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Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel

Author:
Shelby Van Pelt
Read Read Own Own

Unabridged Audiobook

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Ratings
Book
1295
Narrator
550
Release Date
May 3, 2022
Duration
11 hours 16 minutes
Summary
This audio edition is read by Marin Ireland with Michael Urie as the voice of Marcellus.

An Audie Award Finalist - Audiobook of the Year. * A New York Times Bestseller * A Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick

Now a Netflix Film

“This fantastical debut audiobook will enchant listeners.... 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.
Reviews
Profile Avatar Anonymous Jan 2023

Both narrators were excellent. The Scottish accent done by Marin Ireland was spot on! Definitely a book I will recommend to EVERYONE! I can't wait until Shelby Van Pelt writes her next book.

Profile Avatar Leslee Z. Mar 2023

Loved it and the voices too.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Dec 2022

I enjoyed every minute of this book. How refreshing it is to read a book without detailed descriptions of sex among the characters.

Profile Avatar Jenny E. Jun 2022

A beautiful charming book that touches one’s soul! I simply love Marcellous. My only criticism is with the narration of Cameron, a thirty year old guy. He consistently sounds and acts like a 17 year old. To some degree I understand this is intentional, but it would’ve benefited the character by balancing it a bit more with his actual age. Other than that, I loved the book!

Profile Avatar Lisa T. Mar 2023

Great book, love the animals, very uplifting

Profile Avatar Anonymous Mar 2023

Loved this book - story was wonderful

Profile Avatar ELIZABETH M. Feb 2023

I enjoyed this book tremendously.

Profile Avatar Arlene F. Jan 2023

It took a little bit to get involved with the characters but the narrators did such a wonderful job that, when I was 100% absorbed into their lives, I embraced the story head-on. In fact, I even cried a little at the end. This book was a light, happy read.

Profile Avatar Maja G. Sep 2025

“If you’re looking for a heartfelt and original story about friendship, healing, and hope, Remarkably Bright Creatures is a beautiful read that will stay with you long after the last page.”

Profile Avatar Susanne O. Aug 2025

Character development so great- must pay attention to details - would have liked to know more about "the accident" and how the "line was cut" am guessing there will be a sequel!!!! so happy the heroine Tova moved forward with her expansion - yep loved it and it was one of those that is engaging and just didnt want to put it down and the ending is hopeful and happy not exactly like I would have hoped and room to grow! excellent and a great vacation from endless self improvement books! thank you SOL☀️

Profile Avatar Diandra S. Apr 2025

The book itself is marvelous, and the narrators made it so fun to listen to! Michael Urie did an amazing job voicing Marcellus, while Marin Ireland was so versatile and incredible to listen to.

Profile Avatar Mary R. D. Dec 2024

What a satisfying, brilliant, engaging story!! oh how I love this audiobook. There are two narrators, with the one voicing Marcellus's thoughts (the withering pompous & deeply irritated / bored octopus) stealing the show with every appearance. Endearing cast of characters. Exciting search story too - will Cameron finally have a lucky break? will Yovah finally, finally find joy? If you're alone this holiday season, turn on this book & tidy your living space. (Or are you on a long road trip?) You'll be as sad to say goodbye to these friends as I am.Definitely will reward a repeat listen.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Oct 2024

Absolutely loved this book, and didn’t really expect to! The characters were so lovable, but real!

Profile Avatar Kenneth D. Jan 2023

Lovely book!!!! Absolutely lovey!!

Profile Avatar Connie B. Jan 2023

Could stop listening! Keeps you guessing until the end.

Profile Avatar Jamie-Lee F. Aug 2022

Fantastic read! Loved the POV of the octopus done by Michael Urie was amazing and a perfect pairing of character to voice.

Profile Avatar Monica W. Jul 2022

This is one of my favorites of 2022! So heart-warming. The plot was paced perfectly. I loved the perspectives.

