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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
dark
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
This is the kind of book that’s so immersive, you might find yourself using strange, antiquated phrases and bon mots in conversation. As she walks through the city musing about her life, we really get to know Lillian, who is by all accounts fabulous, and the most progressive octogenarian I can imagine in 1980s NYC. It’s definitely a love letter to the city, stuffed with plenty of interesting historical tidbits and nostalgia. If you listen, I highly recommend sticking around for the interview with the author and narrator.
Honestly I feel like I would like this book, I just wasn’t in the mood to finish it at the moment.
This was my January Book of the Month Club selection, but the title didn't excite me very much, so I tossed it aside and it went unread until March. Now I'm sorry I didn't read it a lot sooner. The book follows the story of 85-year-old Lillian Boxfish on December 31st, 1984, as she walks around New York City and reflects on a life of both achievement and grief. A successful copywriter and poet with feminist leanings, Lillian had been the highest-paid woman in advertising in the 20s and 30s. Lillian is gritty, determined, and with not a small amount of wit, and the prose that tells her story is erudite and flourishing. I like to think my vocabulary is better than most, but I still had to Google a word or phrase a few times (which I loved). The book tells a beautiful, historically accurate story of life for a career woman in the 20s - 40s, with some material from Lillian's life as an octogenarian in the 80s as she tries to interact with a world that has moved on without her. It beautifully captures the sorrow of coming to terms with old age and losing one's friends and loved ones.
I also have to give the book props for treating adultery seriously, which few books do these days. Lillian is a seemingly unstoppable force, yet the one event that sets her life off course is dealing with her husband's infidelity and abandonment.
I was delighted to learn that the book was loosely based on the life of Margaret Fishback (whom I hadn't heard of) and---with permission from her estate---incorporates elements of her writings into it, mostly her poetry but also a letter. This just amplifies the novel's loveliness and historical accuracy. A great novel for feminists, city-lovers, 20th century history buffs, or people who just love poetry.
I also have to give the book props for treating adultery seriously, which few books do these days. Lillian is a seemingly unstoppable force, yet the one event that sets her life off course is dealing with her husband's infidelity and abandonment.
I was delighted to learn that the book was loosely based on the life of Margaret Fishback (whom I hadn't heard of) and---with permission from her estate---incorporates elements of her writings into it, mostly her poetry but also a letter. This just amplifies the novel's loveliness and historical accuracy. A great novel for feminists, city-lovers, 20th century history buffs, or people who just love poetry.
Highly entertaining; perhaps because I spent time as a holiday temp at the flagship Macy’s store when I finished grad school? I found this book delightful.
Couldn't finish it. I'm listening during my commute and I find myself drifting away more often than not. It may be something I pick up again as a physical read. That may make the difference.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
4/5 stars. Admittedly, I had a difficult time becoming interested for about the first 20% of the book. The narration was very well done and the story eventually did suck me in. I really liked the way that it ended and I really grew to love Lillian herself.