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Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman is one of those books that will change the way you look at mental illness. Honeyman has created a realistic character in Eleanor, and although her circumstances might not match up with those of her readers, they will absolutely relate to her eccentric personality and determination. This novel is beautifully written and will evoke every single emotion that you can think of.
Title: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely FineAuthor: Gail Honeyman
Publisher: Viking
Genres: Adult Fiction, Contemporary
Publication Date: May 9, 2017
Rating:
No one’s ever told Eleanor that life should be better than fine
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 unnecessary human contact, where weekends are punctuated by frozen pizza, vodka, and phone chats with Mummy.
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, the three rescue one another from the lives of isolation that they had been living. Ultimately, it is Raymond’s big heart that will help Eleanor find the way to repair her own profoundly damaged one. If she does, she'll learn that she, too, is capable of finding friendship—and even love—after all.
Smart, warm, uplifting, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is the story of an out-of-the-ordinary heroine whose deadpan weirdness and unconscious wit make for an irresistible journey as she realizes. . .
the only way to survive is to open your heart.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Gail Honeyman
One of the most wonderful aspects of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, is Eleanor herself. At first, the reader will notice that she is a bit quirky, but as the story progresses and more of Eleanor’s circumstances are learned, the fact that there is more than meets the eye about her becomes apparent. I really love how Honeyman slowly introduces Eleanor and her mental illness and takes the reader into her mindset. Her psychosis is only one part of her personality, and it is the determined nature of Eleanor along with her different way of seeing the world that makes her relatable.
❀ Eloquent Writing
The writing in this novel is so eloquent and Honeyman has not only perfected a mentally ill character, she has also depicted the beautiful scenery of Glasgow. Having never visited Scotland, Honeyman’s writing has at least whisked me away for a short while and has made me long for a trip to see some of the city for myself. I am sure that those familiar with some of the neighbourhoods and shops will feel right at home as they read this story.
❀ Emotional Read
While reading this novel, the reader will go through so many different emotions. There are some funny moments that will have you in stitches, even though there are some tragic and terribly sad parts of Eleanor’s life that will leave you sobbing uncontrollably. Honeyman takes her readers on a roller coaster of feelings that will give them a sense of just how her character, Eleanor is feeling. It is a perfect mix of sentiments that sets Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine apart from other stories with a mentally ill character.
❀ Well-Developed Main Character
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeymanis a story that deals with the psyche of a mentally ill woman who is on her way to a happier life. It is a book with a well-developed main character and gorgeous writing that will evoke all sorts of feels for its readers. This novel will absolutely give a new perspective to how you perceive mental illness.
Quotes: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Gail Honeyman
Book Beginning
I suppose he felt sorry for me. I had a degree in Classics and no work experience to speak of, and I turned up for the interview with a black eye, a couple of missing teeth and a broken arm.
56% of ebook
I was silent, shocked by the unscheduled intrusion into my evening. “Well?” she said. “i’m waiting, darling…”
I cleared my throat. “I, er… I’m fine, Mummy. You were⎯ thinking about me?” This was a first.
About Gail Honeyman
Gail Honeyman wrote her debut novel, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, while working a full-time job, and it was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize as a work in progress. She has also been awarded the Scottish Book Trust's Next Chapter Award 2014, was longlisted for BBC Radio 4's Opening Lines, and was shortlisted for the Bridport Prize. She lives in Glasgow.
About Lori
Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.
Yes! I completely loved this book and I’m so pleased other readers have too.
It really took me by surprise!
This sounds like an interesting book, and it’s my first time hearing about it so thanks for bringing it to my attention 🙂 Wonderful review, as always!
Brittany @ Brittany’s Book Rambles
Scotland grabs my attention immediately. That is one place I have always wanted to visit. It is stunning, and those accents, huh! I am really starting to look for stories that deal with mental illness. It is something that I struggle with, and so many others do, and i love reading authors representations of very real illnesses.
I think that this book sounds right up your alley, Jaime! I can’t wait to hear if you give it a try. 🙂
I actually hadn’t heard of this one so I’m so glad you got it for review. I love that title too. Thanks!!
How have I not heard of this? Thanks so much for sharing your review on this one. It seems like it’s a powerful story that could really shape the way people see mental illness. I’m definitely picking this one up soon. Glad you enjoyed it, and great review!
This sounds so good and I love quirky, odd characters too.