I'll tell you what I think Eleanor Oliphant is, a quirky, charming, and heartwarming read. There was something genuine and relatable about Eleanor. As a reader, you cannot help but cheer her on, and it is always incredibly satisfying watching an underdog succeed. As much as I enjoyed this book, it wasn't un-put-downable for me, so I have settled on a 4-star rating. Overall, it is a touching story about human connection and growth.
Eleanor Oliphant is an independent young woman who works her desk job and follows a strict schedule. Her routine gets thrown aside when she and coworker Raymond witness an elderly gentleman fall unconscious on the street. Eleanor ends up visiting this man in the hospital with Raymond, creating new acquaintances and finding herself in a social circle for the first time in her life. As Eleanor comes out of her shell, she will also unearth some hard truths from her past.
The star of this book is obviously, Eleanor. Experiencing the world through her lens was a refreshing adventure. She interprets almost everything literally, following a strict set of social rules from which she operates, and becomes confused when others do not do the same. I think this framework made reading through her perspective so interesting and funny at times. The humor in this book stems from the disconnect between Eleanor's social rules and the readers'. It is her social exclusion and awkwardness that makes her relatable to the audience, something we can all empathize with from our own life experiences.
One thing that surprised me about Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine was that it wasn't a romance, but a story of friendship. I was constantly anticipating a loving moment just around the corner, but it never came. The book is truly about the power of friendship and connection in our lives. Throughout the novel, we get to see how relationships can positively or negatively influence us, whether that be through family, a coworker, or a pet. I think it makes us stop and appreciate those we depend on, and care about most.
This purchase was another case of "bookstagram made me buy it". I cannot seem to scroll through my Instagram without it popping up. I would recommend it for people who enjoyed The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion or A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. It was a delightful read, and I hope to read more by author Gail Honeyman in the future.
Yours Literarily,
Lauren.
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