Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk

This book was recommended by a friend and I immediately downloaded the audio version for an upcoming drive. The reflective nature of the story matched the reflective state of my life at the moment. Looking back on accomplishments, dreams lost along the way, and what lies ahead in the remaining years. The main character is a trailblazing woman with an iron will. Even as an elderly lady walking the streets of New York and facing down thugs, she shows resolve and tenacity.

Lillian is an 84-years old woman walking around New York City on New Year’s Eve.

She loves the city, made her way there as a young woman in advertising in the 30s, became well-known as a poet of light verse. She alternately reminisces about her life and encounters people you would not expect.

She remembers her life in pieces, the way one does, so the reader puts together the mystery.

I found her to be a delightful and refreshing character. The book is a beautiful lacing of the past with the promise of unexpected things to come. 

This story was beautifully written, remarkable, often amusing, and quite moving.

Lillian is an utterly original elderly woman, and her memories of her fascinating and unique life experiences from the 1930s through the 1980s form the basis of this outstanding novel. Witty, charming, vibrant, and moving.

I couldn’t help but cheer her on as she walked through the streets of New York and brought me along on her journey through memories of her life.