A friend with whom I regularly chat about books warned me against reading Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.
We have similar reading tastes — she’s the one who introduced me to Things You Save In A Fire — and she said she couldn’t get into the book, despite all the positive hype around it. As a result, I delved into Eleanor Oliphant with a slightly closed mind and a heavy bout of skepticism.
And, to be honest, I wasn’t greatly intrigued at first. The beginning reminds me of several stories I’ve read about socially awkward, possibly on-the-spectrum individuals who overcome their reservations, finding a place for themselves in the world, and possibly even love, à la The Rosie Project or The Kiss Quotient.
All these stories are wonderful, don’t get me wrong. I adored both those other novels. It’s just, well, I’ve read them already and don’t need another one.
But Eleanor Oliphant snuck up on me. Author Gail Honeyman created a smart, snarky, dark, and surprisingly loveable main character who, despite all her oddities, can’t help but win over your heart — even as you’re cringing at the things she does (a lil’ bit of stalking. Just a smidge) or says (no filter whatsoever. NONE).
Before I knew it, I was rooting for Eleanor Oliphant – and desperate to read more of her story. I loved watching her wake up from the hazy, half-drunken, angry bubble she’d been floundering around in and start living her own life. I cheered every time a new experience turned into a little (but major) triumph: wearing make-up, recklessly typing emails in shorthand instead of proper English (e.g: “c u later”), and having lunch with a friend.
Hell, having a friend in general. That was a super-big accomplishment for this lady.
Eleanor Oliphant is sharply amusing, a little heavy, and, if you give it time, capable of giving you all the feels. Think The Rosie Project meets A Man Called Ove.
Oh, and the ending. The ending floored me. Not much floors me anymore. This did. I did NOT see it coming.
Vulnerable, fractured, and brave Eleanor Oliphant had the effect on me that only a few other novels have: at the end of the story, I closed the book and hugged it to my chest, wishing I could hug dear Eleanor and wish her well.
Read this one, folks. Don’t listen to the naysayers.
And check back in for my book-inspired recipe: Orange Blueberry Muffins.
When I began reading this book, I thought it was yet another person-on-the-spectrum tale, but then you learn her backstory and realise it’s so much more! Eleanor’s character was formed by her experiences, which I thought gave the story a real heart, and you end up rooting for her to overcome these tragic beginnings. I just wished the author had written a final chapter, showing us how her relationship with Raymond had progressed – but that’s just my soppy soul, wanting some romance!
I loved how unconventional Eleanor’s story is, in all ways. Such a great novel that brings all the feels!