Eleanor Oliphant is the story of a 30 year old former foster child who just exists; she goes to work, wears the same dull clothing, does he cryptic crossword in her lunch break, returns home, talks to mummy on Wednesday and buys 2 bottles of vodka at the weekend. It's the same every week until one day on her way home from work, she and the IT guy, Raymond, witness an old man collapsing in the street.

This odd event changes Eleanors life, and gives her a new outlook on her surroundings. She begins to meet new people & makes friends (friendship is an unknown quantity to her as she been 'fine' by herself for a long time), takes a shine to a pop star and starts to remember her blocked out childhood. Could these hidden memories be causing her to stick to her rigid life until now and is she will to face up to those haunting memories?

I really enjoyed this novel, it flowed really well from start to end and Eleanor's character had me laughing at times with her eloquent but crass and direct manner, it was rather refreshing-reminds me of the character from The Bridge from Sweden. Despite her self perceived differences, people around her do accept her and over the story, Eleanor learns to love herself for the first time.

The author ensures Eleanor has such a wide vocabulary that I had to look up many meanings to words I had not come across before, which also widened my own knowledge of the English language!

One thing I felt was unresolved is a piece of paper of a script from one of her foster homes is accidentally left by her social worker on a visit to check on Eleanor, never gets mentioned again, though it feels like it should have as the story lead you to believe what was insinuated was all lies.

I loved this book! It was funny, sad and the characters are so well written. I hope there’s a sequel!

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine - Gail Honeyman

I have a confession to make... I may have been sent a copy of this book at some point last year and I may have (read definitely) have forgotten about it. Ooops, my bad.
So then, its pretty lucky that Sanne over at Books and Quills did a video about the Costa Award's short list and mentioned this book prompting me to remember I had the book, so let's go!

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. All this means that Eleanor has become a creature of habit (to say the least) and a bit of a loner. 
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.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is the story of a quirky yet lonely woman whose social misunderstandings and deeply ingrained routines could be changed forever—if she can bear to confront the secrets she has avoided all her life. But if she does, she’ll learn that she, too, is capable of finding friendship—and even love—after all.

This was a bit of weird read for me, on the one hand, I raced through it because I really wanted Eleanor to be fine and I found her to be a pretty unique character, but there were also bits that didn't really sit well with me.
As you might have guessed from the title, Eleanor Oliphant is not as fine as she thinks she is. For one, she appears to have a drinking problem (tw I guess) ((also its not really a plot point that is resolved properly.)) For another, she is a level of socially awkward I have never experienced before and I mean, I am not only socially awkward myself, but read a lot of YA and that pretty much always includes someone who is socially awkward. It's kind of the law.
Anyway, I found Eleanor to be a very interesting MC. There were moments that I really related to and sympathised with her and of course I couldn't help but smile over her musical crush - we've all been there! But so many of her mannerisms and the situations she finds herself in do stretch the reality a bit... The only way I can describe her is that she reminded me of an alien visiting Earth for the first time.

A lot of the reviews I've read on this described the book as being funny... I didn't find it 'funny' it is a tragedy through and through. We have a 29 year old woman who is sad and alone and trying to fit in without understanding society in the slightest. There is also a tragic backstory that makes it all the more horrifying. This is a horrible book told in a light hearted, poignant way. I can completely understand why it got the attention of critics, it's certainly very different to anything I've read in a long time. I don't really know how I feel about this book... I think it'll stay with me for a while but not necessarily because I enjoyed it... Has anyone else read this? Let me know your thoughts!

3.5*
I had read quite a few reviews on this book, and felt I was missing out on something. I had to read it. Book's we know are like marmite, certain ones you love or hate. Well I didn't love this book, but I certainly didn't hate it.
I had read how totally uplifting, profound and beautifully written this book was and I couldn't wait to start it.
If I'm honest I didn't feel any of that while reading it. I can see it is written well, but I didn't feel anything really towards the main Character Eleanor.
I felt I just kind of went along with the story, thinking the book would at some stage grab me, unfortunately it didn't. i'm not sure what I feel now to be honest, this is a tough one to write about. Maybe i'm just hard faced b*/-h with no emotions lol. Just not really my cup o t'
​i'm by no means slating this book and I hope it doesn't come across like that, this book just wasn't for me.

