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A review by faerietears
Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This is a book about a middle aged man, Ted, and his dog, Lily. They’re best friends. They love one another. But when an “octopus” appears on Lily’s head one day and won’t leave, Ted begins to spiral.
This book is pure magical realism, which is fine, but it’s something I personally struggle with in literature. I love paranormal and fantasy as much as the next girl, but I need RULES. I need to be able to understand what’s actually real and what’s not. And with this book, I struggled. This isn’t a criticism of the book, it’s a ME PROBLEM. But that’s the main reason I couldn’t give the book a higher rating.
This book jumps between the present and Ted’s memories of Lily throughout her life. At times, seemingly pointless, but each memory has a purpose in the story.
Ted is clearly struggling with life and depression and Lily’s predicament isn’t helping. (Spoiler alert: it’s not REALLY an actual, literal, octopus on her head.)
Meanwhile, like the dog she is, Lily is nearly always happy and living in the NOW. She’s a true joy.
But this isn’t a happy book. This is a book about a man doing whatever he can to save his dog’s life. And the way the story is told is both joyful and heart wrenching. I’m not ashamed to say I cried. And I’m honestly not the biggest fan of dogs. (Childhood fear. I’ll share the story if you ask nicely.)
So bring your tissues because Lily & the Octopus is probably worth your time.
This book is pure magical realism, which is fine, but it’s something I personally struggle with in literature. I love paranormal and fantasy as much as the next girl, but I need RULES. I need to be able to understand what’s actually real and what’s not. And with this book, I struggled. This isn’t a criticism of the book, it’s a ME PROBLEM. But that’s the main reason I couldn’t give the book a higher rating.
This book jumps between the present and Ted’s memories of Lily throughout her life. At times, seemingly pointless, but each memory has a purpose in the story.
Ted is clearly struggling with life and depression and Lily’s predicament isn’t helping. (Spoiler alert: it’s not REALLY an actual, literal, octopus on her head.)
Meanwhile, like the dog she is, Lily is nearly always happy and living in the NOW. She’s a true joy.
But this isn’t a happy book. This is a book about a man doing whatever he can to save his dog’s life. And the way the story is told is both joyful and heart wrenching. I’m not ashamed to say I cried. And I’m honestly not the biggest fan of dogs. (Childhood fear. I’ll share the story if you ask nicely.)
So bring your tissues because Lily & the Octopus is probably worth your time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
Moderate: Animal death
Minor: Mental illness and Violence