Title: Lily and the Octopus
Author: Steven Rowley
First published June 7, 2016
307 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781501126222 (ISBN10: 1501126229)
Rating: 3.72
Overview
In Lily and the Octopus, author Steven Rowley weaves a tale of love and loss that will tug at your heartstrings. This is a story about the bond between a man and his loyal companion, Lily – a dog who is more than just a pet.
As Ted Flask navigates the ups and downs of life, Lily is always by his side, providing comfort and companionship. But when an unexpected foe arrives in the form of an octopus, Ted must confront his deepest fears and fight for the one he loves.
With a touch of magic and a lot of heart, Lily and the Octopus is a must-read for anyone who has ever loved an animal. Get ready for an emotional journey that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
Editoral Review
Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley is a heart-warming and heart-breaking novel about the bond between a man and his dog, and the struggle to come to terms with mortality. First published in June 2016, Rowley’s debut novel blends elements of magical realism, humor, and raw emotion, resulting in a unique and unforgettable reading experience.
The story follows Ted, a single, gay man living in Los Angeles, and his beloved dachshund, Lily. Ted’s world revolves around Lily, and their routine of playing Monopoly and watching old movies provides both comfort and stability.
However, when Ted discovers a tumor resembling an octopus on Lily’s head, he must confront the painful reality of her declining health. As Ted battles the octopus and his own fears and insecurities, he reflects on his past relationships and struggles to accept the inevitable.
Rowley’s writing style is witty, poignant, and whimsical, creating a perfect balance of humor and heartache. His use of magical realism adds a dreamlike quality to the novel, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Ted’s world and experience his emotions on a deeply personal level.
The characters of Ted and Lily are complex and fully-realized, with their flaws and strengths portrayed in equal measures. As Ted battles the octopus, readers see not only his fierce devotion to Lily, but also his vulnerability and flaws.
The relationship between Ted and Lily is tender and honest, and their love for each other is palpable throughout the novel. Aside from the central relationship between Ted and Lily, Rowley explores themes of love, loss, grief, and acceptance.
The novel highlights the fragility of life and the fear of mortality, as well as the power of human connection and the strength of the bond between humans and animals. Overall, Lily and the Octopus is a beautifully crafted novel that will leave readers both laughing and crying.
While there are moments where the story feels overly sentimental or predictable, Rowley’s skillful writing and poignant characterization more than make up for any flaws. Fans of literary fiction and magical realism will appreciate the novel’s unique blend of humor, heartbreak, and whimsy.
Furthermore, the novel’s exploration of themes related to love, loss, and acceptance will resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of losing a loved one or coming to terms with their own mortality. Readers who love stories that tug at the heartstrings and leave a lasting impression will undoubtedly enjoy Lily and the Octopus.
Overall, I would highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a poignant and unique reading experience. Its blend of magical realism, humor, and raw emotion make it a standout in the literary fiction genre.
I give Lily and the Octopus a rating of four out of five stars, based on its memorable characters, heartfelt storytelling, and expertly crafted prose.