Read on one afternoon unable to face being away from Eleanor for more than one minute. r
This book was totally not what I had been expecting and was loved all the more for that.
Stunningly beautiful and written with such emotion that I didn't want to say goodbye to Eleanor. Will be highly recommending this book and buying myself a physical copy to keep on my bookshelf.

I received this as a digital copy from the publishers via netgalley. I absolutely loved this book . Great title, ver y appropriate if I may say so. An excellent first novel I loved the writing style. Would recommend this to anyone. Quirky, sad, funny but most of all hopeful. You can't help but feel that Eleanor Oliphant is more than completely fine. Interested to see what this author will tackle next, in fact looking forward to it.

Sorry, gave up after 100 pages - did neither like the characters nor the plot, nor the writing style. I therefore refrained from posting any reviews online, except for here on Netgalley

Loved this book. Both Eleanor and Raymond are great characters. A highly recommended and all consuming read..

Eleanor is living in the same flat, working in the same place and doing her same routines for nearly 10 years. Buying pizza and vodka in Tesco every Friday to survive the weekends, and talks with “Mummy” every Wednesday. She doesn’t have any friend and she doesn’t even want to have. The personality of Eleanor is really complicated. She is extremely straightforward and honest. She has her own understanding how people should look like or talk and she is not shy about to tell them what she thinks. One night her life changes when she sees a musician on a gig and she fell for him straight away, but she knows there are changes needed for the relationship inside-out.

“Should I make myself over from the inside out, or work from the outside in?…Eventually, I decided to start from the outside and work my way in—that’s what often happens in nature, after all. The shedding of skin, rebirth. Animals, birds and insects can provide such useful insights. If I’m ever unsure as to the correct course of action, I’ll think, “What would a ferret do?” or, “How would a salamander respond to this situation?” Invariably, I find the right answer.”

While she is carefully planning the big day with the guy, she gets to know Raymund the new colleague who is an ordinary, low maintenance, chain smoker IT guy who has a big heart and anything happens to Eleanor he is there for her. Everything started when an old guy, Sammy, collapse on the street and Raymund runs to help, and he asks Eleanor to help. This accident opens up a new world for her. She becomes social and starts changing her outside and inside. Go to pubs, party, coffees and visiting Raymund’s mum and open up about her past, “Mummy”.

Eleanor is complicated. Not only her personality but her past too. Everything that she does or thinks is related to her troubled childhood, which makes her also a little bit crazy. Not too much, not too less. I did like her craziness though. The way she expresses herself, everyone can feel there is some damage to her, but it makes her more lovable. It is a really touching story. Especially because of her relationship with her “Mummy”.

I loved the book, and I loved to read it, even though sometimes there was more information what I needed. I believe it was because everything was in Eleanor’s narration and from her perspective that’s how things built up, and that’s completely fine for me. I can not complain about anything.

I recommend to everyone who loves smile, giggle on some comment of Eleanor. Also be ready you may cry, as I did when I found out what happened to her. I hope there will be some more books like this from Gail Honeyman and next time I won’t hesitate to read any of it!



P.S.: I just read, Reese Witherspoon is putting Eleanor’s story on screen. I got so excited!

My view of this novel is that it is fine (which just like in the title of the book needs to be read and understood as a British person using that word).

The novel is I think certain to feature in the Richard and Judy Book Club selection as soon as it is published in paperback, and will be a staple read for many book clubs in 2018. Its nomination for the best first novel for the Costa Prize – a prize which “recognises some of the most enjoyable books of the year” and (per Wikipedia) are given not just for literary merit but also for works “whose aim is to convey the enjoyment of reading to the widest possible audience” – is hugely appropriate. It has already been sold for large sums worldwide and already signed up by Reese Witherspoon for a film (one can only wince to think of how Hollywood could butcher this story) – again this is no surprise.

