Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, by Gail Honeyman has been on the New York Times Best Seller list for over a year. I felt it was high time that I read it.

Summary:

Have you ever worked with, or have known someone who does their job well but who just cannot connect to anyone on a personal level? Someone who seems to be living in their own world?  Eleanor Oliphant is such a person. We know she is socially ‘off’ but it takes the entire book to understand why.

Eleanor is very quirky. She wears the same clothes every day (clean but the same style), she has not cut her hair since she was much younger, she has an unexplained scar on her face, she is literal to the extreme. She is a very diligent and loyal worker who never takes nearly all of her allotted vacation days or sick days, she does not socialize with others. We come to understand that she is very lonely. She gets to know a friend – Raymond, who attempts to change her life. No spoilers here so you will have to read the book to find out what happens.

My review:

I keep thinking about this book – long after I have finished it. It is fiction, but it has taught me to be more tolerant of others. We do not know how personalities are formed but can imagine that the influence of those who cared for us plays a big role.  This book demonstrates that. Moreover, Eleanor had a very unusual upbringing.

I think this book is popular because it shows us that we need to be more understanding and forgiving of others. This is a good thing to be reminded of. Not everyone will like this book and that is okay. I recommend it and hope all who read it will take something away that is positive – isn’t that what reading is all about?

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Something About the Author:

1. https://www.foyles.co.uk/Author-Gail-Honeyman
2. https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/glasgow-girl-gail-is-living-the-dream-36612418.html

Book Discussion Questions:

1. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/540586/eleanor-oliphant-is-completely-fine-by-gail-honeyman/9780735220690/readers-guide/
2. https://bookclubbabble.com/book-club-questions-for-eleanor-oliphant-is-completely-fine-by-gail-honeyman/

Book Reviews:

1. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/gail-honeyman/eleanor-oliphant-is-completely-fine/
2. https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/eleanor-oliphant-is-a-most-unusual-and-thought-provoking-heroine-1.3157828