A review by heatherhazereads
Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley

emotional funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I finished this at 3 in the morning while laying awake in bed. My face and hair soaked as tears (eye rain!) just deluged down my face. I went into this book blindly, not knowing the hold that Lily (and Ted) would have on my heart and I'm not sure I'll recover. I did, however, read some reviews as I progressed through the book and was intrigued at the volume of negative ones. I get it that the voice of Lily when the author incorporated the exclamation points was annoying and the Octopus stuff was kind out there but GUYS - the beauty in the relationship of this man and his beloved dog was stunning, even when it was simply in the routine and mundane. It represented humankind and the bond with his K9 best friend in the most precious and heartbreaking way. 

If you've ever loved a dog, especially during a time when the love of said dog felt like the only scaffolding holding you up from certain demise, you need to read this book. You need to meet Lily and her octopus. Wow.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings