A Journey Through the Depths: Reflecting on Remarkably Bright Creatures
When I first stumbled upon Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, the unique premise of an octopus as a narrator instantly captivated me. Who wouldn’t be intrigued by a story that dives into the world of grief, family, and loneliness through the eyes of such a remarkable sea creature? As I embarked on this literary journey, I couldn’t help but feel a personal connection to the themes explored within its pages.
At its core, this novel is a bittersweet meditation on our shared human experiences, particularly those of aging and sorrow. The protagonist, Tova, is beautifully crafted; her struggles and resilience shine brightly against the backdrop of her life’s challenges. The author deftly intertwines Tova’s journey with that of Marcellus, the octopus whose perceptive, often humorous perspective adds a refreshing layer to the narrative. Yet, it’s important to temper expectations here. While Tova and Marcellus are vivid and engaging, other characters are less richly developed, leaving me craving a deeper connection with them.
Now let’s talk about the writing style—while some passages felt absolutely inspired, other moments fell flat. The dialogue, particularly between Tova and Marcellus, crackles with life. I found myself fully immersed in their interactions, resonating with the sorrow and grit that permeated their conversations. However, as Tova navigates her world, it became evident that the writing is decidedly mainstream. It’s not aiming for the poetic heights of literary fiction; rather, it feels like a cozy beach read, perhaps a palate cleanser between denser texts.
Allow me to share a couple of gripes I couldn’t shake while reading. First, the foreshadowing felt heavy-handed. On more than one occasion, I caught myself groaning at the overt clues sprinkled throughout the text. As I noted in my opening lines, I practically guessed a chunk of the ending by page four. I don’t mind a few hints, but subtlety enriches engagement. And then there’s the author’s penchant for the word “some” – it bugged me to no end! Repeatedly vague references left me itching for the specifics that would have brought more depth to the narrative. For instance, when Tova’s son is said to be watching “some show on the travel channel,” I couldn’t help but wonder: which show? Maybe I’m nitpicky, but these oversights detracted from the otherwise immersive experience.
Despite these frustrations, I found solace in the thought-provoking discussions with fellow readers. Engaging with others who shared insights on the novelty of an octopus narrator and the broader themes allowed me to connect with the book in unexpected ways. It’s a shame that the experience didn’t quite match my initial excitement, but I left with a sense of camaraderie that reminded me of why I read in the first place.
If you’re seeking a straightforward read that explores grief and connection with a unique twist, then Remarkably Bright Creatures might just be your cup of tea. It may not be a masterpiece, but it serves as a gentle reminder that life’s complexities are best navigated with companionship—perhaps even through the lens of an octopus. For a beautiful soundtrack to accompany your reading, I recommend pairing it with Florence + The Machine’s “Never Let Me Go.” Happy reading!
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