Penguin Publishing Group | May 2017 | 336 pgs
Source: Library
Eleanor Oliphant is an unusual woman. Living alone and with
no friends, one would've thought her life must be terribly miserable and
lonely. On the contrary, Eleanor doesn't really care what others think of her
and is rather contented with her simple, routine life. Not a natural with
social skills and sweet talking, she is often brushed off as being odd by her
co-workers and even if they do talk to her their intentions are usually
insincere or with motives. Eleanor has a crush on a musician
named Johnnie Lomond and she often envision them being as a couple one day. It
is a wishful thinking on her part, but he keeps her motivated in some
way.
Then her life takes a turn after she's met Raymond
Gibbons. Raymond works in the same company as Eleanor although they are
from different department. Eleanor knew Raymond because she needs his help with
fixing her office computer; and being a new employee and a conversationalist at
heart, Raymond will try to get into conversations with Eleanor whenever he sees
her. Eleanor isn't interested in forming a friendship with Raymond initially, but both of
them saw an elderly man fell and hurt his head on their way out of the office
at the same time one day. While Eleanor isn't the one who accompanied Sammy into the
ambulance, she couldn't help thinking of his condition and when Raymond suggest
they visit Sammy together after work she knew she has no reason to turn him
down. That one visit lead to another visit, and in no time Eleanor finds
herself quite familiarise with Sammy and even Raymond. In the subsequent
events, Eleanor changes bit by bit the more she's out with Raymond and interact
with others. And towards the end, the reader will discover more of Eleanor and what
makes her live in her own world and how she comes out from that abyss of
loneliness and self-blame.
I've to say Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is more than a
fine book; it is a moving, uplifting book filled with heart and courage. She is an intriguing character but not one who finds approachable at first sight; she is aloof and it took me some time to warm up to her but I liked her for her guilelessness and her genuine self. This is a heartwarming story that made me laugh, cry and be inspired by Eleanor's courage and determination for walking out of her abyss and be someone different. This book is Gail Honeyman's debut and was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish College Fiction Prize. I'll be sure to follow her next release.
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I'm so glad you liked this one! I would like to read this one as well. Thank you for your insightful review, Melody.
Wendy - I really enjoyed this book! A refreshing read plus an interesting character. :)
I like the sound of this one! It's different from what I've been reading, which is nice. I'll have to look for it at the library. Thanks, Melody! :)
Sounds good! I love the idea of the positive changes in Eleanor's life!
Lark - I hope you'll enjoy it if you get to it. :)
Jenclair - Yes, we need more books like this! :)
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine sounds so good, I like quirky characters.
Naida - It was a good read; and I liked Eleanor Oliphant. :)