Reviews with content warning for Alcoholism - Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk

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Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney

15 reviews

taylorfield's review against another edition

reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

Halfway through my goal at the halfway point of the year. Whew.

Long Story Short: Lillian Boxfish (based on the real-life Margaret Fishback) reflects on her 85 years of life and 60 years in New York City as she takes a long walk on New Year's Eve and rings in 1985.

Without meaning to, I have found myself in the octogenarian subset of fiction (The Thursday Murder Club, One Puzzling Afternoon, How To Solve Your Own Murder, Cut and Thirst-ish).

I'm in the minority of my friends for my rating, but I'll be the first to admit I think I'd have a higher rating if I hadn't listened to the audiobook. The transatlantic narration is fitting for the time but SO distracting, especially during conversations when each character would, for some reason, chuckle 2-3 times per sentence. There's a lovely interview with Xe Sands (narrator) and Kathleen Rooney at the end of the audiobook that made me feel really bad about not loving the narration (Sands' normal voice is incredible!), so I feel it's only fair to say that even if I had physically read it, I don't think it would be a 5/5 for me.

What I loved about Lillian's journey was the literal stroll through time, initiated by the advertising influence of Oreos and a television in a bar. Of course these seemingly minor experiences would spring Lillian's mind into reflecting on how her relevance faded as the industry she loved no longer had room for her. I also loved the NYE setting - the story hits a little harder on the night New York City famously casts out the old for the new.

Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Craft: 3/5
Overall: 3.5/5

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tibbarasden's review against another edition

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lighthearted reflective slow-paced

4.0

Very slow and rambly, especially at first. That said, I really found myself overall enjoying this. I loved the viewpoint from an octogenarian and the timeline from the 1930s to the 1980s. I enjoyed the reflections and memories as she walked through NYC on New Years Eve. The different people she encounters along the way and the people in her own life throughout the years were all interesting. Very much character driven, but I love the strong female lead and how she bucks tradition in regards to gender roles and age expectations.

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sytaylor's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny informative inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

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annaavian's review against another edition

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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.

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jennikreads's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective relaxing sad

5.0

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btothebooks's review against another edition

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dark funny lighthearted reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

There was something charmingly vintage of this book - like watching a Katherine Hepburn movie. The story telling aspect of it and the timeline back and forth made it easy to find good pausing points.

Content Warnings

pancakethefinch's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

It was the perfect book to read over the first week of the year, as it takes place over New Year's eve. Lillian Boxfish goes on a walk through one city, and one life.
Such a charming main character, and a beautifully written book. The author clearly loved writing this book, and I loved reading it.
I recommend you take a walk with Lillian, you will not be disappointed.

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