Remarkably Bright Creatures

A Novel

By: Shelby Van Pelt

Narrated by: Marin Ireland, Michael Urie

This audio edition is read by Marin Ireland and Michael Urie as Marcellus. It was a Finalist for Audiobook of the Year.

A New York Times Bestseller * A Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick

Soon to be a Netflix Film

“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. After she injures herself at her job at the aquarium, Tova meets her temporary replacement, Cameron, a 30-something recently transplanted Californian. Cameron is searching for the father he never knew, and Ireland poignantly expresses his longing for community. Their quests are aided by Tova's unlikely "friendship" with the formidable Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus whose acerbic wit and shrewd observations are wonderfully captured by Michael Urie. A fanciful and enjoyable listening experience.” -Audiofile Magazine

>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.

My favorite listen this year

Absolutely wonderful! The narrators are fantastic, the story is engaging and it is impossible not to fall in love with the cast of characters.

Remarkably bright!

The title sums up the entire audiobook. This is one of the best audiobooks I’ve listened to in years.

I’ve had it on my to-listen list for a while, but something about the description failed to grab me. I think I was afraid it would be too fantastical, hokey or sentimental.

Instead, I was delighted to find myself laughing out loud at the sharp references to everything from music to tech to screwed up human relationships and surprised to find myself captivated and tearing up a couple of times.

Turns out that relationships between a cranky octopus, some broken and quietly resilient people could be so remarkably bright?

Marin Ireland is the best audiobook narrator working today and with the added (considerable) talents of Michael Urie, I expect this recording to be nominated for all the awards.

I listen to at least 6-8 books a month and this one will be hard to top. Highest recommendations.

I’m in Love

I’m 72 years old, have always loved books since childhood. I just never imagined I would fall in love with an octopus. What a lovely, inspiring story. Live On Marcellus!❤️

Why did it take me so long?

How could a novel about an octopus be compelling? Well, 35k readers must know something.
And now I do, too.
It was simply wonderful.

Charming.

Remarkably charming. I laughed, I cried, I *considered* having children. This story, though a bit predictable, tied characters together beautifully. The narration was impeccable.