Reviews tagging 'Child abuse'

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

774 reviews

rosietomyn's review against another edition

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dark emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Eleanor Oliphant Is Extremely Fine by Gail Honeyman is a hard, uplifting, depressing, inspiring, and surprising read.

I admit I was rather surprised by just how dark Eleanor's backstory is, and somehow missed any references to that in reviews I read prior to picking it up. For those who have dealt with narcissistic caretakers, substance abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, etc -- take caution. I wish I had gone in more prepared for it.

Still, though it can absolutely be emotionally taxing/triggering to read, the novel is worthy and uplifting. Eleanor definitely takes a bit of getting used to, but she is easy to warm up to after a few chapters. Following her growth and the expansion of her social and emotional life is truly heartwarming.

I would definitely recommend the novel, but I would add some warnings as well. Definitely pick the book up, but do so only when ready to read about some heavy, depressing, and truly awful issues (child abuse, emotional abuse, substance abuse).
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daniofthewood's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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julschapman's review against another edition

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dark emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

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rosalindm1's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This loveable heroine has survived a traumatic past through strict routine and rule setting. Her thoughts about modern society are funny and observant. When new friendships start to blossom in her life, she learns that her past cannot be swept under the carpet. 
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rduncan's review against another edition

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funny hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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bergerreadsbooks's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

this book is definitely giving a man called ove vibes but a female. heartbreaking but also uplifting watching her untangle and unlearn from her traumas in her past. shows you the power of a connection and a friend. support does everything. definitely glad i read. 
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rosie_valadez's review against another edition

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2.5

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kiershook's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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atsellerswhnp's review

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challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

The evolution of Eleanor is poignant and inspiring. Her quirkiness is emblematic of a child learning who they are. It’s eye opening for any adult looking to unlock how our childhood shapes the adults we become…and how we can continue to grow. 
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naestolgia_'s review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This was an interesting and surprisingly enjoyable read. Eleanor is a complex character with what seems like a simple outlook on life. There are tough chapters to get through though - her past is truly troubling to unfold page after page, but she's a character I was really rooting for. I wish there was more of a "happy" ending but, like life, that's not always the case. You are left with a small nugget of hope for Eleanor, the ending still fell short in my opinion.

Fun note: I really loved having to whip out the dictionary for this read. Lol. Eleanor's love for crosswords makes for very colorful and eloquent language.

**********

Update: After book club discussion, where most folks did not like Eleanor in the beginning ("weirdo", "mean"), I realized another theme of this book is Eleanor's introduction/indoctrination into society. I personally liked her from the start. She wasn't yet watered down and boxed into what is considered normal by the masses. 

It is fun to think of how each reader relates to Eleanor, good or bad.
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