This is the story of a life, Lillian's life, but it's also the story of New York City in the Twentieth Century.

On New Years Eve, 1984, Lillian Boxfish heads out for a walk and as we follow her through the city we learn her story and the story of the changing city. Lillian shares her story through alternating chapters between episodes in her adult life and 1984 present day. Lillian's life, like any other, has it's ups and downs. From her days as "the highest paid advertising women in America" to the dissolution of her marriage, Lillian is a survivor. She persisted in the days when being a woman meant being paid less because you didn't "have families to support" but when you did start a family you were automatically let go ("a mother couldn't work ... not to mention that she shouldn't!").

Inspired by the life and work of poet and ad woman Margaret Fishback, Kathleen Rooney gives us Lillian Boxfish, a smart, strong and witty woman,who  at the age of eighty-five is still full of life and through Lillian, a charming love letter to New York City.

(Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review)