Lily and the Octopus

By Steven Rowley

‘Intelligently written, finely observed and surprisingly moving, this is a book you’ll find hard to put down’ Graeme Simsion, author of The Rosie Project

Companions come in all shapes and sizes.
Companionship lasts forever.
 
Lily and the Octopus is a novel about finding that special someone to share your life with.
For Ted Flask, that someone is Lily, and she happens to be a dog.
This novel reminds us how 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.

Reminiscent of The Life of Pi and The Art of Racing in the Rain, with spins into magic realism and beautifully evoked universal truths of love, loyalty and loss, a hilariously sardonic and not altogether reliable narrator, and one unforgettable hound who simple wisdom will break your heart and put it back together again, Lily and the Octopus captures the search for meaning in death and introduces a dazzling new voice in fiction.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
• Release date: Jun 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781471155123

Steven Rowley

Steven Rowley has worked as a freelance writer, newspaper columnist, and screenwriter. Originally from Portland, Maine, he is a graduate of Emerson College. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his boyfriend and their dog. He is the author of Lily and the Octopus, The Editor, and The Guncle. Follow him on social media @MrStevenRowley.

Reviews for Lily and the Octopus

[grandpahobo_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

While this is a very heartfelt story, it seemed a bit too melodramatic. I'm hesitant to write anything more detailed, as I don't want to give away too much of the plot.

[mhanover10 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book was strange as in Life of Pi strange but it was fun to read the relationship between Lily and her owner. With some people, their pets are their children. With or dog Lily, she is a second child. Our Lily is 13 and the average lifespan of her breed is 14. We see how she is slowing down, how she can't hear as well as she used to or see as well as she used to. So this book was a little hard for me to read since the dog is named Lily. I know my dog listens to what I tell her, and understands. If you are a dog lover, you will probably enjoy this book.

[montzaleew · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley is a book the crushed me! I had my heart touched gently, soothed, then broken in multiple pieces! Listen with tissues handy! Lily is a little dog and loved by her human so much but she develops a tumor in her head...an "Octopus"! This is the story of Lily, her human, the octopus, and love! Beautifully written and narrated wonderfully by Michael Urie. He was just right for this book. A touching, clever, heartwarming and heartbreaking book of love and growth.

[jmoncton_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was one of those stories that touched me deeply and had me weeping through parts. Although on the surface it's the story of a man and his aging dog, it's touches on so much of the universal experience of loss and saying goodbye. No spoilers here, so I won't divulge the plot, but just LOVED this story.

[carolesrandomlife · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Why is it that every dog book that I read leaves me in tears? I am a huge dog lover so I am always drawn to this kind of book even though I know that I will be a mess before it is over. But the journey is usually worth it in the end and this book was no exception. So many things in this book reminded me of my own special dogs and I really enjoyed getting to know Lily and Ted. Lily is a dachshund and more importantly, Ted's best friend. They have been through so many things together during their 12 years together. They have a routine and enjoy their time together. This story takes you through so many of their milestones with each other including Lily's adoption, Ted's relationships, and health issues. I loved Lily and Ted's conversations with each other and could totally relate to them since I often converse with my own dog pack.I spent most of this book being reminded of all of the dogs that I have been lucky enough to have in my life. I grew up with my Tiger dog who turned out to be a wonderful dog that I still love immensely even though she has been gone for over 20 years. As an adult, Hershey blessed my life. I was able to have her for a best friend for 13 ½ amazing years. She was a very intelligent Golden Retriever Rottweiler mix and the perfect member of our family. She died in September 2015 and we still miss her so very much. We currently have 3 dogs in our family. Our Cookie is a Chow mix that is still going strong at 12 years of age. We added two puppies to the mix in late 2015 and our Stella and Molly are still keeping me on my toes.Michael Urie was a fantastic narrator for this story. He did such a great job with both Ted and Lily's voices. I have to say that they way he delivered Lily's lines were exactly how I would imagine my dogs would talk...you know, if they could talk. This was an emotional story and he really captured all of that emotion. I honestly don't know how he managed to deliver parts of this book without breaking down because I had tears streaming down my face just from listening to it.There were some parts that I didn't care for as much. Some of the parts involving the octopus just seemed to pull me out of the story. I was always able to jump back in when the book switched gears but it would lose me a bit during those scenes. That is really my only complaint regarding the book and it is really just that the book chose to go in a direction that I wouldn't have went. I would highly recommend this book to others. I do think that the audio is a fantastic way to experience this story and do recommend it. I did make the mistake of listening to this book at work. I quickly figured out that I had to stop and finish it at home or I would have been a blubbering mess at the office. So choose your listening or reading place well...and bring tissues. I would definitely read more from Steven Rowley in the future.

