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Remarkably Bright Creatures

By: Shelby Van Pelt
Narrated by: Marin Ireland, Michael Urie
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Publisher's summary

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
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Critic reviews

"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)

Featured Article: Best of the Year—The 13 Best Debuts of 2022


Looking back, it is hard to ignore the impact made by so many debut novelists in distinguishing 2022’s listening scene. We feel the untapped magic and momentum that radiate from debut novels often generate the buzz that defines a year and creates its most electric literary moments. Ranging from brooding, stormy stories to bubbly, heartfelt listens, these fresh voices each uniquely made a big splash in 2022.

Editorial Review

Michael Urie for octopus teacher of the year
Instead of adopting a pandemic puppy, I set up a quarantine fish tank. So, believe me when I say: hearing Michael Urie voice a cephalopod (for at least his second time!) makes scraping algae off glass way more fun. From distant mothers and anonymous fathers to deceased husbands and lost sons, Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel revolves around absence, as its humans (all brilliantly voiced by Marin Ireland) take solace in the routines that keep the Sowell Bay aquarium afloat. But it’s Marcellus, with his eight tentacled arms and advanced intelligence, who connects the dots in their stories. As he observes, the sea keeps secrets, "but humans struggle to use their words to tell each other what they truly desire." Caring for my tank always leaves me refreshed, so I’m certain my fish have wisdom to share with me too. — Haley H.

What listeners say about Remarkably Bright Creatures

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Sweet story

I haven't read fiction in a while, I mainly listen to history or memoirs. I am very glad I got to hear this story and I really enjoyed it. It is simple but made me feel nice and I needed that right now. I hope you enjoy it too.

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92 people found this helpful

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I loved every minute of this book

What an exceptionally written book this is. This is now been added to my favorites and I will most certainly listen to it again. You will not waste a credit with this one!

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17 people found this helpful

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Such a great book

Loved the story. You have to give the book a chance. I waited a long times as the story description did not do it justice somehow. So glad I decided to read it.

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12 people found this helpful

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A great listen!

This was a wonderful story & performed with excellence. You will fall in love with ALL the characters they are imperfect but lovable people. Poignant with much laughter & tears.

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8 people found this helpful

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What a heartfelt story, coincidences in life can be so odd how can you possibly make them up.

I really enjoyed this book. Fate or a string of coincidences That somehow bring us together is uncanny. But I do love how the story incorporated a talking octopus. I also liked all of the interesting facts on how long an octopus lives and that they have three hearts and how one of them stops when it swims

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5 people found this helpful

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A Beautiful Story!

This tender meditation on life, family, grief, and connection made me cry in all of the best ways! Highly recommend! Also, the narration is *chef’s kiss*!

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4 people found this helpful

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A Treasure!

This book in audio form was absolutely worth every second! I loved how there were many aspects to the story line, capturing a multitude of emotions as well as being a mystery to top it off! I hope that the author has other offerings as I am ready for more!

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4 people found this helpful

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Couldn’t stop listening!

Well-crafted story, relatable characters (Marcellus!). I couldn’t wait to see how the narrative unfolded. Ms. Ireland did a masterful job with the narration. Tova’s voice perfectly captured her stoic sadness, and she was able to transition smoothly from Tova to Ethan and Cameron with ease. I, like the author, am an expat Pacific Northwesterner, and the author’s descriptions of the landscape and climate were perfect. I was so happy Ms. Ireland even got the pronunciation of “Spokane” right. Highly recommend!

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3 people found this helpful

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Great story

The story was original and very well written. Narration was great. I really enjoyed the read and couldn’t put it down.

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3 people found this helpful

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Don't miss this one!

A remarkable read....half fairy tale. half real. totally inspiring. a triumph of love and native intelligence over environme tal and personal trials.

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1 person found this helpful