Seems I’m the last one I know to both read the book Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt and see the movie that was based on it. Set in a small town in the Pacific Northwest, Tova, elderly and alone since her husband passed away, works nights cleaning the local aquarium. Here she makes the unlikeliest of companions, Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium, who is brilliant even by octopus standards.

Tova is dealing with the tragic loss of her only son many years ago and somehow Marcellus, along with the help of a few friends, is able to help her unravel the mystery of what really happened to him.

Beautifully written and filled with wonderful characters and humor, this is a book about family and friendship, healing from loss and finding hope in unexpected places. Sometimes we all need a feel good book and Van Pelt has certainly delivered that.