DeB's Reviews > Lily and the Octopus
Lily and the Octopus
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by
DeB's review
bookshelves: animal-stories, magic-realism-fantasy, dubious-choices-for-me, quirky-fiction
Mar 07, 2016
bookshelves: animal-stories, magic-realism-fantasy, dubious-choices-for-me, quirky-fiction
Here I go, bucking the flow of the majority opinion. Lily and the Octopus did not work for me. Quirky books are generally favourites of mine. I am a pile of mush over dog stories. But somehow this missed the mark badly -I am Not a fan. This is not a story about a dog. This book does not remotely resemble "The Art of Racing in the Rain", aside from the thin comparisons that a dog and people interact, and there are teary moments.
"Lily and the Octopus" is the story of a very self-absorbed man, his love life, his loneliness and his sick dachshund. The parts about Lily, the sweet anecdotes, were lovely. However, the focus was primarily on the tumour on the side of her head and how it would affect Ted. I didn't expect that the intimate dating life of Ted would be weighted as emotionally significant as poor Lily going into surgery. I couldn't "buy in" to the animated tumour- Octopus, with its voice and eye. The "coming of age" mythology played out in Captain Nemo-esque fantasies, with Ted fighting the Octopus (rather than Moby Dick) didn't resonate. Ted's angst about his personal life wasn't quirky; rather it was somber and essentially central to the story. Not Lily.
The one place that I could relate was Lily's final moments. I have been there myself. Having been so detached from the rest of the book, I was almost astonished to find myself with tears pouring down my cheeks in Lily's final moments.
I expected something really good. Because the publicity blurb linked the novel to "The Art of Racing in the Rain", one of my favourite books, I anticipated a similarly thoughtful and wise meeting of words. "Lily and the Octopus" is not that book, and the comparison totally ticked me off. Probably lost a star because of it! Obviously we must all form our own opinions. I think that the publishers managed to pull that darn octopus over a large percentage of the readers' eyes, remembering only Lily and her sad pull on the heartstrings. (Edited April, 2017)
"Lily and the Octopus" is the story of a very self-absorbed man, his love life, his loneliness and his sick dachshund. The parts about Lily, the sweet anecdotes, were lovely. However, the focus was primarily on the tumour on the side of her head and how it would affect Ted. I didn't expect that the intimate dating life of Ted would be weighted as emotionally significant as poor Lily going into surgery. I couldn't "buy in" to the animated tumour- Octopus, with its voice and eye. The "coming of age" mythology played out in Captain Nemo-esque fantasies, with Ted fighting the Octopus (rather than Moby Dick) didn't resonate. Ted's angst about his personal life wasn't quirky; rather it was somber and essentially central to the story. Not Lily.
The one place that I could relate was Lily's final moments. I have been there myself. Having been so detached from the rest of the book, I was almost astonished to find myself with tears pouring down my cheeks in Lily's final moments.
I expected something really good. Because the publicity blurb linked the novel to "The Art of Racing in the Rain", one of my favourite books, I anticipated a similarly thoughtful and wise meeting of words. "Lily and the Octopus" is not that book, and the comparison totally ticked me off. Probably lost a star because of it! Obviously we must all form our own opinions. I think that the publishers managed to pull that darn octopus over a large percentage of the readers' eyes, remembering only Lily and her sad pull on the heartstrings. (Edited April, 2017)
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Reading Progress
March 7, 2016
– Shelved
March 7, 2016
– Shelved as:
to-read
August 15, 2016
–
Started Reading
August 15, 2016
–
80.0%
August 16, 2016
–
80.0%
August 16, 2016
– Shelved as:
animal-stories
August 16, 2016
– Shelved as:
quirky-fiction
August 16, 2016
– Shelved as:
dubious-choices-for-me
August 16, 2016
– Shelved as:
magic-realism-fantasy
August 16, 2016
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-49 of 49 (49 new)
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I very much appreciate friends and/or other reviewers who don't shy away..."
Thank you so much, Pamela. It appears that Matt had a "moment", and deleted his original comment, though the italicized version remains in my reply. That is a good thing. Your declaration of your belief in "the right to free speech" is another one!
The comment has been deleted, but remained in my reply, in italics. "A interesting spin. I shall hold back recommending The Art of Racing in the Rain."
Succinct, brutal and pointedly vengeful.
There was an "answer" to my post, but it too has been wiped out. He could not address his statement about "Rain".
I believe he may have had second thoughts after I held up the "face" revealed to the world, by his actions.
I can take being slammed for a difference of opinion, but taking it out on another book mentioned is very low.
He may have suffered a twinge of remorse, though he did not address his snipe at Rain in his reply, or was unnerved by being "revealed". But he deleted his comment, which for him is a positive action and hopeful for the future. I, however, will let mine stand.
Thanks for liking my review! (The dream sequence in the book left me cold. I think I was annoyed that the book had been compared to The Life of Pi and The Art of Racing in the Rain, as part of its publicity campaign. The dream sequence was on the ocean, in a boat with fantastical speaking creatures = Pi? A dog who formulates thought and commentary = "Rain"? Pretty lightweight and overstated. Yep, the book shut me down. "
So what a interesting comparisons. Seems they will use anything to sell a book these days. I'm so glad all the comparisons to "Gone Girl" have finally fizzled! Take care, I love reading your reviews:)
Thanks for your thoughts... it is important that each of us can be free to express our opinions on GR, even when they buck the prevailing trends. There are those books which I simply lose faith in... not many... but I review and rate them accordingly. Hope you find your next book a fine one!
