Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Eleanor Oliphant Review: Introduction

Welcome to my first post! I want to debut with my Eleanor Oliphant review because it’s one of my best books of 2019. After seeing so much on social media I want to know if it’s worth the hype. Published by HarperCollins, it’s also novelist Gail Honeyman’s debut novel and what a debut! Compulsive, charming, original and touching; Eleanor Oliphant is a story of facing up to the past and creating a better future. This bestseller (over 2 million copies so far) won the British Book Awards ‘Book of the Year’ and the Costa First Novel Award. Out now in paperback, ebook and audiobook it is also being made into a film produced by Reece Witherspoon. Can’t wait for the book v movie debate on this one!

My Review

Thirty-year-old Eleanor Oliphant had a difficult background. She was brought up in care after a trauma she’s not come to term with and lives a simple, lonely existence. She sticks to her scheduled habits rigorously: wears the same clothes and eats the same food, never misses a day of work and never makes any friends. Eleanor thinks she is completely fine, except of course, she isn’t.

Eleanor’s total lack of social skill and poor understanding of the world can sometimes feel a bit of a stretch, yet I find myself identifying with certain aspects of her experience.

A chance encounter at work sets off a chain of ordinary but transformative events in Eleanor’s life. Slowly, like an emerging butterfly she begins to change and appreciate the emotional side of life, which allows her to start truly living rather than just existing.

I think the plot is well-paced and believable, and I like the true-to-life characters. I find the writing to be compelling, original, powerful, sensitive and touching; there are also some very funny moments. I’m not surprised it’s a fiction 2019 best seller! I call it a must-read, one to add to your TBR and enjoy in your favourite book nook.

Cover Blurb for Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

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?

An astonishing story that powerfully depicts the loneliness of life, and the simple power of a little kindness.

Have you read Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine? Is it on your TBR? Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Check out my other book reviews here.