Profile Avatar Carolyn W. Jun 2022

Delightful

Profile Avatar Debbie D. Jun 2026

Best book in a long time

Profile Avatar Shawn M. May 2026

Wonderful read! Unbelievable characters.

Profile Avatar Kimberly C. May 2026

Loved this book so much! Such a heartwarming read. I highly recommend!

Profile Avatar Gene Robinson May 2026

a wonderful, moving story.

Profile Avatar Brenda K. May 2026

I think this is a great read!! I have also seen the movie on Netflix and would recommend it to everyone

Profile Avatar Valerie R. May 2026

Wonderful listen on a long car ride!

Profile Avatar JO B. May 2026

I enjoyed the book as well as the movie.

Profile Avatar Holly C. May 2026

So loving this !!! I love the octopus!!!!!

Profile Avatar Anonymous May 2026

Loved this book and the narrator too

Profile Avatar LaurenJada V. May 2026

Very cute!

Profile Avatar Alesia May 2026

LOOOVED IT! and the narrators were great

Profile Avatar EarthMonkey May 2026

Beautiful story, well written and narrated. Looking forward to watching it on Netflix.

Profile Avatar bdonald1125 May 2026

This was a wonderful book and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Give it a try!

Profile Avatar Laura L. May 2026

really enjoyed it

Profile Avatar Jim H. May 2026

I loved this book. I can’t say that too often, but this is a good one

Profile Avatar Liz O. Apr 2026

Slow in parts, but a fascinating read. The octopus steals the show in this novel.

Profile Avatar Sadie M. Apr 2026

I absolutely loved this book I couldn't put it down ...it has so many twists and turns . I loved that it had the perspective from the octopus and I his voice was literally the best so suspenseful!! Definitely recommend this read

Profile Avatar Sheila L. Apr 2026

️Marcellus

Profile Avatar Jill P. Apr 2026

Read for book club and hands down top pick for the last years. Happily surprised to enjoy a genre that is out of my norm and liked so much. Good nuggets of online and just enough depth for outlying characters

Profile Avatar K8yGBee Mar 2026

Loved it! And Marcellus was the best friend a woman could have.

Profile Avatar Madison A. Mar 2026

Heart warming and I did not expect to get so emotionally attached. Such a great plot

Profile Avatar Nicole J. Mar 2026

loved the narrators and the unique story

Profile Avatar Anonymous Mar 2026

I just feel like I got absolutely nothing from this book. Maybe it just wasn’t relatable to me, when books come to family topics.The way the author described Marcellus’ parts is the only good thing about this book.The audiobook was 12 hours long, but for what? The crux of the story felt too small, and I don’t understand why the author made it this long. (Please note that I only read this because it was 10% of my grade, so I might be biased). Even though I didn’t like the book, the narration was good.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Mar 2026

One of the best books I experienced last year. The character development was compelling.

Profile Avatar Diane D. Feb 2026

This is a wonderful , sweet book.

Profile Avatar Jeannie M. Feb 2026

Honestly one of the best books I’ve ever read. Touching, funny and completely engrossing.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Feb 2026

Amazing book, instantly fell in love with the way it was written and both the narrators did an amazing job.

Profile Avatar Sara C. Feb 2026

Remarkable Bright Book! Very refreshing creativity and storyline. The narrators were terrific as well

Profile Avatar Heather H. Feb 2026

I miss the characters!

Profile Avatar Deborah C. Feb 2026

An unexpected one. Was a really great twisting and turning plot I really enjoyed!

Profile Avatar D H. Jan 2026

Darling book!

Profile Avatar Jesse M. Jan 2026

Great first audio book!!

Profile Avatar Emily M. Jan 2026

Great story, great characters. More like this, please!

Profile Avatar gbear77 Jan 2026

Sooooo good! Loved it!

Profile Avatar Laurie R. Jan 2026

A very enjoyable story.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jan 2026

What a fantastic story. The narrators were excellent!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jan 2026

I still think about these characters.

