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Remarkably Bright Creatures (novel)

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.
  • Cameron Cassmore is a luckless 30 year old on the verge of financial ruin, also known for his remarkable intellect. He befriends Tova when he moves to Sowell Bay and takes a maintenance job at the aquarium.

Sales

The book was a success, reportedly selling over two million copies and going through 30 reprintings since its 2022 debut.

Film adaptation

A film based on the novel is set to be released May 8, 2026, on Netflix, with actress Sally Field set to star as Tova Sullivan. The film will be directed by Olivia Newman and produced by Anonymous Content.

Awards

References