這是作者根據童年經驗所寫成的半自傳體小說,以多重觀點交錯的手法,將小女主角露欣達生活中的點點滴滴,呈現在讀者眼前。書中鉅細靡遺地描繪十九世紀末的美國紐約──白手起家的新移民與不知民間疾苦的富裕上流社會階層相互對立,卻逐漸融合的一個新世界;一個在逐步建設中,即將邁向新世紀的國際化城市;一個隱約已見社會問題、貧富差距過大的現代叢林。作者透過露欣達的親身體驗,輕巧而不著痕跡地帶領讀者進入一百年前的世界。
Luchinda's year in New York City began when her family went to Europe and left her with Miss Peters---not,thank Heaven,with Aunt Emily and her four docile, ladylike daughters,Miss Peters understood that a girl of ten wanted to roller-skate to school,and stop and chat with Patrolman M'Gonegal,and make friends with Mr. Gilligan,the cabbie,and even play with Tony.