There are three main characters in Van Pelt’s debut novel. Tova Sullivan works the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. She is about 70 years old, widowed and lost her only child to what she believes is a boating accident. Cameron Cassmore is a 30 year old ne’er do well who comes to Sowell Bay searching for a father he never knew. Marcellus is a four year old octopus at the aquarium who know his days are numbered. How these three characters relate, understand and ultimately love and appreciate each other is the crux of Remarkably Bright Creatures.

This is a nice feel good novel that’s also an easy read. It’s a bit too sweet and predictable for me, but for some it may be the perfect summer read.