Lily and the Octopus
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 2016 |
| Founder | Steven Rowley |
| Products | Book |
| Parent | Simon & Schuster |
Lily and the Octopus marks the 2016 debut novel authored by Steven Rowley.
Plot
The story follows a 42-year-old author who finds a tiny octopus clinging to the head of his elderly dachshund, Lily.
Background
At the age of 43, Steven Rowley was employed as a paralegal and screenwriter. To process his grief after the passing of his dachshund Lily, he initially composed a short story about her death. Motivated by his boyfriend, he expanded this narrative into a full-length novel. Rowley completed Lily and the Octopus within 100 days but encountered rejection from approximately 30 literary agents. Although confident in his manuscript, he did not anticipate it would transform his professional path.
Preparing to self-publish, Rowley enlisted freelance editor Molly Pisani, who subsequently introduced the novel to Karyn Marcus at Simon & Schuster. Marcus, impressed by the work, forwarded it to editor-in-chief Marysue Rucci, who immediately recognized its exceptional quality, calling it "incredible" and deeply moving.
In April 2015, Publishers Weekly announced that Simon & Schuster had secured the novel in a deal reportedly close to seven figures. Industry observers highlighted the unusually swift acquisition for a debut author.
Publication
The book Lily and the Octopus was released on June 7, 2016.
Reception
Booklist lauded Lily and the Octopus as "an extraordinarily genuine, sharply perceptive, and heartbreakingly moving homage to the pure love shared between a pet and its owner." Publishers Weekly described it as "tender, humorous, and emotionally gratifying," emphasizing Rowley's "deeply affecting and universally relatable narrative." Kirkus Reviews characterized it as a "witty, passionate, and distinctly quirky" portrayal of canine affection. Sara Gruen referred to the novel as "a charmingly eccentric and profoundly touching work" that is "witty, insightful, and wholly original." Julie Klam of The Washington Post deemed it "devastating yet ultimately stunning," while Garth Stein praised it as "a meaningful examination of loss."
In June 2016, Lily and the Octopus featured on the American Booksellers Association's IndieBound Bestseller List. Additionally, The Washington Post included it in their selection of "Notable Fiction in 2016."
Film adaptation
In April 2018, Amazon Studios obtained the rights to adapt the novel into a feature-length film.
External links
- Loss of dog adopted in Maine inspires nearly $1 million advance for 'magical' novel, Portland Press Herald, May 31, 2016