Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Completely Fine is a matter of perspective

This touching, witty and sometimes humorous novel is a must read for those who enjoy flawed, socially awkward characters. The strong characters eventually find their place making rooting for the underdog rewarding.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

May 2017
Fiction

Miss Eleanor Oliphant is 30 years old living an extremely structured life since graduating from University with a degree in Classics. She has worked as a finance clerk for Bob, the owner, since she was 21 years old. Although she has experienced a lot of trauma in her childhood moving from foster homes frequently. Aside from her weekly phone calls on Wednesday nights with her narcissistic, manipulative mother, Eleanor feels that everything is fine. Her mother serves up weekly condescending and cruel insults.

Eleanor manages to cope with her difficult past by suppressing the memories and keeping her routine. She is aware that her outward appearance draws unwanted attention since the accident. Slowly, Eleanor discovers a reason to venture outside her comfort zone...a crush on a local musician.

She also makes an unlikely connection with a coworker when they happen upon an elderly man in medical distress on the sidewalk. They continue to check on Sam and gradually become involved with his family. The trio are an unlikely match but their connection is endearing.

What I enjoyed most this book was the manner in which Eleanor Oliphant expressed herself. She is well spoken and articulate often using "flowery" language reminiscent of her strict, proper childhood. I love the manner in which she navigates her way to a more "normal" life. Through the ups and downs of her experiences she realizes she is stronger and braver than she ever knew. Her life does not need to be defined by her past.

Such a delightful character that will have you cheering for her and laughing at her faux pas. She is a testament that good can come from bad.


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