Remarkably Bright Creatures Book Club Questions
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Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt was one of my absolute favourite books of recent years (and one that I still think about regularly today!). It’s a contemporary literary fiction tale that centres on Marcellus, a wise octopus who develops a bond with a grieving widow. It’s an unusual story but it tugs deeply at the heart and delves into several deep themes such as grief, love, and the complex relationship between humans and animals.
It was a 5 star review book for me and is an amazing book choice for book clubs so I thought I would share some questions that could help foster rich discussions with your book buddies:
Character Development: How do the characters evolve throughout the story? Focus on Marcellus the octopus and his interactions with Malaya. How do their relationships highlight the themes of loneliness and connection?
Symbolism of the Octopus: What role does Marcellus play as a narrator, and how does his unique perspective shape your understanding of human emotions? Discuss how the octopus symbolizes resilience and adaptability in difficult circumstances.
Themes of Grief and Healing: How does the author address the theme of grief in the novel? In what ways do the characters cope with their losses? Share personal reflections on how this theme resonates with your own experiences.
Setting and Atmosphere: How does the coastal town setting influence the narrative? Discuss how the environment reflects the characters' emotions and the story's overall tone.
Relationships: Examine the various relationships depicted in the novel, including family ties, friendships, and the bond between humans and animals. How do these connections shape the characters' journeys?
Narrative Style: Discuss the use of humour and warmth in the writing. How does the blend of light-hearted moments with serious themes affect your reading experience?
Personal Connections: Have you ever had a transformative encounter with an animal? Share those experiences and how they relate to the themes in the novel.
Happy reading and discussion! I hope these questions help foster meaningful exchanges!