Lily and the Octopus - Steven Rowley

Lily and the Octopus

By Steven Rowley

  • Release Date: 2016-06-07
  • Genre: Literary Fiction
Score: 4
4
From 257 Ratings

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).

Reviews

  • Beautiful!

    5
    By Roquetjey
    I have been in love with three dachshunds. They are very special people!
  • Just wonderful!

    5
    By Tresanon1
    What a treasure of a book...sympathetic character and an old story that many of us have been through in one form or another. So entertainingly written!
  • Heartbreakingly Intimate

    5
    By J Jo MO
    Steven Rowley’s accounts of love and loss are so honest and raw. And somehow these emotions are peppered with opportunities for belly laughter. This story will break your heart- but it will also give you permission to move on afterwards.
  • Heartwarming and relatable

    5
    By livvyoe
    I have a dachshund so this book made me want to grab him and give him a big hug. I laughed and I cried during this wonderful easy read. I wish there wasn’t as much symbolism. Some of the chapters confused me.
  • LOVED! THIS! BOOK!

    5
    By JOJOdall
    Sweet story, lovely narrative. If you’ve ever loved a dog, this book is for you. I really enjoyed it, and plan to read it again soon, to catch more of the nuances.
  • Lily And The Octopus

    4
    By Perky too
    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.
  • Lily and the Octpus

    5
    By Taupequackers
    Mesmerizing and hard to put down.
  • Lily and the octopus

    5
    By MissyMay763890
    Great book!!! Cried my eyes out. Could totally relate to story!!!!
  • Lily and the Octopus

    5
    By Hazeyreynolds
    Ted and Lily have a deep connection. Their conversations are real, relevant and on target. Some will make you laugh outloud. Enjoy
  • Love Unconditional and unending

    5
    By Birdlady1950
    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.

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