[bostonseanachie · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I should preface my review with my strongly held view that many pet owners coddle, indulge, spoil, anthropomorphize and ruin their pets (frequently as a substitute for human interaction). This novel is about such a pet owner, who discovers his Dachshund Lily is suffering from cancer. He refers to the cancer as an "octopus" due to the shape of the tumor (hence the title) and also anthropomorphizes the tumor. What follows is an account of the owner's fight against the tumor (Lily takes it mostly in stride) -- some of it semi-realistic and some of it an odd, gratuitous, and dreamlike account of a battle at sea among the three main characters (Lily, the narrator, and the octopus), which felt largely like filler material to make this story novel length (it originally started as a short story, according to an article about the author that prompted me to buy it).

Make no mistake: the book has a lot of passion and some humor. The narrator, a gay man who has broken up with his partner; has Mommy issues, a bad therapist, and a dwindling career; and plays monopoly on Friday nights with Lily is occasionally funny in his angst in a hapless sort of way. Lily is excitable and occasionally amusing. But there wasn't a lot of narrative drive here and a great deal of feeling sorry for oneself. Moreover, it felt like a long session listening to an indulgent pet owner drone on about his four-legged friend.

Perhaps it would be more of a hit with those who are indulgent pet owners. For someone seeking drama and human relationships, this will be no substitute.

[whisper1_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A very touching tribute to the love and strength our pets provide. Tad is a middle-aged man with failed relationships with others, but not with Lily. His life with Lily is perfect, except for one thing -- the octopus, ie cancerous growth -- that sits atop Lily's head and will not go away.Calling the tumor an octopus enables Tad to embody the growth and make it a dramatic fight between the evil that vows to end Lily's life, and the sheer determination of Tad who refuses to let go of his beloved dog.Except for what I consider a weird bit before the end, I rank this is one of the best books of 2016. I sincerely hope it garners the National Book Award Finalist list.Any one who had to say goodbye to a wonderful soul mate, knows the angst profound poignancy.

[kimmeyer-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

On Thursdays, Ted and his dog, Lily, talk about boys they think are cute. They also have movie night and pizza night and play Monopoly together. Ted talks to Lily, and in her own way, Lily talks back.

The first third of Lily and the Octopus details this relationship, and it's quirky, funny, and touching. Unfortunately Lily is 12 and an Octopus is taking over her head.

What follows is a dream-like series of events reminiscent of Life of Pi, and I really lost interest at this point, finding it tedious and too far outside of reality for me personally. If you enjoyed the story of Pi and the tiger you would likely enjoy this as well though.

When the narrative is focused on past and present "real" events, I found it compelling and often forgot that this is a work of fiction, despite the talking dog. I think many of us with dogs are guilty of humanizing them, so this simply doesn't seem so farfetched. I really loved large sections of this book! As a whole, I enjoyed it but struggled at times to maintain the detachment necessary to value it as a work of magical fiction.

I received this title courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher. I was *very* excited to read it and thank them for making it available!

[dknight0918 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such a wonderful book. The writing is amazing.

[soubhikiewiet · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I knew at the outset that this book would make me cry. Of course.

Steven Rowley beautifully leads the reader through the layers of grief. Of knowing the loss of a loved one is approaching, and the maze one can run through to avoid, deny, fight, and eventually accept.

This story has things you'd expect, like how Ted and Lily met, her puppyhood, and their lives together. But there is a surprising amount of imagination and whimsy.

A really great read!

[joeyee-4 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Probably cause I am too stupid for this book, but it was confusing in the beginning. It took me a while to figure out the Octopus is a tumor. And I was confused with the main character's gender, so he is a homosexual male. After I straightened out those 2 facts, the book was quite enjoyable. The talking to the animals was weird, but then I talk to my dog too. The ending...ummm.
2.5 out of 5 stars

[teenie1k · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Much like the pets we love, this book burrows into your being and becomes a part of you.

[nu5bibliophile · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Entertaining. Charming. Easy read.

[erickas-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Before I cracked the cover, I really wasn’t all the way on board with this. Another dog book? Another book with that annoying “all the feels” phrase attached to it on Goodreads reviews? I’m not a sucker. I don’t fall in for maudlin claptrap.

But something about that title. There’s an octopus in there. I thought, I may have to investigate this after all.

And I’m so glad I did. I LOVED IT.

