Remarkably Bright Creatures
Ecco
May 3, 2022
Hardcover
368
Purchased
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.
My review:
GAH! My first thought when I finished this book was: I just read a book where an octopus was one of the main characters, and part of the story was told from his perspective.......who am I? When I first read the synopsis of this book I thought it was definitely not something I would be interested in. Then I started to read the rave reviews coming in, and of course I had to see for myself what the fuss was about. Marcellus, you have my heart, and I will never forget that I fell in love with a giant octopus! Lest you think the octopus is the only draw to this book, rest assured there is also a wonderful story about a 70 year old woman (bonus points for the elders being represented as positive role models and not daft grandmothers), a young man looking for his father, and a huge nod to found family. It's beautifully crafted and superbly characterized, and the ending will make you cry first, and then smile. I do want to give a nod to the audiobook version of this because the narrator for Marcellus was excellent! I think this definitely added an extra spark to my love of this character. It's a great way to consume this story if you are an audiobook listener.
Do not be put off by the fact that this book has an octopus as a main protagonist! This is such a warm and cozy read about grief, friendship, and love of humans and animals. Definitely one of my favorites of the year.
