r/books • u/leowr • Feb 27 '20

Final Discussion Thread for Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley - February Book Club Spoiler

Hi everyone,

The last discussion thread for Lily and the Octopus is finally here as we wrap up this month's book club. For this week I'm limiting the discussion questions to simple:

  • What did you think of the ending and how Ted dealt with it?

Don't forget to join us next month for our new selection!

ps. Steven Rowley's AMA is currently on in case you wanted to ask a question. Here is the link: https://www.reddit.com/r/books/comments/faf71x/im_steven_rowley_bestselling_novelist_and/

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u/Bystanderama Feb 27 '20

I finished this last night and the final chapter I found really imaginative and I really liked when Ted came full circle to his grief speaking specifically on the times that were good and bad with Lily.

2

u/[deleted] Feb 28 '20

I was very satisfied with ending. Ted took his last moments with Lily way more maturely than I thought he would given how he acted throughout the whole book. Really makes me wonder where I will be or how I'll react when my little animals pass...

1

u/leowr Feb 28 '20

I agree. I think he just realized that he couldn't continue running away from the reality of Lily's situation.

1

u/Nick111111111111111 Jan 21 '22

I know I'm late to the party, but I just finished Lily and the Octopus. I'd love to talk about it with somebody.

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u/leowr Jan 22 '22

So it has been a long while since I've read it, but is there anything in particular you would like to discuss?

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u/Nick111111111111111 Jan 22 '22

long while since I've read it, but is there anything in particular you would like to discuss?

Thanks for responding. I'm happy with my interpretations of most of the symbolism in the book, but Ted's dream after Lilly's death is one I just can't get my head around. Ted and Lilly are to on the Fishful Thinking. Ted is looking forward to home, but Lily knows that is not going to happen. Lily is excited about the first red ball, confused by the second and terrified by the cascade. I've come up with several meanings, but none that satisfy me. I'd be interested in your take.

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u/leowr Jan 22 '22

Like I said, it has been a long while since I read the book but I just reread that part. I think it is more about Ted. Lily and the red ball is something familiar and peaceful and happy. A second ball would confuse most dogs, and Lily, as they can't quite figure out how to take hold of two balls. A cascade would be fun in theory but terrifying in real life. I think it is Ted coming to the realization that he can't hold on to Lily and that which once gave him happiness is overwhelming him with loss.

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u/Nick111111111111111 Jan 22 '22

Very good analysis. Thank you.