How ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’ Won Over Readers
Shelby Van Pelt’s novel, 'Remarkably Bright Creatures,' has become a surprising hit with over a million copies sold. Let's take a look at how this quiet literary book gained popularity and why it continues to attract readers.
The Unexpected Popularity of 'Remarkably Bright Creatures'
Shelby Van Pelt’s novel, 'Remarkably Bright Creatures,' has defied expectations and become a best-seller. The book features a cranky octopus as its narrator, captivating readers with its unique perspective. Although the novel was released in the spring of 2022, its sales have steadily increased, leading to a resurgence in popularity during the 2023 holiday season.
Unlike many best-sellers, 'Remarkably Bright Creatures' gained fame through word-of-mouth recommendations and support from booksellers. Beth Seufer Buss, a bookseller at Bookmarks in North Carolina, witnessed the book's unexpected rise in demand. Customers flocked to the store, asking for 'the book with the octopus,' making it their top-selling novel of 2023. According to Seufer Buss, the book's universal appeal has contributed to its enduring success. Readers consistently want to share the captivating story with others, ensuring its continued popularity.
The Shift in the Book Market
The success of 'Remarkably Bright Creatures' is also indicative of a larger trend in the book industry. Older titles are outselling new releases, with established novels dominating the market. This shift is visible in the list of top 50 best-selling adult fiction titles of 2023. Only 16 of these titles were published in 2023, while the remaining 34 were backlist titles from previous years. 'Remarkably Bright Creatures' exemplifies this trend, as it had higher sales in 2023 compared to its debut year.
Industry analyst Kristen McLean suggests that this resurgence in older titles is a result of traditional word-of-mouth recommendations. Readers are discovering these books through friends and booksellers, rather than relying on viral social media trends. 'Remarkably Bright Creatures' fits this pattern, with its sales boosted by enthusiastic bookseller recommendations and literary acclaim.
The Journey of 'Remarkably Bright Creatures'
Shelby Van Pelt's path to success with 'Remarkably Bright Creatures' started in a fiction writing workshop in 2013. The story evolved from a short story assignment featuring an acerbic octopus frustrated by its life in an aquarium. Van Pelt expanded the narrative, introducing Tova, a 70-year-old widow who forms a unique bond with the octopus. Set in the Pacific Northwest, the novel explores Tova's past and her uncertain future as the pair navigate their shared loneliness and desire for freedom.
'Remarkably Bright Creatures' faced initial doubts due to its unconventional storytelling perspective. However, literary agent Kristin Nelson saw its potential and was immediately drawn to the story. The book gained traction after the release of the popular documentary 'My Octopus Teacher,' which coincided with its publishing journey. The novel's strong debut was followed by a decline in sales until it gained renewed interest during the holiday season. With over 1.1 million copies sold this year, 'Remarkably Bright Creatures' has solidified its status as a beloved book club favorite and is poised for continued success.
