Susan (aka Just My Op)'s Reviews > Lily and the Octopus

Lily and the Octopus by Steven  Rowley
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it was ok

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.
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Reading Progress

Started Reading
April 15, 2016 – Finished Reading
June 7, 2016 – Shelved

Comments Showing 1-4 of 4 (4 new)

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message 1: by DeB (new) - rated it 2 stars

DeB I swim along with the same current as you do, on this one.


Kirsten I completely agree. I didn't write a review because I couldn't figure out how to express what I felt about it, but you summed it up.


message 3: by Josephine (new)

Josephine Briggs Good and honest review. I haven't read the book and don't think I will. Too much good reading around.


message 4: by Justsane (new) - added it

Justsane You completely nailed my opinions on the book.


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