The real strength of this novel is that it manages to at the same time confront a difficult topic (extreme loneliness) and some dark subject matter (the book is at its strongest when Eleanor lapses close to suicide), while giving an ultimately feel-good message.

At heart (and this is a book with a huge heart) it has at least three important life lessons: that there are people around us and not just older people who in today’s atomised society are desperately lonely; that we should never jump to conclusions about why other’s act like they do but take time to understand them and their back stories; that small acts of kindness (kind words without any undercurrent, gentle and well-intentioned physical contact) can be transformative in the life of the marginalised.

But this is not literature: the character and life of Eleanor is littered with contradictions and inconsistencies (it would be churlish to list them here) – and while a few could be generously said to explained by Eleanor’s own denial of her past and unreliability as a narrator, that cannot be said of most, unless we simply accept that the entire tale is imagined.

I also think that the messages of the book would have been stronger (and more relatable to those around us) without the extremeness of Eleanor’s story.

The end of the book delivered two disappointments to me: Firstly I had suddenly thought mid-story that I had misinterpreted what was going on and that the final reveal of the book would give it a new, and more complex and ambiguous turn - only for that “reveal” to be two things which were obvious from very early on in the book to any vaguely attentive reader; Secondly one area I struggled with was how the social services and authorities dealt with the young and teenage Eleanor, especially as simple maths meant this was happening around the turn of the century, not in a less enlightened age – the acknowledgements did nothing to dispel my suspicion that this was entirely unresearched.

Overall though this is a book I would recommend that you read at some point in 2018.

'Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine' is one of those rare but wonderful types of book for me - something you pick up non-committally when you're in between-book-limbo. Before you know it, it's 12 hours later and you've devoured it, it's 2 hours past your bed-time and you're staring at the ceiling knowing you'll never forget it.

How this novel manages to be so raw yet nuanced yet fierce yet quietly hilarious in its depiction of childhood trauma and physical/social difference is beyond me. Eleanor as a protagonist stumbles through life, completely fine, slowly realising that, actually, maybe all is not completely well. But all shall be well, and Ms Oliphant will show you how.

Firstly may I say that I don't often read feel good type novels. Stephen King is more my forte. But every now and again I'll see a book cover that catches my eye, or wonder if the latest 'big book' really is worth all the hype. I actually listened to this novel via audio book, and from the moment I heard the narrator's gorgeous Scottish accent, I was completely drawn in.
This is no Bridget Jones. Eleanor puts her in the shade. She's a totally unique character, a one of a kind who you can't help but feel empathy for. We've all felt alone at some point in our lives, haven't we? The subject matter has been written so beautifully, you can't fail to be moved. I was also pleasantly surprised by the numbers of twists and turns this book took. I loved the relationship between Eleanor and her mother, which took me completely by surprise. As for her interaction with the rest of the characters... I won't spoil the story but suffice to say I smiled so many times at the touching and heartfelt moments portrayed in this book. It made me laugh, it almost made me cry, no mean feat for this cynical crime writer, believe me.
This is one of my favourite books of the year. Prepare to be moved.

Well , that told us !
Gail Honeyman what an amazing way to portray this kind of character , I thank you, people don’t believe other people like this exist but THEY DO they are our neighbours and colleagues that we ‘ don’t notice’ until they turn up on a talent show!
I love the way you have covered this subject, so sensitively and with depth of word.
This is a very easy to read book because Eleanor is a straight forward character. The other character are mainly similar to Eleanor, Bob is like he papa her dad. And Raymond well that could be another story .
I totally love the way she has held it together despite her haunting and fears and issues, and gone back to work and been ‘in Charge’

I would buy this book for any snd all of my friends and family.

This book showed many feelings and allowed you to feel them , I look forward to more from Gail Honeyman

Once in a while I come across a book that I wish I had written. This is one of these books - I so wish I had created the character that is Eleanor! She is a literal person with no social skills and absolutely no filter. What you see (and hear) is what you get. Highly enjoyable for both the character and for the story of her life which is of course revealed little by little. Read it now, it's one to remember.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an advance electronic copy in exchange for an honest review.