Profile Avatar Vicki C. Dec 2025

Love this book

Profile Avatar Anonymous Dec 2025

Absolutely enjoyed the characters in this book. The Author gave such personality to Marsalis! Our book group had a wonderful time discussing the this first book by this author. Looking forward to more of her books!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Dec 2025

This book was amazing and the narrator was so easy to listen to.

Profile Avatar HeleneSpit Nov 2025

Real feel good book beautifully written and narrated.

Profile Avatar Karen W. Nov 2025

Loved this book!

Profile Avatar Kelly M. Oct 2025

Great book! Enjoyed the variations in the narration. Enjoyed every minute of the book.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Sep 2025

Well written and creative work!

Profile Avatar Leah P. Sep 2025

A touching story of that will evoke laughter, frustration, empathy for the love,loss and connections the characters share.

Profile Avatar Joan Phillips Sep 2025

Am listening to it a second time. And liking it even more

Profile Avatar Anonymous Sep 2025

Excellent uplifting story. Narration was great.

Profile Avatar Mike B. Aug 2025

simple and nice

Profile Avatar Anonymous Aug 2025

loved it. Great surprice

Profile Avatar Barbara Aug 2025

Entertaining read.

Profile Avatar Ana C. Aug 2025

I can only think about octopuses now

Profile Avatar Alice G. Aug 2025

Great characters, including and especially the octopus.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jul 2025

Great multiple overlying stories!

Profile Avatar Heather Jul 2025

This book was great!

Profile Avatar Val R. Jul 2025

Beautiful story!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jul 2025

Hated to see this book end. Wonderfully written book.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jul 2025

So good. This story tugged on my heart. We are all connected to each other; human, mammal and even sea creatures.

Profile Avatar Pam M. Jul 2025

a book club favorite. we loved it

Profile Avatar Karen S. Jul 2025

I really enjoyed the book. I even shedded a few tears.

Profile Avatar Kanaya M. Jul 2025

Touching story and exceptional narration!

Profile Avatar Diane L. Jun 2025

Warm and delightful- loved the octopus!!!

Profile Avatar Heather M. Jun 2025

Loved it. Great story and characters.

Profile Avatar Rosalyn Jun 2025

Loved every minute of this book, I really wanted to read more by this author after finishing it.

Profile Avatar Claire.P Jun 2025

Loved this book. Beautifully written.

Profile Avatar Andrea M. Jun 2025

Great read

Profile Avatar Linda C. Jun 2025

Loved this book! A new respect for the beautiful octopus.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jun 2025

Loved it!

Profile Avatar Pzizzy May 2025

Loved it! Such a great escape.

Profile Avatar Ronni D. May 2025

Absolutely charming! So refreshing to listen to a book that didn't need gratuitous sex to be enjoyable. So loved Marcellus and Michael Urie's narration was spot on!

Profile Avatar Anonymous May 2025

I absolutely LOVED his book! I will read anything this Narrator narrates, otherwise I might not have chosen this book. But the writing was beautiful and descriptive. A nice change from the typical depressing and moody novel. Definitely suggest listening!!

Profile Avatar Mary J. May 2025

I loved this book. A heartwarming story. Predictable, but it didn’t matter as each character pulled you into their story as they search for the beginnings to the healing and abundance that was just around the corner waiting for them.

Profile Avatar Anonymous May 2025

Had no idea what I was about to listen to. Was delightful.

Profile Avatar Martha May 2025

I loved this book. Highly recommend!

Profile Avatar Anonymous May 2025

Fantastic read.

Profile Avatar Lauren E May 2025

Absolutely amazing. A real feel good story.

Profile Avatar Dawn B. Apr 2025

Loved this book

Profile Avatar Ali A. Apr 2025

What a beautiful book! I thoroughly enjoyed this listen. A lovely cozy story that I would definitely recommend.

