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Rate: 4/5

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Medium: Audiobook

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Overview (No Spoilers):

I go into every book I pick up completely blind to the premise. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine was no exception. I borrowed this book purely based on a popularity ranking of what the library had currently available. Needless to say, this quirky, heavy read was not what I was expecting. I laughed. I cringed. I giggled. I was embarrassed. I was thoroughly heartbroken. And I absolutely couldn’t stop reading it. 

Eleanor might be one of the most unique characters I’ve ever met in literature. She is unabashedly socially awkward, painfully so. She has created a world that is black and white, and so very lonely. Her routine is rigidly stiff and her life is without depth. When a local, upcoming musician catches her eye, she is ready to break out of her structured walls, but is the world ready for her?

Having stuck recently to light romance, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine really highlights the depth of storytelling I’ve been missing. That said, by the end, this read is so heavy that I don’t know as my heart can handle this kind of heartbreak and loneliness anymore. 

The first two thirds of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine are relatively light and amusing as Eleanor is unexpectedly pulled out of her routine by a medical emergency and an incredibly kind coworker, Raymond. We are along for the ride as Eleanor starts to live for the first time in her life. There’s a bikini waxing scene that had me literally laughing out loud and utterly mortified all at the same time. There was another memorable scene while getting a manicure that had Eleanor’s awkwardness winning me over. 

Overall, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is a genuinely unique and memorable read that highlight’s Honeyman’s brilliant storytelling and while Eleanor’s tragic past makes the last portion of this read incredibly heavy, the ending is full of hope. 

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Additional Insight (Spoilers Abound): 

• I was so sure this would head toward a terrible, uncomfortable stalking story. I’m so glad it veered away from that angle. 
• Eleanor’s mom was beyond awful. I was utterly shocked to find out she was dead though and Eleanor was making up her Wednesday calls. Makes my heart so sad for her.
• Sammy dying after being saved was another blow to the heart. He and his family are all so wonderful.
• So is Raymond and his mom. So good to Eleanor. 
• Who was her father?

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