View audiobook of Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

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Remarkably Bright Creatures

A Novel

by Shelby Van Pelt

Length 11 hours 16 minutes

Language English

Narrators Marin Ireland & Michael Urie

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Bookseller recommendation

“This is one of my favorite books to recommend in the store and the audio is so fun! The characters are memorable and the story is delightful, a good balance of not too heavy, not just fluff. It touches on themes of loneliness and grief, but also community and connection, with a bit of whimsy as well.”
— Kat • MonkeyKat Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Marin Ireland and Michael Urie narrate, and they are my new favorite narrator duo. If this, plus all the other buzz out there over the last few years, isn't enough to get you to listen, what are you even waiting for? ”
— Jay • Whistler's Daughter Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Beautiful , funny, heartwarming story that intertwines interesting characters that you relate to, fall in love with and root for. ”
— Kimberly • Volumes Bookcafe

Bookseller recommendation

“Tova Sullivan is the pragmatic, diminutive widow who diligently scrubs the Sowell Bay Aquarium each night after the guests have gone. Cameron is a brilliant, yet clumsy man-child without parents, a job, or a plan. Marcellus is an octopus. And he is literally counting the days until his death. In this funny, bittersweet, beautifully plotted tale of luck and love, joy and despair, trial and error, Tova, Marcellus, and Cameron find their fates entwined with a decades-old tragedy that shook a sleepy town at the edge of the Pacific Northwest–and discover that what is lost is never truly gone.”
— Charlotte • Quail Ridge Books

Bookseller recommendation

“What a thoughtful, creative, heartwarming story of lives separated and intertwining across state lines and across species! This book is not to be missed, and is especially charming narrated by Marin Ireland and Michael Urie.”
— Elizabeth • Atticus Bookstore Cafe

Bookseller recommendation

“Absolutely delightful story that is read by the perfect narrators! This is a feel good story that will have you laughing and crying. Michael Urie perfectly captures the curmudgeonly octopus's voice.”
— Kristine • Buttonwood Books and Toys

Bookseller recommendation

“A beautiful story that weaves together multiple characters in a wonderfully heartwarming way. The narration and the way the voices play off each other is fantastic and adds even more to the book. ”
— Rebecca • The Pile Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“In turns funny, heart-warming, and poignant, Remarkably Bright Creatures is the most unlikely tale of how broken hearts can be mended, in this case with the help of a brilliant giant Pacific octopus, Marcellus, observing humanity from his tank in a Puget Sound aquarium.It is only Marcellus who is bright enough to see a connection between two lost souls who have entered his sphere - Tova, the 70-year-old cleaning woman, and Cam, a 30-year-old drifter who works part-time at the aquarium. Marin Ireland is a remarkable narrator, allowing us to lose ourselves in proper Tova, a Scots grocer and slacker Cam. But my favorite passages are the first-person chapters where we hear Marcellus, narrated by actor Michael Urie, in a haughty voice dripping with superiority, and in the end, love.”
— Claire • Honest Dog Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Remarkably Bright Creatures is a warm and uplifting story about unexpected friendship, second chances, and healing. The chapters from Marcellus the octopus are the true standout. His clever, dry, and surprisingly tender voice brings the whole story to life, especially in the audiobook where the narrator captures exactly how an intelligent sea creature might sound. Perfect for readers who want a gentle, emotional read with heart, humour, and a little mystery woven through.”
— Danielle • The Next Chapter GP

Bookseller recommendation

“I almost didn't give this one a try. The description just didn't grab me. However, it was so popular on the book truck, I decided to give it a try. The idea of an octopus as a narrator may seem strange, but I was hooked after his first chapter. Who knew they were so intelligent? This story will make you laugh and cry in the best way. ”
— Linda • Word on the Street Books

Bookseller recommendation

“This book! A book that starts with sad truths and involves into an ending full of beauty, depth, and a longing to go to befriend an octopus! This story is full of growth and grace! I could not recommend it more! ”
— Madison • Commonplace Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Enjoyed the characters, relationship, and journey. The voice of Marcellus is wonderful.”
— Linda • Book Vault

Summary
About the author

#19 in Bestselling Audiobooks #7 in Bestselling Fiction - Literary Audiobooks

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.

Fiction Fiction - Literary

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Shelby Van Pelt lives in the suburbs of Chicago with her family. Remarkably Bright Creatures is her first novel.