Profile Avatar Mchll68 Mar 2025

An exceptional book! Loved everything about it! A must read!

Profile Avatar Momeisch Mar 2025

I love this book. I was sad when it was over. the characters were so vivid and well written.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Mar 2025

What a wonderful novel and so beautifully narrated. A must listen.

Profile Avatar Ann A. Feb 2025

Such a wonderful story!

Profile Avatar Kristin W. Jan 2025

Good story. Uplifting and easy listen

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jan 2025

Not something I would typically choose; but very heartfelt story!

Profile Avatar Carol M. Nov 2024

I was a little late to the game in reading this book- reading about an octopus didn’t appeal. I am so glad I tried it. This is an original book that is so well written, it pulls you in. Love the plot. Love the story. The narrators added so much.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Oct 2024

Engaging story about love, grief and acceptance. Easy to read, fast moving pace. I accelerated the audio so I could finish the book in one day.

Profile Avatar Amy S. Oct 2024

We quickly got wrapped up in this endearing story with extremely relatable characters. The narration was excellent.

Profile Avatar Suzanne M. Oct 2024

Highly enjoyable. Told from a totally different standpoint! Light listening. Highly recommend it.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Sep 2024

somewhat predictable yet enjoyable book

Profile Avatar Ester F. Aug 2024

Ugh… 1 h into this book and it has not gripped my attention in any way . Uninteresting characters , not well developed. I’m going to drop it … I gave it an hour , most good books will do the job at 15 m

Profile Avatar Daryl O. Jul 2024

Delightful, creative story.

Profile Avatar Lighthouse Pilot May 2024

I loved this book. From the moment Marcellus revealed what he had observed, I couldn’t stop listening. And I wept for the last hour and a half of the narration. This book is so sweet in all the best ways and so wonderfully crafted. I can’t recommend it enough.

Profile Avatar Anonymous May 2024

Slow start, great finish

Profile Avatar Judith C. May 2024

Great story and great narrators

Profile Avatar Mendel G. May 2024

A story of loss, grief and love, told through the eyes of the human characters who experience these and through a unique character-- sentient, non-human keen observer of human behavior. The author brings this character fully to life in a way which is entrancing and moves the story along. For anyone who has been fascinated by cephalopods, his active role in the story as both an observer and a catalyst in the plot is most entertaining. The other [human] characters are artfully developed into people who are both unusual and believable. There are also several characters who turn out to be truly good human beings, and that is heartwarming. The two narrators are wonderful.

Profile Avatar Amanda P. Apr 2024

Good book!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Apr 2024

Loved it

Profile Avatar Sherry R. Apr 2024

All around my kind of book I miss this book - that’s how I know it was great!

Profile Avatar Namarran Apr 2024

Fabulous story. Great perspectives. Well narrated.

Profile Avatar Susan R Mar 2024

Unpopular opinion, but this book was just average to me. The plot...average although unique-ish, the characters...average, the writing...average. Nothing truly truly special in my opinion unlike others who must have gotten a lot more out of it than I did. I will say that the narrators were absolutely wonderful and that is what kept me interested.

Profile Avatar Jill F. Feb 2024

LOVED this book!!! Marcellus is wonderful! All the characters were expertly teased out. They had depth and quirks and a genuineness that one doesn’t see often anymore. The narration was great. I could tell the difference between all the characters, their moods and level of emotion. Will definitely recommend!

Profile Avatar Trissy Jan 2024

Amazing read!

Profile Avatar Amanda B. Jan 2024

I so enjoyed this story! The narrator was super and has now perked my interest in octopuses... I recommend this story!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jan 2024

The narrators made a wonderful book even more interesting!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Dec 2023

This was a great book! The narration was perfect. I really felt like I got to know Marcellus and all the human characters. The plot was very well developed. I highly recommend this book. I probably will listen to it again.

Profile Avatar Dianne H. Dec 2023

Great story. Best narration ever.