This book actually made me laugh out loud, and then, later, much to my embarrassment, cry out loud. I want to hug Steven Rowley and let the hug linger just a little bit too long. I hated that my life was getting in the way of my reading this book. “I can’t go to work today! I need to know how Lily’s doing! How can I possibly leave the house when that damn octopus is still there?!”

It’s part semi-memoir and part magical realism, or, more accurately, part denial and part unconscious acceptance, which is something we can all relate to. This is a step-by-step to letting go. And Lily’s voice just made me smile the entire time. There are many fantastical elements: Lily converses, the octopus glares and growls, and there’s even a glorious battle at sea.

Just a warning: don’t read this book in public. At one point, I looked up (just so I could get a grip and breathe) and people are staring at me with concerned looks on their faces, wondering if they should intervene or at least offer me a Kleenex. I just smiled sheepishly. “Allergies. They get me every spring! What can you do, ya know?” I blew my nose and pretended nonchalance, while inside me my heart was being wrenched into Lily-sized pieces.

Rowley’s writing is original. This story doesn’t ride the crest of accepted tropes. There’s an adventure here, one that you’ll want to take. I fell in love with Lily and you will too, even if you go into this thinking you won’t. You’ll love this. Guaranteed. Go home, read it, and scritch your dog behind the ears. You know she loves that.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this advance copy.

[debbiesbooknook · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

“Dogs are always good and full of selfless love. They are undiluted vessels of joy who never, ever deserve anything bad that happens to them.” Steven Rowley, Lily and the Octopus

OMG! THIS! BOOK! WAS! AMAZING! First of all, I have never read a book like Lily and the Octopus. I absolutely loved the story and yes, I want the entire world to read it! (I'm not kidding). The book was funny, quirky and heartfelt. It made me laugh out loud, and cry out loud (the boohooing ugly kind of sobbing). The story is about Ted, his dachshund, Lily, and their unconditional love for one another. Lily and Ted touched my heart and their story will stay with me forever. I have recommended this book to several people and so far everyone has enjoyed it. I especially recommend Lily and the Octopus to dog lovers. Rowley is an unconventional and original writer, and I look forward to more wonderful work from him. Now go get yourself a copy -- and keep the tissues nearby!

[cherylgrimm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Love comes in all sizes and shapes, colors and coverings, sex and genetic make-up. Lily is a dachshund. Ed is not. After over a decade of sharing their lives with each other, Lily succumbs to the 7-1 ratio and begins to wane. This devastates Ed, who is in therapy, but for other reasons. This is a story about the bonding between a man and his dog, a quirky relationship of movie nights, chicken with rice, zany conversations, an octopus and a red ball. How we do all that we can, find our strengths, our weaknesses, and ourselves but can never do it all. One can't help loving Lily and one can not help crying when the inevitable happens. It was a good fight, but someone always has to lose. We lose Lily, but her memory remains in victory.

[cameling_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

OMG, I loved, loved, loved, this book. Ted is a quirky introverted single who has difficulty opening himself up to people except very close friends. He's in therapy and doesn't really like his therapist. He does, however, love Lily with all his heart. His relationship with Lily goes beyond man and dog. He plays Monopoly with Lily, they have conversations about movie stars and movies. Yes, the conversation is mostly in Ted's mind, but you get the picture. Lily is everything to him. And then he sees the octopus. When the octopus is introduced at the end of the first chapter, the reader is left in no doubt as to what the octopus is. This story of fighting against reality and a cold enemy, of denial, of resignation, of acceptance and most of all, of love is one of the best I've read in a while. You can't but be with Ted on each step of his journey, from the early days when he is first introduced to Lily the puppy, to present day when he's finally ready to talk about the octopus with his therapist and the shocking realization that the octopus had been present in their lives for longer than he'd noticed. It's a beautiful and at times magical book. And it does have a happy ending. :-)

[ldvoorberg · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Part Moby Dick, part Racing in the Rain (but only a small part) and part ... is there a genre for the gay equivalent to a Bridget Jones-esque character? The poor schmuck in this book is so smitten with his dog that he goes off the deep end when he discovers it has an inoperable tumour in its brain. You know those books about an old couple where one cares for the dying partner and the book is about their past life together? Like The Notebook but with cancer, not dementia. That is this book, but the healthy partner is Captain Ahab chasing an octopus and the sick partner is a dog. Oh, and the guy has relationship issues. It gets very long in the tooth pretty quickly - maybe the author was waxing over his own dog? Then the whale chasing, I mean octopus chasing, takes the book on a ridiculous twist. Does it end there? No. The book can't end til this guy gets over his devastation and find a new love. So American. Why did people like this book?! If you are not in love with your dog, do not read this one.

