The Haiku Review

By Shelby Van Pelt

Silent tank glimmers
Grief finds voice in ocean’s friend
Hope drifts on slow tides.

A misplaced toolbox and a curious octopus—Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt weaves a tender, unexpected tale of connection and healing.

The heart of the novel is its exploration of grief, loneliness, and the restorative power of unlikely friendships. Tova Sullivan, a widow in her seventies, works the night shift at a local aquarium, where her solitary routine is disrupted by Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus. After her son, Caleb, vanishes decades ago, Tova’s life became defined by that loss; daily triggers serve as reminders of what she’s lost and what remains unresolved. But as she forms a silent companionship with Marcellus, she begins to inch toward curiosity and hope again. The book reveals parallel stories: Marcellus’s bold escapades behind the scenes at the aquarium, and Tova’s gradual decision to search for her son’s truth. Themes of communication across divides, the emotional intelligence of animals, and the quiet bravery required to face the past are interwoven with precision and warmth.

Shelby Van Pelt’s vision is both sensitive and unorthodox. Framing a novel through the eyes of an octopus could feel gimmicky, but here it amplifies the emotional resonance; Marcellus becomes Tova’s confidant and the reader’s guide through the aquarium’s hidden world. The alternating perspectives—Tova’s human grief and Marcellus’s inquisitive tenacity—create a rhythm that feels like tide coming in, receding, then reshaping the shoreline. Van Pelt’s execution is thoughtful: the prose is clear and evocative, with moments of humor—like Marcellus’s escape attempts—balancing the emotional weight. Tova’s memories surface gradually, like fossils being uncovered, and each new layer deepens our understanding of her resilience. While some may find the pacing deliberate, this slow unfolding mirrors Tova’s own hesitant steps toward peace and truth, making the journey more meaningful and authentic.

Remarkably Bright Creatures is perfect for readers who crave emotional depth in their contemporary fiction and are drawn to stories of redemption and friendship across barriers. Fans of The Midnight Library or A Man Called Ove will find Van Pelt’s work similarly life-affirming and quietly profound. This novel is best enjoyed on a drizzly afternoon, perhaps by a window with the distant rumble of rain, or during a cozy evening with a cup of tea, where the soft glow of lamplight and the company of everyday creatures feel just right. For a gentle weekend retreat, it offers a profound reminder that sometimes the most remarkable companions come from the most unexpected places—and that healing can arrive in silence, surprise, and small acts of courage.