Profile Avatar Lisa H. Nov 2023

Really enjoyed this book. Interesting characters, well written. A little predictable but worth reading

Profile Avatar Maegan S. Nov 2023

Loved it!

Profile Avatar Cal30Prez Nov 2023

Very enjoyable. Especially liked the insight into the Octopus’ intelligence and his voice!

Profile Avatar E B. Nov 2023

Love that there is a separate reader to take on the part of the octopus

Profile Avatar Cindyb Nov 2023

I thought this book was absolutely fantastic

Profile Avatar Karin G. Oct 2023

Loved the book. Two intertwined stories that kept challenging me on what would happen and how. Very special

Profile Avatar Stephanie K. Oct 2023

A very sweet and endearing story. A perfect weekend read/listen.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Sep 2023

A joy to read!

Profile Avatar Gina M. Aug 2023

What a unique idea! I thoroughly enjoyed the intertwining stories that cleverly pulled everything together in the end. Although the female narrator did an excellent job capturing the various accents, I felt that her rendition of Cameron came across as rather juvenile. He sounded like a teenager instead of a 30-something adult man. That said - I still highly recommend this tender-hearted read!

Profile Avatar Lily S. Aug 2023

loved it

Profile Avatar Cynthia C. Aug 2023

Marcellus’s voice was exquisite, loved it!

Profile Avatar Shannon D. Aug 2023

I absolutely loved this book! Highly recommend.

Profile Avatar MJ M. Aug 2023

LOVED this book! Loved the narration! I highly recommend!!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Aug 2023

Who knew a book about a 70 year old cleaning lady and an aging octopus could be so intriguing and fascinating. I loved it

Profile Avatar Charles G. Jul 2023

Narrators bring book to life. Really enjoyed the story!!

Profile Avatar Mark S. Jul 2023

The book is charming with engaging characters that pull you into the story. Both narrator’s are wonderful using distinct voices that eliminate any character confusion. Additionally, the voice acting is excellent!

Profile Avatar Terry D. Jul 2023

I loved this book from cover to cover. The narrators were excellent!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jul 2023

Good story and well read except the main characters voice, Tova was read with an oddly sarcastic tone.

Profile Avatar Charlotte C. Jul 2023

Loved this book. Narrator was fantastic

Profile Avatar Kay B. Jul 2023

I loved this book. My daughters recommended it to me. I’m so glad they did. Just a full, sweet story.

Profile Avatar Beverly S. Jul 2023

Very unusual, well written and thought-provoking book. I enjoyed it!

Profile Avatar Scott S. Jul 2023

Different than most, enjoyed the entirety.

Profile Avatar Norma U. Jul 2023

great story!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jun 2023

Great book but too much unnecessary language. Got old and in the way of the story.

Profile Avatar Clare H. Jun 2023

I loved the story and the narrators were amazing!

Profile Avatar Abbye D. May 2023

Who knew a book about a talking octopus would be so charming and endearing?! It’s hard not to fall in love with every character. I highly recommend.

Profile Avatar Anonymous May 2023

Really smart

Profile Avatar Suebabyt May 2023

This is such a sweet book. I enjoyed it very much.

Profile Avatar Barb D. Apr 2023

Excellent story... loved the narration!

Profile Avatar Carolbnote3@gmail.com Apr 2023

This book had me talking out loud objecting to the decisions of some of the characters, I haven't done that in awhile. I cried at the end... it was a wonderful book.

Profile Avatar Mabel D. Apr 2023

Though predictable at times the story was endearing and hilarious. A great story with an unexpected character!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Mar 2023

Superfluous verbiage ad Infinitum , lots to elaborate on before getting to the point !

Profile Avatar Wallisa V. Oct 2022

If you love Ove, you’ll love this Marcellus and Tova.

Profile Avatar Mary S. Sep 2022

My favorite listen of the year so far!

Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel

Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel

Author: Shelby Van Pelt
Read by: Marin Ireland
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