Lily and the Octopus

by Steven Rowley
Lily and the Octopus cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Literary Fiction
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Technical
  • ID: 3385
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781501146237
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2016-06-07
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Lily and the Octopus is a deeply moving story that explores the profound connection between Ted Flask and his beloved dog, Lily. The novel captures the essence of unconditional love and the heart-wrenching struggle of letting go, all wrapped in a magical and unforgettable narrative that resonates with the spirit of classics like The Art of Racing in the Rain and The Life of Pi. /n/n This book is not just about the journey of a man and his dog; it's a testament to the power of love and the lengths we go to for those we cherish. The magic of the story lies in its ability to evoke a range of emotions, making it a must-read for anyone who has ever loved fiercely.

Reviews
Cozy With Books · 2023-04-20
heartwarming 4.50

The book is praised for its emotional depth and magical spirit, making it a captivating read. It blends heartfelt storytelling with a unique perspective on love and loss.

This review highlights how the book beautifully combines emotional depth with a magical spirit, drawing comparisons to well-loved novels. The reviewer appreciates the epic adventure of love and loss, finding it both moving and enchanting. They note that the story's unique perspective makes it a standout read, blending heartfelt storytelling with a touch of whimsy that resonates deeply. The reviewer is particularly impressed by the author's ability to create a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Quick quotes

    Combining the emotional depth of The Art of Racing in the Rain with the magical spirit of The Life of Pi

    an epic adventure of the heart

    a captivating read that blends heartfelt storytelling with a unique perspective on love and loss

Linda's Book Bag · 2016-08-13
compelling 4.75

The reviewer highlights the author's unique style and highly recommends the book. They find it to be a compelling and engaging read.

This reviewer is particularly impressed by the author's unique style, which they find almost impossible to define but highly engaging. They highly recommend the book, praising its compelling narrative and the author's ability to create a story that is both emotionally resonant and beautifully crafted. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the characters and the emotional journey they undertake, making it a standout read. They find the book to be a must-read for anyone looking for a deeply moving and well-written story.

Quick quotes

    Steven Rowley has a unique style of his own that is almost impossible to define

    I cannot recommend Lily and the Octopus highly enough

    a compelling and engaging read

The New Dork Review of Books · 2016-06-07
charming 4.00

The book is described as charming, funny, and profoundly moving, spanning a wide emotional spectrum. It's a good read that balances sadness with moments of joy and insight.

The reviewer finds the book to be a charming and surprisingly profound read, despite its sad undertones. They appreciate how the story balances moments of humor and joy with deeper emotional insights, making it a well-rounded and engaging experience. The reviewer notes that the book's ability to span the emotional spectrum is one of its greatest strengths, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a deeply personal level. Overall, they find it to be a good read that stays with you long after the last page.

Quick quotes

    As sad as it can be, it's also charming, and funny, and often surprisingly profound

    It's a just good read that spans the emotional spectrum

    a surprisingly profound read

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