author shares that the story began as a writing exercise involving writing from an unexpected point of view.

This title currently has 4.39/5 stars on goodreads.com, and is available at VPL in regular type and large type.

Happy reading!
~Kelly Henkle, Library Director