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Remarkably Bright Creatures

A Novel

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Remarkably Bright Creatures

Written by: Shelby Van Pelt
Narrated by: Marin Ireland, Michael Urie
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About this listen

A New York Times Bestseller!

A Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick!

Remarkably Bright Creatures is a beautiful examination of how loneliness can be transformed, cracked open, with the slightest touch from another living thing.” -- Kevin Wilson, author of Nothing to See Here

For fans of A Man Called Ove, a charming, witty and compulsively listenable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope that traces a widow's unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus

After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.

Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors—until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.

Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late.

Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.

©2022 Shelby Van Pelt (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers
Animals Literary Fiction Mystery Fiction Feel-Good Heartfelt
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What the critics say

"This fantastical debut audiobook will enchant listeners. Gifted vocal artist Marin Ireland portrays Tova, a 70-year-old widow with a heart of gold whose teenage son died under mysterious circumstances 30 years earlier. Ireland's encouraging tones suit Tova, whose compassion touches everyone, and every creature, in her small Washington town.... A fanciful and enjoyable listening experience." (AudioFile)

What listeners say about Remarkably Bright Creatures

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  • Overall
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it was a wonderful feel-good story!

I loved that the octopus had a voice. I enjoyed every bit of this book. You won't regret this one!

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Beautiful Story

This is such a lovely heart-warming story. You will feel pretty sure you know how it’s going to end, but you are never sure how the author is going to get there. If you do feel sure, you’re probably not correct.
I loved the story and the performances are excellent. Thank you for the entertainment!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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LOVE!

I loved this book! I am so happy I read it! I will be recommending this one for sure.

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A remarkably touching novel

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The performance was wonderful. I especially enjoyed the Scottish accent for Ethan. I didn’t want this to end and found myself tearing up many times while listening.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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A Unique book

I loved listening to this story….it’s nice to hear something that’s both sad and happy. The ending is great!

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A beautiful story

A beautifully written and realized story about love, grief and an octopus. Listened to it in one day

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Uplifting

This wasn’t my norm but it was a great story and left me feeling happy and hopeful.

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A Fun Story with an Interesting POV Character

An enjoyable story that weaves together diverse but related narratives into a satisfying whole. The octopus, Marcellus, is quite entertaining.

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I Love this Book!

Multiperspectivity serves this book well. Seeing the world through the eyes of various characters keeps the listener on the edge of their seat. I thought I was going to cry and not too many words would pass and I would be laughing out loud. I took such pleasure in experiencing this book. Who would of thought that an Octopus could be that interesting??

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Remarkable

A remarkably wonderful story. Shelby Van Pelt takes you on a beautiful journey of growth and enlightenment. A feel good novel that you will not want to end

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