Metro, May 22
A novel with the central conceit of a developing relationship between a widower, Tova, and a captive octopus writing his own diary entries will have to work harder than most to convince. Of course, their magical-realist friendship is partially the point of American author Shelby Van Pelt’s warm debut; in a fractured, troubled world we can find connection and hope in the strangest of places.
Van Pelt works incredibly hard to connect with readers too; the soapy dual plot lines juxtapose Tova’s coping mechanisms after the disappearance of her son over 30 years ago with Cameron, a down on his luck wannabe rock star searching for his long-lost father. It is completely obvious how these two mysteries will converge, but Remarkably Bright Creatures has its heart – or should that be hearts – in all the right places. A debut full of thoughtful questions about loneliness, the power of community and the place of optimism.
