In the novel, which I review below, Tova and her friends, The Knit-Wits, meet weekly for tea, dessert, and camaraderie. The recipe that follows, for apricot squares, is something I can certainly imagine sitting on a lovely china platter that is used only for special occasions. I think the Knit-Wits would love them.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt Review
When I read a book that touches me, I am so happy to share it, and this one surely fits that category. FYI, it’s a Read with Jenna selection, although I didn’t know this when I requested it from my library.
The book is set in the Pacific Northwest, and much of the action takes place at the Sowell Bay Aquarium in a small coastal town, specifically in and around the octopus tank. As the story begins, Marcellus, the giant Pacific octopus, one of the main characters, is at Day 1299 of his captivity. This is a big deal because the average lifespan for one of these guys is about 4 years. Don’t worry, I’ll do the math. That’s 1460 days. Not a lot of time left…
Listen, I hope that I haven’t lost you yet. If you had told me that there was a talking octopus in this book, I never would have started it. Well, he doesn’t actually talk, but we hear his thoughts. He’s one smart guy. Anyhow, the reason I read it is because two of my dear friends said it was a good one, so I trusted them. I’m really glad I did.
The book has multiple characters, including Tova, a 70-year-old lady of tiny stature but sporting a big heart and a resolve to keep going, no matter what life has dealt her, and that’s quite a handful. Her husband Will was taken by cancer several years earlier, and her son Eric drowned in a mysterious accident right after graduation. Tova works because she needs to keep busy, but not because she needs the money. Her job, working after hours, cleaning, dusting, polishing the floors and tanks, has led her to a strange relationship with Marcellus, who seems oddly drawn to her in a kindly way.
Other characters include Cameron, the 30-ish man-child who is trying to find his way in life, unsuccessfully thus far; his Aunt Jeanne, who raised him, Tova’s friend who owns the grocery store, Ethan, and Cameron’s new acquaintance, Avery.
This is one of those books that has a bunch of separate stories that all come together at the end. And through all this, Marcellus keeps us entertained while dropping little hints and crumbs along the way. All the while, counting the days down as he becomes weaker and weaker.
How can this possible have a happy ending? Don’t worry, it does. Van Pelt finds a way to make everything all right. And I have to leave you with a spoiler: Marcellus doesn’t die. Whew. So go ahead and get your hands on a copy of this book. You’ll love it!
In fact, please let me know what you think of both the novel and the recipe. Leave your comments below. Thanks, and happy reading and cooking with Joy!
You can download the Kindle version of Remarkably Bright Creatures or purchase the paperback on Amazon.
Apricot Squares Recipe
Apricot Squares: These are super easy to make; I often have wondered if they could be made with, say, raspberry jam instead of the apricot; but try them with the apricot first; you will not believe how good they are!
Mix 1 cup sugar, ¾ cup margarine or butter, softened, (not liquid, do not use the microwave to soften the marg/butter), one-half teaspoon each vanilla extract and salt
Add 1 egg, 2 cups flour, ½ cup coconut, and ¾ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans work well)
Spread ¾ mixture in a 9 x 13 non-stick pan; it’s okay to use your fingers to spread the mixture; then, cover with one 12-oz. jar of apricot jam; spread to cover;
Crumble the remaining ¼ mixture on top;
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes; cool and cut.
Did you like the book? The recipe? I’d love to know! Please leave a comment.
Thank you.
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