Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

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No one's ever told Eleanor that life should be better than fine. Meet Eleanor Oliphant: she struggles with appropriate social skills and tends to say exactly what she's thinking. Nothing is missing in her carefully timetabled life of avoiding unnecessary human contact, where weekends are punctuated by frozen pizza, vodka, and phone chats with Mummy....


Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is written by Gail Honeyman. It made Reese Witherspoon's book club list. Other than that I have never heard of this author before.

This book has been out for awhile and I had heard good things. I don't think I would have chosen it on my own.

It's not an outstanding book. It doesn't have a lot of action. It's not overly interesting, or have an intriguing story line. It didn't keep me on the edge of my seat waiting for the big reveal. In fact, there is some revealing information but I had already figured it out by the time it came out.

However, I am glad I read it.

Eleanor is quirky, and that's putting it mildly. If I met someone like her in person I'd be annoyed, yet in this context, I found her likable. I found myself caring about her in a way I haven't ever before with characters. I credit that to the author. Good writing goes a long way.

Spoiler alert: Eleanor isn't just socially awkward, she is suffering from the effects of terrible events that took place during her childhood. It is really a form of mental illness. But her story reads in a way that draws you in, without being depressing or sad.

Although this book is a little different than your average fiction book, I would recommend it. It is a story that ends up being a journey in the best way.

The author takes the reader along with Eleanor as she goes from thinking she is completely fine to actually being fine, or rather even better than fine. Although at times what she goes through can be heartbreaking, seeing her come out of it healthier and happier will warm your heart.

Absolutely worth the read.





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