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annaavian's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk" by Kathleen Rooney is a beautifully crafted novel that captures the essence of New York City in a truly remarkable way. The story of Lillian Boxfish, the highest paid woman in the advertising industry in the 1930s, is both melancholic and emotional, offering a poignant portrayal of a woman who refused to leave the city she loved, despite its changing landscape.
Rooney's writing is captivating, drawing readers into Lillian's world as she takes a stroll through the streets of New York, reminiscing about her life and the city's evolution. The novel's melancholy and emotional tone are punctuated by moments of humor and poignant reflection on one's place in the world.
What makes "Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk" such a pleasant read is its gentle pacing and the depth of emotion it evokes. Lillian's resilience and determination are inspiring. From a smart, stylish, independent young woman landing a job at R.H. Macy’s, through a fractured marriage and mental health issues, to an 85 year old tour de force, roaming the streets of Manhattan alone.
While the novel features charming moments and touches of emotion, it can at times leave readers yearning for more information about Margaret Fishback, the woman who served as its real-life inspiration.
Rooney's writing is captivating, drawing readers into Lillian's world as she takes a stroll through the streets of New York, reminiscing about her life and the city's evolution. The novel's melancholy and emotional tone are punctuated by moments of humor and poignant reflection on one's place in the world.
What makes "Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk" such a pleasant read is its gentle pacing and the depth of emotion it evokes. Lillian's resilience and determination are inspiring. From a smart, stylish, independent young woman landing a job at R.H. Macy’s, through a fractured marriage and mental health issues, to an 85 year old tour de force, roaming the streets of Manhattan alone.
While the novel features charming moments and touches of emotion, it can at times leave readers yearning for more information about Margaret Fishback, the woman who served as its real-life inspiration.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt
Moderate: Alcoholism, Infidelity, Mental illness, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Miscarriage
books_and_teapots's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage and Suicide attempt
sammies_shelf's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This was a slow, meandering read inside the mind of a complex, ballsy, wise, melancholy woman named Lillian Boxfish as she takes a walk on New Year's Eve 1984. I really enjoyed the development of Lillian's character as she shares more and more of her stories, I loved her interactions with strangers as she walks through New York City, and I liked how these fed into each other. I appreciate and find very interesting the basis of Lillian on the real highest-paid woman copywriter in the world in the 1930s, who also worked for Macy's. I think the writing is lovely. This was an enjoyable book with some great, heartwarming moments and interesting stories.
Favorite quotes:
"This, I imagine, is why I love walking in the city, taking to the streets in pursuit of some spontaneous and near-arbitrary objective. If one knocks oneself out of one's routine--and in doing so knocks others gently out of theirs--then one can now and again create these momentary opportunities to be better than one is."
"I am proud that I fought so hard against the world, relieved that I made my fragile truce with it. I can greet it now, from time to time, as it really is."
Favorite quotes:
"This, I imagine, is why I love walking in the city, taking to the streets in pursuit of some spontaneous and near-arbitrary objective. If one knocks oneself out of one's routine--and in doing so knocks others gently out of theirs--then one can now and again create these momentary opportunities to be better than one is."
"I am proud that I fought so hard against the world, relieved that I made my fragile truce with it. I can greet it now, from time to time, as it really is."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Alcoholism and Miscarriage
dont_stop_meow's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Infidelity, Mental illness, Grief, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Miscarriage