Book review: Lily And The Octopus

Lily And The Octopus is a moving story of Ted, a gay man living in California with the love of his life, Lily the sausage dog.

Steven Rowley

Simon & Schuster, €15.20 (ebook €7)

Rowley perfectly captures the heart-rending journey that man’s best friend takes us on from adoring them as puppies to that awful last trip to the vet.

If dogs could speak, I have no doubt they would sound just like Lily: “Look at this It’s amazing.” and the joyful excitement of Lily’s character brings this book to life.

The octopus in the story is a tumour on Lily’s head, and Ted’s battle to come to terms with losing Lily makes for a heartfelt exploration of grief.

Both moving and comic at turns, Lily And The Octopus is a stunning portrait of the bond between man and dog.

For dog lovers everywhere.