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About The Book

Intelligently written, finely observed and surprisingly moving, this is a book you’ll find hard to put down’ GRAEME SIMSION, author of The Rosie Project

Companions come in all shapes and sizes.
Companionship lasts forever.

Ted and Lily -
Enjoy long walks.
Watch films together.
Have been known to share a pizza.
Love each other fiercely.
Have been inseparable for 12 years.

But there is one more twist to come in this tail …
A charming, heartfelt and unforgettable novel about life, love and long walks, perfect for fans of Marley and Me and The Art of Racing in the Rain.


'An utterly charming novel' RED
‘Singular, spectacular, and touchingly tentacular’ CHRIS CLEAVE
'Hilarious. Heartbreaking. Weeping buckets. You'll love it' PATRICK NESS
'Lily and the Octopus is the dog book you must read this summer ... Reading this heart-wrenching but ultimately breathtaking novel was a very profound experience … As Lily might say, ‘YOU! MUST! READ! THIS! BOOK!' WASHINGTON POST
'Will steal your heart' DAILY MAIL
'Peppered with laughter and heart-tugging moments' SUN

About The Author

Malina Saval

Steven Rowley has worked as a freelance writer, newspaper columnist, and screenwriter. Originally from Portland, Maine, he is a graduate of Emerson College. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his boyfriend and their dog. He is the author of Lily and the Octopus, The Editor, and The Guncle. Follow him on social media @MrStevenRowley.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK (July 14, 2016)
  • Length: 320 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781471154362

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Raves and Reviews

‘This cute and quirky tale will steal your heart

– The Sun

‘A stirring journey through the life of one man and his dog, peppered with laughter and heart-tugging moments

– The Daily Mail

Lily and the Octopus is the dog book you must read this summer… Reading this heart-wrenching but ultimately breathtaking novel was a very profound experience… As Lily might say, “YOU! MUST! READ! THIS! BOOK!”

– The Washington Post

Singular, spectacular, and touchingly tentacular’

– Chris Cleave, bestselling author of Everyone Brave Is Forgiven

Awards and Honors

  • Paradies Lagardere Fiction Airlines Pick

Resources and Downloads

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