Tova is going through the motions after her husband dies. Staying busy but not really living. Meeting her friends but trying to avoid letting them in too much.

Until Marcellus, a giant octopus, decides to come into her life (or does Tova come into Marcellus life?).

Multiple POVs weave this story together as each character goes through lessons learned and finds a little bit of happiness in the end.

And no, that’s not a spoiler. I want you to pick up this book if you are sad and bring a little ‘feel good’ into your life.

Let’s just get this out of the way, Remarkably Bright Creatures is an absolutely wonderful book to read. It was our chosen book for bookclub and it was also absolutely wonderful to discuss with a group of book lovers as well.

To me, all the characters already had all the ‘bad’ moments happen to them. The reader comes in as each character works their way through the troubles. That’s where the feel good comes in. Although you aren’t sure if all of them will get their happy ending … but you are excited to watch them try.

Marcellus is the real star of the show. If you ever want to reference this book and the person doesn’t know what you are talking about say, ‘you know, that octopus book!’ The writing for Marcellus chapters feels different, next level and well put together.

The writing for the rest of the book struggles to compare. (Hence the star drop.) This wasn’t the most magical prose I’ve ever read, but the stories, the characters (whether they are lovely Swedish woman, a whiny, spoiled man-child or a nosey Scottish local) will effect you and get under your skin in different ways.

A book I would recommend. An easy read. A perfect rainy day, feel-good book.

Amazon Link Remarkably Bright Creatures By: Shelby Van Pelt