Ever since reading A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman I have been searching for the next unique and quirky character. I’ve seen Eleanor Elephant is Completely Fine on social media, but never managed to pick it up. But after reading the blurb, and seeing it being compared to OVE, I had to read it sooner than later. My library finally had the audiobook available and I went on a wonderful and enjoyable journey.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
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 social interactions, where weekends are punctuated by frozen pizza, vodka, and phone chats with Mummy.
But everything changes when Eleanor meets Raymond, the bumbling and deeply unhygienic IT guy from her office. When she and Raymond together save Sammy, an elderly gentleman who has fallen on the sidewalk, the three become the kinds of friends who rescue one another from the lives of isolation they have each been living. And it is Raymond’s big heart that will ultimately help Eleanor find the way to repair her own profoundly damaged one.
Soon to be a major motion picture produced by Reese Witherspoon, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is the smart, warm, and uplifting story of an out-of-the-ordinary heroine whose deadpan weirdness and unconscious wit make for an irresistible journey as she realizes. . .
The only way to survive is to open your heart.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine – Gail Honeyman
My thoughts
Eleanor was truly fascinating. And the story on its own was touching, heartbreakingly emotional, genuine, and utterly remarkable.
What got to me again and again was the way Eleanor struggled with day to day events. Dialogues that are just normal and boring to us, gave her such a hard time. Her unique view of everything from going to the grocery store, to dating, even to funerals was as entertaining as it was emotional. I was hanging on her every word. And her no-nonsense demeanor was delightfully entertaining.
Her entire journey was heart-achingly beautiful.
Friends, so easy for most of us, was an enigma for Eleanor. The slow progress, and the wonderful interaction between her and the rest of the supporting cast was a highlight. And tangible proof of her headway in opening up and letting people into her heart. With every step she took, she turned into a more healthier and content person.
There was never a time I pitted her or felt sorry for Eleanor. She had an interesting way of seeing things. And it made certain interactions way simpler and much more interesting because of it.
Eleanor will truly touch everyone’s heart and soul. Her unique personality will stay with you forever.
But what I must mention is that Eleanor is unfortunately not on par with OVE. I missed his dry sarcasm, the LOL moments and the undeniably special person that Ove was. But nevertheless Eleanor was a wonderful read and I’m glad I finally got to meet her. I can only recommend this book to anyone who loves a warm-felt and wonderfully well written story. The audiobook was a true pleasure, and the narrator did a fantastic job bringing Eleanor to live in an unique and distinctly touching way.
4/5 Stars
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Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine – Gail Honeyman
Sounds like a great story! I’ll have to get it read before the movie is released!
That’s so true, there will be a movie with Reese Witherspoon – read the book first, the movie won’t be as good – lol
They never are lol 😂
Wonderful review! This has been on my TBR for awhile and I hope to read it soon 🙂
Thank you 😀 It has been on my tbr since last year – and I finally got to it. I’m glad I picked it up. The writing was superb and the characters fascinating and real. You’ll love it!!!
I have this in hardcover and I can’t wait to start it. I think I’m going to really love it.
I think so too!!! She is an incredibly unique character, with a thought process that’s entertaining as well as thought provoking. The hype is real. 😀
YAY!
This is one of those books that I’ve seen around a ton, but haven’t really looked too much into. It sounds really good. It’s going on my list. I haven’t read Ove yet, so maybe I should read this one first!
Great review!
After reading Rosie’s Project I have a weakness for unique and socially awkward characters. They bring something special to stories. OVE is funny in a dry and sarcastic way, a widower that thinks he is fine with life. The friendships that he builds throughout the book is what makes it so heart warming. Same with Eleanor. They change because of the people they meet. I would definitely put both on your tbr 😉
I haven’t read that book either! I need to! Have you read The Kiss Quotient yet? (I can’t remember if I read a review for it by you or not.) You would love that one!
I have to read before the movie! This seems like a great read and I can’t wait to pick it up. Great review!
I would suggest read it before the movie as well. It’s not easy to portrait such a unique character, I’m looking forward to Reese Witherspoon’s interpretation.;-)
Ya I think it’ll be entertaining to watch but of course the book will be better I’m assuming.
I need to read this one , sounds awesome
I just finished this read and loved the book!!! I loved Eleanors’s quirkiness and completely awkward humor.
Kara I felt the same! She was such an unique personality. We need more like her.;-)
I love this book! Is one of my favorite 🙂
Have you read A Man Called Ove yet? I adore him. Eleanor was a fascinating personality. I love all characters that are unique and quirky and she fit all those criteria.