Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine: Debut Sunday Times Bestseller and Costa First Novel Book Award winner Hardcover – 18 May 2017

“I suppose one of the reasons we’re able to continue to exist for our allotted span in this green and blue vale of tears is that there is always, however remote it might seem, the possibility of change.”Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine follows the story of Eleanor Oliphant, a thirty-year-old woman living a very simple life alone in Glasgow. She’s worked at the same company for several years, wears the same clothes and has the same routine. The story follows Eleanor’s transformation as she discovers what’s she’s been missing all this time whilst also attempting to let go of her past.I must admit, I was sceptical going into this novel because of all the hype it has been receiving and because most hyped-up books I read seem to leave me disappointed or unsatisfied. However, this book was an exception. EOICF makes for such a unique and wonderful reading experience. It isn’t exactly the kind of book I typically reach for but I am so glad I decided to give this one a go. It explores so many important issues such as loneliness, grief and kindness. I found it deeply thought-provoking and I loved the experience of wanting to cry one second and then suddenly wanting to laugh by the next sentence. It is truly a work of genius that deserves all the hype it receives and I hope as many people read it as physically possible.The best part of this book was certainly the use of character and narrative voice. Eleanor is such a fascinating and eccentric character; everything about her is so unique and unusual. The majority of the book is basically told through Eleanor’s internal monologue which consists of her thoughts, feeling and opinions based on the observations she makes. In many ways, it resembled a kind of sociological experiment or a scientific study of chimps. I loved being inside Eleanor’s head, it was like seeing the world in a completely different way. The way she analyses the absurdity of contemporary human etiquette frequently made me grin like an idiot. In many ways, it also reminded me of reading from the mind of a child where everything is all so new and peculiar. Her voice was so refreshingly different from any other first-person-narrative I’ve ever read. Gale Honeyman has completely transformed what it is to write a novel from this perspective. Not only this, but Eleanor’s character was so precisely and intricately designed. I feel like I know everything about Eleanor, from her drinking habits to her crossword habits. She’s a walking contradiction: absurdly loveable, chaotically organised and perfectly damaged. She made me laugh and she made me tear up, I feel as though I got to know Eleanor so well throughout the book and was genuinely sad to let her go as I turned the last page.One of the key themes in this book is the portrayal of loneliness. Eleanor has no one at the beginning of this book: no one who cares about her, no one she can talk to, no one she can love. She is a survivor of an unfortunate past and as a result she is left disconnected from reality. It was heart-wrenching to read about Eleanor’s situation, and indeed, the situation of many just like her in real life. I think we often assume loneliness only relates to the older generations when in fact loneliness is as much as an issue with younger adults. I thought Eleanor’s tale was really eye opening to these issues. Like many of Eleanor’s colleagues and acquaintances, I think we are all somewhat guilty of being ignorant of others’ situations. Or more importantly, we have become oblivious to the power of kindness. This book beautifully illustrates the effect that very small acts of kindness can have on the people who need it most. I really hope that this book can make other people more aware of this in the same way it has made me think about how I impact others. I love that Eleanor’s story possesses the power to bring about so much positive change in the world.I thought the use of plot was also very effective. I liked how the book is split into sections labelled ‘Good Days’, ‘Bad Days’ and ‘Better Days’. In many ways, I think this reflects life in general, we have good days, we have bad days, and, despite the very worst of days, we also have better days. The tone of the story is very much told through these sections and I really liked this shift in tone and how it structured the novel as a whole. I liked the build up from the beginning, I thought it was a good introduction to Eleanor and her life but at the same time her past is always a mystery and a source of anticipation to be revealed. I liked seeing the development of Eleanor as she changes and develops one small step at a time. I loved seeing her relationships between the other characters deepen and blossom throughout the story. Although not a lot appears to go on throughout the story, I wanted to savour every detail. I wouldn’t say this is a fast paced-action sort of novel, but rather an intricate tour of the brain of a unique and fascinating individual. I also thought Gale Honeyman perfectly balances the readers emotions. It wasn’t too sad, but it wasn’t too happy. Just when I thought I was about to cry I’d find myself smiling, but equally, if I was laughing I’d soon have my heart-strings plucked. But most of all, this story gave me hope for ‘the better days’ even when it feels like things can’t get any better. After all, life is just a roller coaster, so we may as well enjoy the ride before it’s our time to leave.Overall, I absolutely loved reading EOICF. It’s so different from anything I’ve ever read before and I think that’s why I enjoyed it so much. The writing is stunning, I loved every bit. I highly recommend to absolutely everyone, especially if you love reading something both thought-provoking as well as uplifting. We all need this book.

