Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt is a novel of magical realism. The remarkably bright creature is Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living in a Puget Sound aquarium. It was another Skagit Valley Book Club selection that I would not have read on my own, but nonetheless enjoyed. Tova Sullivan, an older woman working nights at the aquarium, has experienced tragedy and forms a bond with Marcellus as she cleans.
Life becomes complicated, and Marcellus, a bit of a thief and hoarder, finds ways to communicate with humans before his anticipated death. Each character’s backstory is remarkable, making the book unique.