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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
I wanted to enjoy Lillian Boxfish's story so much, but sadly I did not. The story became more interesting once I learned that it was based on real person (skip to the back of the book for that synopsis), but this one was just not for me! Though there are some exciting and fulfilling moments, the tone and pace do not change. While I realize it reflects Ms. Boxfish's own steady and unyielding demeanor, it made it difficult for me to remain engaged.
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was between 3 and 4 stars but rounded up. Taking this book for what it is, it’s great. Expecting too much, it’s probably disappointing. I picked it up at a used bookstore and was pleasantly surprised. Light-hearted reading during this global pandemic.
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
I loved Lillian! Someone I would love to know and have at my side. Also, as I listened to this, I have to say the narrator, Xe Sands, did a spot-on job of letting me ‘see’ Lillian. I will definitely be looking for more books by Kathleen Rooney and more narrations by Xe Sands
This was a slow start for me- second half really engaged me,
Kathleen Rooney can obviously write. Lillian Boxfish is a fully realised character on the page, and her wit is Rooney's wit. If you want a well written book by an author who clearly knows English with the capital 'E', then this is the book for you. However, if you want a book that's about SOMETHING, this isn't the book.
That's because, no matter how good Rooney's writing is, the book isn't really about anything. Whenever I go to the book, I feel like I am being forced fed stories by an old lady about her past — how she met her husband, how they fell out of love, how she asked for a raise, how she got an even bigger raise, etc. They are all mildly interesting stories, except it is 11.30pm, and the family members are already nodding off after a few drinks too many, but grandma is still going on about that one time when she and colleagues argued in a kitchen during a house party.
Grandma, I'm sorry, but it's almost midnight and we've heard this story before. Tomorrow's Monday, and it takes an hour to get home.
Nobody's got time for this.
That's because, no matter how good Rooney's writing is, the book isn't really about anything. Whenever I go to the book, I feel like I am being forced fed stories by an old lady about her past — how she met her husband, how they fell out of love, how she asked for a raise, how she got an even bigger raise, etc. They are all mildly interesting stories, except it is 11.30pm, and the family members are already nodding off after a few drinks too many, but grandma is still going on about that one time when she and colleagues argued in a kitchen during a house party.
Grandma, I'm sorry, but it's almost midnight and we've heard this story before. Tomorrow's Monday, and it takes an hour to get home.
Nobody's got time for this.
The audio helped me attach to Lillian Boxfish in a way that I didn't when I simply tried to read the book. Now, besides the superb narration, I loved so many things about this story: that it is based on a real woman; that we actually encounter two eras of NYC as Lilian walks through it; that this is NOT a come-of-age NYC story (I am tired of those) but rather it is a grand-dame look back. I love how the 80s came alive, with the presence of so many things I forgot I knew as I lived through them. I loved Lils' particular voice and word choices. I love how she asks everyone she talks to: "What's your name?" And that she uses it and doesn't forget it. This book made me think about me, a professional on the cusp of a big birthday, wondering where I am, with triumphs and failures, fantastic loves and heart-wrenching hurts. This is a story about a woman. Bravo.
I reallly wanted to, but I just couldn’t get into this book.
An introspective journey of 85 year old Lillian Boxfish on New Year's Eve as Lillian takes a walk around her beloved city New York. Lillian, once the highest paid ad writer for R. H Macy's reminisces her past, her relationships. the history of her city as she meets, befriends, confronts several characters during the course of her solitary walk. I felt a strange kinship with Lillian in our love for our respective cities - her city is New York and mine is Kolkata. I can visualize the familiar haunts of the city of Kolkata evoking memories and snippets of my past. So in a way, this read was personal.