In the vast ocean of contemporary fiction, sometimes a story emerges that ripples through the literary world with unexpected force. Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel, “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” is one such tale—a narrative that dives deep into the human experience while simultaneously exploring the mysterious intelligence of the sea. As we plunge into the cool, dark waters of Van Pelt’s imagination, we find ourselves entangled in a web of grief, friendship, and unexpected connections that span species and defy the boundaries of conventional storytelling.
A Symphony of Sorrow and Discovery
From the opening pages, Van Pelt weaves a tapestry of loss and longing that feels as vast and deep as the Puget Sound itself. We’re introduced to Tova Sullivan, a widow in her seventies who finds solace in the mundane task of cleaning the Sowell Bay Aquarium during the quiet night hours. But this is no simple tale of a woman coping with grief. As Tova mops and tidies, we’re gradually pulled into the undertow of her past—the disappearance of her teenage son, Erik, more than thirty years ago, an event that has left an indelible mark on her life.
Van Pelt’s prose is as crisp and clean as the Pacific Northwest air, painting vivid pictures of small-town life and the shifting moods of the sea. Her descriptions are peppered with local flavor, from the “salty tang of low tide” to the “oily rainbow sheen of ferry diesel on the water.” These details ground the reader firmly in Sowell Bay, making the setting as much a character as any of the human (or cephalopod) inhabitants.
An Unlikely Friendship
At the heart of this novel lies an improbable yet utterly captivating relationship between Tova and Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus residing in the aquarium. Van Pelt takes a risk here that pays off brilliantly. By giving Marcellus a voice—sardonic, wise, and unexpectedly tender—she creates a character that is both alien and deeply relatable. The octopus’s observations on human behavior are often hilarious and always insightful, providing a unique lens through which to view our own species.
The developing bond between woman and octopus is handled with a deft touch that never strays into the realm of the saccharine. Instead, it feels organic, a natural outgrowth of two lonely souls recognizing something of themselves in the other. Marcellus’s interior monologue as he puzzles out human behavior is a particular delight.
A Mystery Unfolding
While the relationship between Tova and Marcellus forms the emotional core of the novel, Van Pelt skillfully weaves in elements of mystery that keep the pages turning. The disappearance of Erik haunts the narrative, a shadow that grows longer as the story progresses. The author drips out clues and red herrings with the precision of a master storyteller, keeping the reader guessing until the very end.
The introduction of Cameron, a directionless thirty-something searching for his own origins, adds another layer to the mystery. His journey from aimless drifter to a man with purpose mirrors Tova’s own arc, creating a satisfying symmetry in the narrative. Van Pelt handles the multiple timelines and perspectives with aplomb, never letting the complex structure overshadow the emotional heart of the story.
Themes of Connection and Healing
At its core, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” is a meditation on the power of connection to heal even the deepest wounds. Van Pelt explores how grief can isolate us, but also how unexpected friendships can bridge the chasms created by loss. The novel gently suggests that family is not always defined by blood, and that understanding can come from the most unlikely sources.
The author also delves into themes of environmental stewardship and the complex relationship between humans and the natural world. Through Marcellus’s eyes, we see the impact of human activity on marine life, but also the potential for coexistence and mutual understanding. It’s a nuanced take on a often heavy-handed theme, woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story.
Style and Structure
Van Pelt’s writing style is a perfect match for her subject matter—fluid, adaptable, and capable of shifting from humor to pathos in the space of a sentence. Her dialogue rings true, each character speaking with a distinct voice that feels authentic to their background and experiences.
The structure of the novel, alternating between Tova’s perspective, Cameron’s journey, and Marcellus’s observations, creates a rhythm that mimics the ebb and flow of the tide. This pacing allows for moments of reflection and introspection between bursts of action and revelation.
A Promising Debut
As a debut novel, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” is an impressive achievement. Van Pelt demonstrates a maturity of style and depth of emotion that many authors take years to develop. While there are occasional moments where the plot veers towards the convenient, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise extraordinarily assured first outing.
In the Company of Giants
While “Remarkably Bright Creatures” stands on its own merits, it’s worth noting its place in the broader context of literary fiction that explores human-animal relationships. Readers who enjoyed the interspecies communication in Barbara Gowdy’s “The White Bone” or the blend of science and emotion in Peter Høeg’s “The Woman and the Ape” will find much to appreciate here. Van Pelt’s novel also shares thematic DNA with works like Yann Martel’s “Life of Pi” and Karen Joy Fowler’s “We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves,” exploring the boundaries between human and animal consciousness.
Final Thoughts
“Remarkably Bright Creatures” is a novel that sneaks up on you, much like the intelligent cephalopod at its center. What begins as a quiet story of grief and loneliness gradually expands into a rich exploration of connection, memory, and the unexpected ways we find meaning in life. Van Pelt has created a world that feels both familiar and magical, populated by characters who linger in the mind long after the final page is turned.
This is a book that defies easy categorization—part mystery, part family drama, with a touch of magical realism—but it’s all the stronger for its unique blend of elements. It’s a story that reminds us of the intelligence and emotional lives of the creatures with whom we share this planet, and of the healing power of opening ourselves to unexpected connections.
For readers seeking a thoughtful, emotionally resonant novel that offers a fresh perspective on familiar themes, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” is a must-read. Shelby Van Pelt has announced herself as a major new talent in the literary world, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what depths she’ll explore next.