I’m shocked by how little enjoyment this book brought to my brain and heart considering it’s high ratings/review. I was completely underwhelmed by the storyline and by Eleanor herself. This was a tragic and depressing read that didn’t bring any joy or warmth to my reading soul either through chinks of light or quality of writing.

I struggled with this book from the off. The book is narrated solely from Eleanor’s point of view and considering its clear that she has a cognitive problem of initially undetermined origin, in particular with social interaction, her train of thought was jarring and difficult to follow. This didn’t make for good narrative flow and it felt like walking through sludge at times.

There are two elements of the storyline that piqued my interest, Eleanor’s mother and Raymond. They were the only elements that kept me reading and Raymond in particular was everything normal and decent in terms of friendship. The mother element was just something I needed answers on.

The cover is clever, once I realised the connection, I really think it was excellent.

I am clearly in the minority on this book but I am also very happy to stand by my opinion on it. It didn’t capture me in any way and I feel deflated at the end.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in return for a honest review.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

I wish I could give this book 6 stars! From the first page I loved it and wanted to keep reading. It was heart rending,heart warming,disturbing,funny. Wow! I had read a review saying it was heart wrenching and didn’t know if I wanted to read something depressing but I am so pleased I did. This story is a triumph for Gayle Honeyman,she made Eleanor likeable and quirky and vulnerable and I felt myself welling up and smiling at the same time. Brilliant !

An exploration of what it really means when you say you are 'fine' through the story of Eleanor and how she gradually breaks out of cocoon of protection and discovers the world outside which is sometimes not fine at all.

3.5 stars

Eleanor Oliphant follows a routine that results in her leading a lonely life. She lives on the outside, her personality often making her the butt or her colleagues' jokes.
One evening Eleanor sees the man that she knows is the One. She embarks on a mission to improve her clothes and appearance, intent on making a good impression.
Eleanor's life begins to change, but is it for the better?

Eleanor Oliphant was a bit of an oddball but I liked how unique she was. The way she spoke was very proper and her reactions to certain things were funny.
The plot was interesting and held my attention. I did partly guess the secret of Eleanor's past, but there was one thing that I didn't see coming. I enjoyed reading as Eleanor went out of her comfort zone and interacted with new people in new situations.
The writing style was engaging and easy to follow.

Overall this was an enjoyable, unique read.

Best fiction book i read this year. I was completely swept away by the character and the world Eleanor inhabits and has constructed around herself to ensure she is 'fine'. It was beautiful to watch her develop and the friendship with Raymond to help her realise that she was not living a 'normal life'. I have recommended this book to friends and will continue to do so.

WHAT A GREAT READ!

Eleanor’s story reminded me of the significance of human interactions, the weight of our words, the power of our touch, and all the beautiful intricacies in what we generally don’t notice, and most certainly take for granted the majority of times.

Early on Eleanor seems content with her decision to not care about other people’s opinions. Life is simpler that way. It is certainly quicker when the only interactions carried out are to fulfil a requirement, and never more than what is necessary to fulfil that requirement. But what is life if we don’t do a little extra, show some compassion, do the inconsequential things that make us feel good when we are on the receiving end. It’s just that Eleanor wasn’t interested about being on the receiving end, and therefore never saw the relevance in being on the giving end.

Her innocence was eye opening. Why don’t we sing with all our heart at a funeral? Why don’t we say what we mean?

Oh, and I don’t think I have had to look up the meaning of words as often as I did in this book. Definitely improved my vocabulary.

All in all this was a great book. Full of laughs and tears (I mean not me personally of course ), joy and sorrow. I almost find myself wanting to join a Book club so I can discuss the narrative further ;)

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for a review copy. I had actually ‘wished’ for a review copy earlier in the year, but it was archived before our downloaded it. Needless to say I was exceptionally happy when the book automatically appeared in my list of downloads after the book was reported as being the Book of the Year.