Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
My local library just added Hoopla to their ebooks offerings, so of course I had to check out what new books were available. This one was recommended, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Description
Even though her friends all say she shouldn’t still be working so hard at her age, Tova continues to clean the Sowell Bay aquarium every night. She must keep busy. Otherwise, she might dwell on the loss of her husband, or she might contemplate the continued mystery of her son’s disappearance. She’s never bought into the police’s explanation. Erik would never commit suicide.
As she works, Tova befriends Marcellus, the giant pacific octopus who knows far more than humans give him credit for. He deduces what truly happened the night of her son’s disappearance, and how her young replacement, Cameron, is involved.
Characters
Tova is the type of character you can only truly get to know from the inside. Outside, she is the tough, stoic, particular Swede, but her inner thoughts reveal the depths of her emotions and the vast extent of her kindness. As someone with plenty of Scandinavian blood running through my veins, I bonded instantly with her.
Marcellus’s voice comes infrequently, but it always offers a unique perspective, and his personality shines as much as Tova’s. Likewise, Cameron, struggling to grow up even though he’s passed thirty, provides an interesting contrast to Tova. Their fast friendship feels natural and charming.
Plot
The plot follows Tova as she processes her grief and prepares for the next stage in life, though she could never predict the turns her new friends give her. This isn’t a fast-paced thriller. Rather, it meanders through various characters. The authors ties everything together in a neat bow at the end, making for an immensely satisfying read.
Writing Style
Van Pelt’s style is well suited to the genre. Seemingly irrelevant details add loads of character development, and they never bog down the prose.
Conclusion
The book’s back cover description suggests this story to fans of A Man Called Ove, and as a huge fan of Fredrik Backman, I wholeheartedly agree. Poignant and charming, Remarkably Bright Creatures hits all the right notes for a beautiful and achingly human read.
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C.C. The Word Nerd 