Lily and the Octopus
-
-
4.2 • 275 Ratings
-
-
- $13.99
Publisher Description
A national bestseller combining the emotional depth of The Art of Racing in the Rain with the magical spirit of The Life of Pi, “Lily and the Octopus is the dog book you must read this summer” (The Washington Post).
Ted—a gay, single, struggling writer is stuck: unable to open himself up to intimacy except through the steadfast companionship of Lily, his elderly dachshund. When Lily’s health is compromised, Ted vows to save her by any means necessary. By turns hilarious and poignant, an adventure with spins into magic realism and beautifully evoked truths of loss and longing, Lily and the Octopus reminds us how it feels to love fiercely, how difficult it can be to let go, and how the fight for those we love is the greatest fight of all.
Introducing a dazzling and completely original new voice in fiction and an unforgettable hound that will break your heart—and put it back together again. Remember the last book you told someone they had to read? Lily and the Octopus is the next one. “Startlingly imaginative...this love story is sure to assert its place in the canine lit pack...Be prepared for outright laughs and searing or silly moments of canine and human recognition. And grab a tissue: “THERE! WILL! BE! EYE! RAIN!” (New York Newsday).
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
This touching novel takes you on a magical adventure through love and grief. When Ted’s 12-year-old dachshund, Lily, becomes lethargic, the vet confirms that she has a tumor—which, in this quirky world of magical realism, is actually an unusually sassy octopus. Steven Rowley’s offbeat writing hilariously captures a dog’s interior monologue, from rediscovering her favorite ball to her general excitement about everything in life, and the absurdity of Ted’s conversations with both Lily and the octopus provide comic relief. A relatable story about the heartbreaking reality of loss, Lily and the Octopus reminds us that creating beautiful memories together is the best way to balance out our fears of mortality.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Screenwriter Rowley's sensitive, hilarious, and emotionally rewarding debut novel explores the effect that pets can have on human lives. Teddy is unhappily single in L.A. In between sessions with his therapist and dates with men he meets online, it is his beloved 12-year-old dachshund, Lily, who occupies his heart. Curiously, Teddy is able to communicate with Lily, with whom he debates the attractiveness of male celebrities and plays board games. Distressingly, he is also able to communicate with the "octopus" attached to the little dog's head, which is soon revealed to be a metaphor for Lily's lethal cranial tumor. Complicating matters is the increasing prevalence of Lily's seizures and the looming inevitability of her demise. The intimacy of pet ownership is sweetly suffused throughout this heartwarming autobiographical fiction, originally written as self-therapy for the author's own grief. In generous helpings of bittersweet humanity, Rowley has written an immensely poignant and touchingly relatable tale that readers (particularly animal lovers) will love.
Customer Reviews
Lily And The Octopus
I would have given this 5 stars as I did enjoy the book, but there are bits that are just too weird. It's a story about a man's love for his dog and about the man discovering who he is. There are some humorous moments as well as a lot of sad moments and a little too much symbolism. I'm not sure how I would change the story line and you know almost from the beginning how part of the story will end. If you have just lost someone you loved this might be a difficult read....otherwise just enjoy the love of a man and his dog.
Love Unconditional and unending
This story is about grief, unconditional love, unconditional companionship, and the unconditional emotional support that runs between Ted and Lily and how Ted deals with his and Lily's problems. Mr. Rowley's uses the octopus as an analogy of the crisis in Ted and Lily's life. Lily's crisis is medical, Ted's is emotional. Mr. Rowley skillfully created a story which expertly shows that we can run from the piper but the piper must be paid and we as humans must grieve, pick ourselves up, carry on, and live life to the fullest.
I found myself crying tears of sadness and heartache; I also laughed out loud as the conversations between Lily and Ted were hilarious. I ran the gauntlet of emotions reading this story. This novel is an emotional roller coaster ride from start to finish; Author Steven Rowley grabs you deep in your heart and does not let go. Mr Rowley's talent is clear as he weaves this wonderful tale of life and love; he brings your emotions to the surface.
This story has many levels and depths. Mr. Rowley sets the hook in the first pages and then reels you into the story. It is a "not to be missed" book of grief, living life to the fullest, acceptance, and love; all expertly crafted by Mr. Rowley.
RECOMMENDATION: 5+ STARS
This is one of the best books I have read this year; few books have affected me as this one. I highly recommend this book by a talented author. This book is suitable for readers that like a solid well-developed and paced story. I look forward to Mr. Rowley's next book.
I received this book from Netgalley.com in return for an honest book review. Book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion; book reviews on line under my name are my opinion.
Lily and the Octopus
I think I’ve read everything by this author, and would like to see more. Maybe another Guncle book?