Book Review: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Book: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

Author: Gail Honeyman 

Pages: 338

Read on: Kindle 

Read in: 3-4 hours

Publisher: HarperCollins 

Plot Summary: Eleanor Oliphant has learned how to survive – but not how to live

Eleanor Oliphant leads a simple life. She wears the same clothes to work every day, eats the same meal deal for lunch every day and buys the same two bottles of vodka to drink every weekend.

Eleanor Oliphant is happy. Nothing is missing from her carefully timetabled life. Except, sometimes, everything.

One simple act of kindness is about to shatter the walls Eleanor has built around herself. Now she must learn how to navigate the world that everyone else seems to take for granted – while searching for the courage to face the dark corners she’s avoided all her life.

Change can be good. Change can be bad. But surely any change is better than… fine? 

Things I Liked: 

• I LOVED this book! 

• Okay, now that that's out of the way, let's get on, shall we? The premise of this book was very intriguing. Why is Eleanor's life so lacklustre? So 'fine'? Why does she live such a timetabled existence? I couldn't wait to dive into this book and learn more about Eleanor and her life. 

• Eleanor is such a delightful character. Her perspective on most things is logical, pragmatic and kinda hilarious. She is such a tragicomic character. The author has done a brilliant job of depicting her eccentricities and the utter sadness that underlies her life and worldview. I simply loved Eleanor's journey in this book- how she goes from being a complete lone, reluctant to speak to anyone unless it was absolutely essential, to someone who is unafraid to venture out, meet people and, even, make a new friend. 

• I also loved how this book is realistic in its depiction of Eleanor's journey. It is not like she is radically transformed into this happy, shiny person, but instead she is shown taking baby steps to facing her fears, letting go of her tragic childhood memories and getting the help and support she needs to live her best life. 

• There are several very loveable characters in this book. Raymond, Eleanor's colleague and friend is such a kind and gentle person. He never judges Eleanor for how she is and befriends her. Sammy and his family, who never forget Eleanor's kindness and embrace her as a friend. Raymond's mum, who is so lovely and kind to Eleanor. 

• More than anything else, this book is about hope. It is about courage. About overcoming your misfortunes, tragic circumstances, horrifying childhood and making your way in the world still being 'you' and trying to do the best you can. This book will make you root for Eleanor and for anyone like her, who has had to overcome so many odds at a young age. 

Rating: 5/5

Go read this book! You're going to love it!