Remarkably Bright Creatures is a novel by American author Shelby Van Pelt. It was published in May 2022 by Ecco Press. It has been on the New York Times hardcover fiction best-seller list multiple times.
It was awarded the 2023 McLaughlin-Esstman-Stearns First Novel Prize by the Writer's Center.
Remarkably Bright Creatures is a story of the friendship between Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus, and Tova, a widow who cleans at the aquarium where Marcellus lives.
Characters
- Marcellus is a giant Pacific octopus held captive at the Sowell Bay Aquarium near Puget Sound.
- Tova Sullivan is a 70 year old widow who cleans the aquarium at night and becomes friends with Marcellus.
Sales
The book was a resounding success, reportedly selling over two million copies and going through 30 reprintings since its 2022 debut.
Critical reception
According to Book Marks, the book received a "positive" consensus, based on seven critic reviews: three "rave", three "positive", and one "mixed".
Adaptations
A film based on the novel has been commissioned by streaming service Netflix, with actress Sally Field reportedly set to star as character Tova Sullivan. The film is to be directed by Olivia Newman, and produced by Anonymous Content.
Awards
- Finalist for the 2023 Audie Award for Audiobook of the Year
- 2023 McLaughlin-Esstman-Stearns First Novel Prize
References