[pegmcdaniel · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I received an ARC from The Reading Room in exchange for my honest review. Thank you.I loved this novel. There are not enough positive adjectives in the English language for me to describe how I feel about this book. You certainly don't have to be an animal lover to enjoy it even though it's about a 12-year-old dachshund named Lily and her owner, Ted. It concerns their relationship and how much they mean to each other. Ted discusses all aspects of his life with Lily and, of course, Lily "answers" sometimes as a close friend and sometimes like the dog she is.We read how Ted got Lily and their past adventures which are hilarious at times. Mostly we learn about a serious problem that Lily has suddenly acquired and Ted's issues in dealing with it.With excellent pacing, be prepared for an emotional ride that is delightful, funny but sad, and absolutely heartfelt. I would give it more than 5 Stars if I could.

[rglossne · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lily is a much-loved 12 year old dachshund; Teddy is her lonely, middle-aged owner. One day he looks at her and sees an octopus on her head. This is his word for the growth, probably cancerous, that will take her life. This is a touching story about grief, love, and dog ownership. It made me laugh and cry.

[knitwit2_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

If you have ever loved and lost a dear pet then this book is for you. Lily, a dachshund gets an octopus. By octopus I mean cancer. As her human deals with this situation through magical thinking we realize how deeply we care about our furry family.

[wagner5sarah35 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

One of the saddest and sweetest books I've ever experienced. Ted has a close relationship with his dog Lily and reacts poorly when he notices a tumor has grown on her head, which he promptly names "the Octopus." So begins Ted's mission to defeat the so-called Octopus, an equally tragic and humorous tale. Unfortunately, despite Ted's characterization of the Octopus as a living creature with its own motivations, most readers will likely recognize the relentless march of cancer as Lily slowly dies and Ted faces a difficult choice. Compassionately told, this is a story for those who love their pets.

[nyiper · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Just plain delightful---but it also brought me to tears in a few places with Rowley's ability to completely describe his feelings, Ted's feelings, for Lily --- this four-footed "person" in his life. I kept wondering how much of this was really a memoir. The imagination Rowley produces around this octopus in/on Lily is confusing at first until you become Lily's reader/owner, too, and realize how much you hate this octopus consuming her! And yes, it was definitely a giant leap in a different direction but as I read the boating experience I was amazed with how Rowley can write---yes, totally fictional, but it provided an extremely frightening and vivid picture!!

[dawnlovesbooks · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I would have loved this book so much more if the main character (Ted) had not referred to his dog's (Lily) tumor as an octopus and proceeded to talk to the octopus the whole time!!! I understand that it was symbolism or magical realism or something but it really ruined the book for me. Ted went so far as to take a boat out in the ocean to hunt down and kill an octopus. Serisously!! That being said, the book did have some really great parts and the author is a very talented writer. It was a heart-warming and heartbreaking story about a man and his love for his dog. Having a dog that I adore myself, I could really relate to what Ted was going through. I laughed and cried.What I loved most about the book is what it had to say about dogs and our relationships with them. Here are few excerpts:“I think of how dogs are witnesses. How they are present for our most private moments, how they are there when we think of ourselves as alone. They witness our quarrels, our tears, our struggles, our fears, and all of our secret behaviors that we have to hide from our fellow humans. They witness without judgment.”“The very best thing about dogs is how they just know when you need them most, and they’ll drop everything that they’re doing to sit with you awhile."“Most of all, I am thankful for Lily, who, since she entered my life, has taught me everything I know about patience and kindness and meeting adversity with quiet dignity and grace. No one makes me laugh harder, or want to hug them tighter.”Dog lovers may enjoy this book, but you definitely need to have an open mind and a big imagination! I am actually kind of glad that the octopus story line ruined the book for me because I would probably have sobbed if I had been more engrossed in the story.

[pdebolt_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Lily and the Octopus will resonate with everyone who has loved - and lost - a pet. Lily has been Ted's best friend and confidant since "she chose him" as a puppy. Ted is a damaged soul in several ways, and Lily is his anchor and his safe place. From the onset of the book, we know what is coming; however, the reality is difficult because it brings all of us back to the time and place when we said our final good-bye to a deeply-loved pet. For me, the only moments that were discordant were the dialogues with the octopus.

