Summary
Ted Flask loves his 12-year-old dachshund, Lily. But one day, he notices something strange. There’s an octopus on her head! As many people do, Ted tends to talk to Lily as if she were human. And imagines her responses. When he notices this creature on her head, he points it out. Lily is later diagnosed with cancer. And the octopus is the cancerous tumor growing inside. The octopus later develops a voice and Ted is determined to get rid of it.
Review
If you’re looking for a quick recommendation, yes, I would definitely recommend this book!
If you enjoyed The Art of Racing in the Rain, you might like this one. It is humorous before it turns sad. Of course, books about dogs, especially older ones, are almost always sad. Although I’m not much of a dog person, I still enjoyed this book immensely. It’s a quick read and easy to get through, as the writing easily conveys the story.
Although it’s a sad story, the humor provides balance. It’s easy to relate to Ted as many of us talk to our pets and try to imagine what their responses would be. He even gives a voice to the octopus/tumor, I imagine as a way of coping with Lily’s death just around the corner. This story is for anyone who loves their pets, even if it’s not a dog, and those who have had to part with a furry friend.
Ted reminisces about all the good and bad times he and Lily have experienced. He looks back on when Lily was a puppy, the first time she tried ice cream, and realizes his time with her will soon be cut short. This is for anyone looking for a great, short read about our loves for our pets. But be sure to read most of it in a more private place, as tears are sure to be shed while reading it.
Overall, I would recommend this to a busy mom. It’s a short, quick, but impactful read that’s sure to leave a lasting mark on your heart. As Lily grows on you almost as much as she did on Ted. I would only recommend it if you’re looking for a good cry, not a feel-good novel.
Rating
Five out of five stars
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If you enjoyed my review of Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley, you might also like The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan. Check out my review!
If you’re interested in purchasing Lily and the Octopus, here are some quick links to buy the book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. And, if you’re interested to see what others think, here’s the link to the book on Goodreads.