I don't routinely give out five star reviews, but this book totally nailed it for me. I must admit I wasn't sure if I was going to like it - I didn't like the title at first, and really I only read it because it was a book club read. But I'm so glad I did. It's so well written, alternately sad, thought-provoking and laugh-out-loud funny.Eleanor Oliphant is a woman with a tragic past and a troubled present. She appears to be autistic or otherwise neurodivergent - although that is never explicitly stated - finding it difficult to form relationships, though she holds down a job. She also has something of a drink problem, as well as an unhealthy obsession with a musician she's never actually met. However, through a chance encounter with a stranger and a growing friendship with a work colleague who she appears on the surface to have very little in common with, her life begins to change and take off in a surprising new direction.The characters are all well drawn and convincing, as is the dialogue. Eleanor herself could so easily have been annoying or cliched, and yet she jumps off the page as an engaging, fully realised person. I found myself really rooting for her. The ending was really well done, too, including a twist that I for one didn't see coming (perhaps because it hadn't seemed to be the type of book that would have a twist, if you see what I mean, i.e. it's not a thriller, psychological or otherwise.In short, I loved it, and I'd recommend anyone - if they're not sure - to try it. It's one book that completely deserves the hype and success it's achieved.

Eleanor Oliphant has good days, bad days and better days. Her life is a strictly timetabled routine – work with a Meal Deal and cryptic crossword at lunchtime, home for pesto, pasta and The Archers, weekends starting with a margherita pizza washed down with wine and litres of vodka. A routine to combat loneliness and being alone. A routine that is begging to be broken.Narrated in the first person, Eleanor’s life story slowly unfolds with hints to the mystery and darkness shrouding her past present from the start.Funny and sad, it painfully peels back the layers that Eleanor has carefully encased herself in, stuck down as firmly as her sensible, Velcro-fastening shoes.Acts of kindness, an ill-conceived infatuation and an unexpected friendship cause Eleanor to realise that she isn’t the guilty, hopeless and unworthy social outcast she believed herself to be but somebody people genuinely admire, respect and care about.I loved seeing the world through Eleanor’s eyes, her spin on nail bars, clothes shopping, death metal gigs and a Hollywood bikini wax. Her specialness and otherness is endearing and engaging, her lack of off filter absolutely hysterical at times.Above all be kind - to yourself and others.

As pretty much an Eleanor Oliphant myself (logical, Incredibly by the book with an oddball take on the everyday and mundane) I felt validated. Very validated in fact. The book is witty and whimsical, odd and yet mundane, it's filled with a bunch of curious paradoxes for curious people. The overarching themes of trauma loss connection were played out well. Yet the most outstanding part of the book are the bizarre yet ordinary juxtapositions of the characters. Fascinating indeed.

"Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman is an incredibly touching and well-written novel. The story revolves around Eleanor, a quirky and socially awkward woman with a routine life that keeps her isolated. Through her journey, the book explores themes of loneliness, trauma, and the importance of human connections.As a Behavioral Health Pharmacist, I found this book particularly meaningful. The way Honeyman delves into Eleanor's mental health struggles is both empathetic and realistic. The writing is engaging, and the characters are beautifully developed, especially Eleanor, who is both endearing and complex. Her gradual transformation and the relationships she builds, especially with Raymond, are heartwarming and inspiring.Overall, I loved the storyline and how it balances humor with deeper, more serious issues. It's a book that stays with you long after you've finished reading it. Highly recommended!

Eleanor's voice is endearing, witty and heartbreakingly captivating. She pulled me in and kept me listening as she came into her own like a rainbow.

This boon was really easy to read en very entertaining. I really loves the perspective from which it was written. I realy felt sympathy for the personage that Eleanor is.

I loved the story of Eleanor! It made you feel so many emotions and I was so sad when it ended. 10/10! Would absolutely recommend this beautiful story.

A beautiful story about trauma, self discovery, and love.