[mbecken-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Emotional in all the best ways, particularly for dog lovers. I was laughing and reading so many passages out loud that my husband finally picked it up and read the whole thing before I read it to him. This was the first book to have me not only in tears, but crying so hard I almost couldn't make it through the end, even though I knew it was coming all along. We have two fur-babies of our own, so this really hit home for me. By far the best book I've read, though when I revisit in a few years, I don't think I could make it through the tough parts again. Definitely recommend.

[brittanylyn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Steven Rowley's debut novel is funny, heartfelt, and tragic. Lily is Ted Flask's best friend, roommate, and closest confidant. Lily also happens to be a dachshund. "Love for someone, loved by someone. I was limited. And then on the very last night of my twenties, when I held my new puppy in my arms, I broke down in tears. Because I had fallen in love. Not somewhat in love. Not partly in love. Not in a limited amount. I fell fully in love with a creature I had known for all of nine hours." Ted has suffered disappoint in his writing career, struggles with a relationship with his mother, and has ended a long-term romantic relationship. Through it all Lily has been by his side. In fact, she is all he really has. Now as Lily is aging, she is also experiencing a terminal illness, and Ted is trying to come to terms with the loss of his best friend. I was so touched by this story, as the moments they have shared, and the memories they have created are recounted. I found it endearing as Ted ran commentary of Lily's barks. However, in the same vein, I found it an oddity how he also talked to Lily's tumor, and it answered back. At certain intervals I was asking myself, is he mad? Insane? Mentally ill? Perhaps fear and grief do make us mentally ill. In which case, this was an insightful portrayal. Perhaps the saying is true; it is better to have loved and lost, then to never have loved at all. "But most of all, I am thankful for Lily, who, since she entered my life, has taught me everything I know about patience and kindness and meeting adversity with quiet dignity and grace. No one makes me laugh harder, or want to hug them tighter. You have truly lived up to the promise of man's best friend." A superb read.

[vera_mallard-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

FEATURED BOOK FOR JUNE ON MY BLOGLove In It's Highest FormUnconditional And UnendingWhat an emotional heart wrenching roller coaster story of love, grief, acceptance, and letting go! I have read several books I felt I was not skilled enough in prose to do justice; this is one of those books. I hope this review will inspire you to run and buy this book.STORY LINE:Ted is gay, quirky, lonely, has issues and is in therapy with a therapist that just doesn't get him. Lily, a dachshund, is Ted's faithful companion, his friend, his rock, his sounding board, his greatest love. Ted raised Lily from twelve weeks of age and they have a bond that only someone who has a beloved pet could understand. Ted discovers an octopus on Lily's head. The crisis of his life is about to begin as he and Lily must come to terms with mortality and what living really means.Come along with Ted and Lily as they journey through life.CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, AND DEVELOPMENT: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+ STARSThis 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.

[c.archer · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a touching story of a man and his dog. Lily and Ted are a bonded pair that have enjoyed a lifetime of friendship. Sadly it's Lily the Dachshund's lifetime, not Ted's. Still, twelve and a half years of sharing lives makes saying goodbye especially hard.The idea of the octopus is genius and gives a fanciful, yet personalized status to a disease that we all hate-Cancer. This story is a tear-jerker, but with a punch of humor that helps it go down a little easier.I highly recommended "Lily and the Octopus" for any dog lover. It is somewhat reminiscent of "The Art of Racing in the Rain", but also a great modern and metaphoric twist on "Moby Dick".My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this very special book.

[toobusyreading · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Anthropomorphism reigns supreme in this novel, which initially read like a memoir. Perhaps that's because it is apparently semi-autobiographical. Well, parts of it, anyway.Anyone who has loved an animal can understand battling for that animal's life, whether the threat is in the form of a tumor or an octopus.However, the whole octopus thing got old long before it got completely out of control. The protagonist waxes poetic about the octopus when I want to know what the vet said, what Ted is going to DO about that octopus. Instead, I got silliness and angst.I liked the voice of Lily. Ted was not so likable. Too much about his failed relationships, too much ineffective navel-gazing. For someone who fears addiction, he is more than willing to pop whatever stray pill presents itself – Vicodin or Valium – either will do, washed down with alcohol.For me, this book needed less fantasy, less going off the deep end (quite literally), less Moby-Dick wannabe, and more Lily. And it certainly didn't need self-absorbed Ted, musing over the octopus and talking about Lily, to think, “She failed to protect us.That is when the octopus came.She is the one at fault.She is the one to blame.”I know my opinion is in the minority about this book, so if it appeals, read it. For me, it was a no-go.I was given an advance reader's e-copy of this book for review. The quote may have changed in the published edition.