Matt continues to be a GR friend, whom is mutually part of the very discerning constant readers that I have been fortunate to befriend here. There recently was a significant hullabaloo around a review by another reader, and his remarks were intended to be neutrally supportive. We all learn from one another here! I loved The Nest, because I had very recently gone through a similar horrid situation. Many others hated it. I recently read what I thought was an appalling review, one lacking any insight, on Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng. It was not an easy book, but I did find it a piece of extraordinary writing, as promised by the critics. I wanted dearly to contest that opinion but, why? Sometimes other perspectives are meaningful and appreciated, if you have something worthwhile to add. Argument - not my thing! Thank you for your remarks!
When having an opinion that runs against the flow of popular opinion (I personally didn't realize Lily and the Octopus would become a cult favourite, voted on to get to the Goodreads finalists!), it is kind of nice to discover that there are a few other members of your own distinctly unique tribe who feel the same way! Glad to be able to understand your POV, debra!
When having an opinion that runs against the flow of popular opinion (I ..."
What astounds me are the people who feel that an opinion different from theirs is a "wrong" opinion. Just don't get that!
Like enjoying choc more than van can be right or wrong.
Wait-comment or review???
So true. Read your review and the comments again. I love honesty.
So true. Read your review and the comments again. I love honesty."
It sure stirs up reactions, that is for sure. Did not expect such strong ones! The biggest bee in my bonnet was the use of a spectacularly good novel to promote this "meh" one. Oh, well. There are many books awaiting... ;-D
I also wanted to share an anecdote. I was so taken with the words in your last paragraph to your detractor that I Googled the quote "tuck away the barbs...' because I thought it was one a famous person had surely uttered. Come to find that quote is yours and your review is the first item to come up in the search results. Now it HAS been offered by a famous person. You. ;-D
Isn't that something, Victoria!
The biggest issue for me, which many missed, was that comparison to The Art of racing in the Rain - and the enormous slight of another writer in the first comment I had:
"An interesting spin. I shall hold off recommending The Art of Racing in the Rain."
I found it a real "low blow" to hit at that book, when there was disagreement with my opinion. And from there this discussion began to fly! The right to opinions? Isn't that what the forum of Goodreads is all about?
Writing is the product of a vulnerable state, and I hate panning a book. Writing a review can be an equally vulnerable position. Every opinion expressed here is one that I respect. I may not agree, but I respect the reviewer's effort to speak. That is what counts!
I think society has lost a measure of civility, but I would hope we would be able to maintain respect at a minimum on this forum. Writing reviews, especially for the usually introverted bookworm, does expose us in a very vulnerable way.
You win some... yep, the hype around this novel somehow threw me into believing it would be much different. Perhaps without the comparisons, I wouldn't have suffered as badly and appreciated it on its own merits, but unfortunately that wasn't so. Onward,to the next book, right?
Glad to have been of service in your search! Yes, we see things differently, that is for sure and thank goodness there is always another book to dip into! Hope you find the next choice is great.
I will push through just because I do not leave a book unfinished but good lord this one is going to literally take me a year as I can only stand one or two chapters at a time before I want to shake someone.
Well, I was rather fond of ‘Racing’… it was right for me in time and place. The comparison irritated me- one bestseller with a dog in it doesn’t necessarily beget another!
I will have to read people's reviews of Racing to see if I can catch some of the enthusiasm others felt, even if I didn't.
I see you gave 2 Stars on 'Lily' ouch. I appreciate the review. Since it looks like you haven't read a lot of books relating to dogs, interesting you picked that one to read out of all the other great dog books.
I see 5 stars on Pippi Longstocking, one of my favorites to and picked up a copy at a thrift store recently.
I see you gave 2 Stars on 'Lily' ouch. I appreciate the review. Since it looks like you haven't read a lot of books relating to dogs, inte..."
Lol, Stephen, in my Animal Stories category, 15 out of 37 are specifically about dogs- and I’ve missed quite a few which I read on rehoming, behavioural issues, obedience etc., for general reference. It’s been a few years since I read “Lily”; the anthropomorphism of the tumour simply didn’t endear me to the novel and I continue to remember that. If you did read my review, you will note that I appreciated Lily herself.
I’m so happy that you have found a copy of Pippi Longstocking. I treasure many children’s books myself, and still own a very old copy of The Dog Who Wouldn’t Be- a loving memoir about a dog. Cheers!
I guess that the comment from Stephen here was meant for you- I answered it, lol. Lots of mixed reactions to Lily - and heated responses. After 5 years, I think I’m shelving mine! ☺️
I personally dont like dogs narrating a book sounding too human expressing vocabulary and concepts beyond what i feel a dog should. But as i said, still ok if you like the book.
My goodness! This is MY opinion. I don't know how many times that I have loved a book, written about it, and read reviews from others who felt the complete opposite.
I just read your review of the novel and obviously you were transported to a special place by Ted, which felt transformative. It is wonderful that the novel spoke to you.
The novel shut me down. My personal history no doubt influenced my reaction. Your very personal story explained at length your case.
But being INTENTIONALLY spiteful toward The Art Of Racing in the Rain as a means of hurting another reviewer is beyond the scope of my understanding. You have managed to demean your own review, your character and how you use Goodreads in one simple sentence.
All over a difference in opinion.... None of which was directed at you personally. Tuck away the barbs and scathing remarks; in a lifetime they will cut you to pieces far more cruelly than the people you intend to punish.
Offered with respect...