06 Feb Book Review: Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

I recently picked up Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, drawn by its reputation as a heartfelt and humorous exploration of loneliness and personal growth. As someone who appreciates character-driven stories, I was eager to delve into Eleanor’s world.

What’s it about?

Eleanor Oliphant is a 29-year-old finance clerk in Glasgow, leading a life of strict routine and isolation. Her weekdays are spent at a mundane office job, where she often perplexes her colleagues with her bluntness and lack of social graces. Weekends are a solitary affair, typically involving frozen pizza, vodka, and phone calls with her emotionally abusive mother, whom she refers to as “Mummy.” Eleanor’s life is meticulously organized to avoid unnecessary human contact, and she believes she’s perfectly content.

However, Eleanor’s facade of contentment begins to crack when she develops an infatuation with a local musician, whom she believes is destined to be her soulmate. This obsession leads her to make several attempts to transform her appearance and social skills in preparation for meeting him. Concurrently, a chance encounter with Raymond, the IT guy from her office, sets off a series of events that challenge her isolated existence.

After they jointly assist Sammy, an elderly man who has collapsed in the street, Eleanor and Raymond form an unlikely friendship. Through their growing bond and interactions with Sammy’s family, Eleanor is exposed to warmth and kindness that she’s long been deprived of. As she becomes more entwined in the lives of others, Eleanor is forced to confront the traumatic events of her past, including a mysterious fire that left her with physical and emotional scars.

The novel delves into themes of loneliness, mental health, and the importance of human connection. Eleanor’s journey is one of self-discovery and healing, as she learns that opening up to others can lead to unexpected and life-affirming changes.

What This Chick Thinks

Diving into Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, I was immediately captivated by Honeyman’s ability to blend humor with profound emotional depth. Eleanor’s peculiar perspective and unfiltered observations provide moments of genuine laughter, yet beneath her quirky exterior lies a poignant exploration of isolation and the human need for connection.

Eleanor is an incredibly well-crafted character—her idiosyncrasies make her stand out, but it’s her vulnerability that truly resonates. As her backstory unfolds, the reasons behind her behavior become clear, eliciting empathy and understanding. The supporting characters, particularly the affable Raymond, serve as perfect foils to Eleanor’s rigidity, highlighting the transformative power of kindness.

The narrative tackles heavy themes such as trauma and mental health, but does so with a lightness that makes the story accessible without diminishing its impact. Honeyman’s writing is both witty and heartfelt, making for a compelling read that balances moments of sorrow with hope.

Final Thoughts

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is a touching and uplifting novel that reminds us of the importance of kindness and human connection. Gail Honeyman has crafted a story that is both humorous and deeply moving, with a protagonist who lingers in your thoughts long after the final page. I’d rate it an 8.5 out of 10 for its engaging narrative and profound exploration of loneliness and healing.

Try it if you like:

• “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman
  A heartwarming tale of a curmudgeonly man whose life is transformed by unexpected friendships.
• “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion
  A humorous and touching story about a socially awkward genetics professor’s quest for love.
• “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” by Rachel Joyce
  A poignant novel about a man’s spontaneous journey to reconnect with a friend, leading to self-discovery.