Monthly Archives: September 2023

Remarkably Bright Creatures Discussion Journal

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During our discussion of Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, one of our members called Marcellus the Einstein of octopuses. Marcellus was definitely the star of the show, and we were fascinated by his intelligence, his personality, and his perspective. Despite this, many of us were jokingly surprised I didn’t bring octopus for a snack! I even had a side conversation about how octopus doesn’t taste very good – and I’ve heard that humans don’t either. I am surprised that we didn’t discuss anthropomorphism.RemarkablyBrightCreaturesCover

Our first responder was someone who couldn’t attend the meeting but who sent in an email review, giving the book only four out of ten stars. I specifically asked for responses from members who liked the book – and I wasn’t disappointed.  In addition to marveling over Marcellus, several of us identified with the need to get ready for the end of life and the hardship and worry of facing it alone. One of us mentioned males in his neighborhood who became helpless after the loss of their wives, wondering if this is generational and may be different for today’s youth as they age. Another member mentioned that since she became a widow two years ago, book after book seems to use this as a storyline. She was glad Remarkably Bright Creatures had Marcellus and a happy ending.

We also had a thorough discussion of sibling personality theories. Many of us shared personal experiences from large families. Was Cameron spoiled because he was basically an only child? One member was an only child, and he was definitely not spoiled. His was a single, working mother and they had an agreement – that he would behave and take care of himself. Another member wondered about reincarnation and if we could choose our parents, why we wouldn’t choose wealthier ones? And does not knowing our parentage really make such a difference as it did for Cameron? One of us confirmed how her half sibling had struggled and still now, in her seventies, wonders why she was abandoned. DNA testing and ancestry databases are filled with people trying to answer these questions.

We answered a few of the discussion questions.  A year after the end of the novel, one of us imagines that Tova will convince Cameron to search for his mother. Tova’s Swedish Dala horse figurines reminded him of the Mahjong game set important for his family traditions. One member had a cat who he is convinced was a reincarnated person. Another believes that Cameron was punishing himself in response to his abandonment and needed a new familial connection to feel worthy. We never did answer the query one of us chose: What did Cameron mean by “conscience does make cowards of us all?” We recognized it as a reference from Shakespeare, but what did it mean in terms of the novel?

Of course, we didn’t all like the book – and it is important that everyone is comfortable sharing their opinion. One of us was frustrated with Cameron and couldn’t stay interested. Another of us dislikes fantasy in books and he was remarkably quiet! Although the title seems to be referring to octopuses, in the book, Marcellus calls humans “remarkably bright creatures.” It’s really all about perspective. Respectfully shared, everyone’s matters!