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swaye's review against another edition
4.0
Reading this was such a unique experience for me. I lost count of the number of times I almost threw in the towel so I'm more surprised than anyone that it's sitting on my shelf now with a 4 star rating.
First of all, this book is absolutely nothing remotely like what I was expecting and it really threw me off in the first couple chapters, but the mystery of what was going on with Eleanor kept me in the game... just barely. Initially, Eleanor is one of the most insufferable and annoying characters EVER but as the book progressed and as she metamorphosed I started to love her and root for her happiness.
As a fellow oddball and outcast there were many times that I related to Eleanor. I get that sometimes it feels safer to constantly look for the worst in people and be stand-offish for the sake of self-preservation, even though it actually ends up isolating you and hurting you more in the long run. I completely resonated with her journey of self-love and forgiveness and learning to trust and eventually let people in. As an ex-misanthrope and sociophobe I am in just as much awe of the abundance of kindness that is available to you the moment you become willing to accept that you deserve it.
The book launched itself into 4 star status for me because of the final quarter, where it simply became unputdownable... and that plot twist still has me reeling!
Bravo, Gail Honeyman. Bra-the fuck-vo! ššš
First of all, this book is absolutely nothing remotely like what I was expecting and it really threw me off in the first couple chapters, but the mystery of what was going on with Eleanor kept me in the game... just barely. Initially, Eleanor is one of the most insufferable and annoying characters EVER but as the book progressed and as she metamorphosed I started to love her and root for her happiness.
As a fellow oddball and outcast there were many times that I related to Eleanor. I get that sometimes it feels safer to constantly look for the worst in people and be stand-offish for the sake of self-preservation, even though it actually ends up isolating you and hurting you more in the long run. I completely resonated with her journey of self-love and forgiveness and learning to trust and eventually let people in. As an ex-misanthrope and sociophobe I am in just as much awe of the abundance of kindness that is available to you the moment you become willing to accept that you deserve it.
The book launched itself into 4 star status for me because of the final quarter, where it simply became unputdownable... and that plot twist still has me reeling!
Bravo, Gail Honeyman. Bra-the fuck-vo! ššš
menomica's review against another edition
This book is really nice but for some reason iām just not in the head space for it at the moment. Iāll have to come back to it, itās really interesting.
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse, Stalking, Alcoholism, and Fire/Fire injury
ncp's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
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
3.25
juuuuliyah's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
jcatzzz's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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
4.75
scytmo's review against another edition
1.0
No. Justā¦ No.
Did not finish, at 23%
If Iām being generous, then this book is casually uncaring. If I submit to my discomfort reading this, then Iām going to say itās cruel and heartless.
Eleanor Oliphant is obviously not completely fine - thatās no surprise as the title is intended to be ironic. However, sheās clearly had some horrific trauma early in her life. I have no training that qualifies me to say this, but it seems like she has PTSD. She may well have other disorders that could be identified and addressed with appropriate therapies. However, despite the fact that she has social workers visit regularly who are clearly familiar with her awful background, there is no evidence that Eleanor has had any issues diagnosed or is getting any meaningful support or treatment.
As a result of her damaged upbringing, she has difficulty relating to people and normal social situations. And she drinks heavily - something that also seems to be treated in a casual throw-away manner. And through all this, weāre invited to laugh at her as she makes various āhumorousā mistakes as she misjudges various situations. These same situations might be funny if the reason for Eleanorās detachment and lack of social understanding werenāt so tragic (even so, I found the āhumourā quite heavy handed), but in the context of the what weāre supposed to believe about Eleanorās background and upbringing, it feels like Iām being encouraged to point and laugh at the amusing freak. The freak who is a deeply damaged individual.
OK, so I stopped at only 23% of the way through the book, and maybe the author turns it around later on in a way that can mitigate this first quarter. But I searched out some other reviews from readers who feel the same way but had the tenacity to see it through to the end, and I donāt believe thatās the case.
So, no. Justā¦ No.
Did not finish, at 23%
If Iām being generous, then this book is casually uncaring. If I submit to my discomfort reading this, then Iām going to say itās cruel and heartless.
Eleanor Oliphant is obviously not completely fine - thatās no surprise as the title is intended to be ironic. However, sheās clearly had some horrific trauma early in her life. I have no training that qualifies me to say this, but it seems like she has PTSD. She may well have other disorders that could be identified and addressed with appropriate therapies. However, despite the fact that she has social workers visit regularly who are clearly familiar with her awful background, there is no evidence that Eleanor has had any issues diagnosed or is getting any meaningful support or treatment.
As a result of her damaged upbringing, she has difficulty relating to people and normal social situations. And she drinks heavily - something that also seems to be treated in a casual throw-away manner. And through all this, weāre invited to laugh at her as she makes various āhumorousā mistakes as she misjudges various situations. These same situations might be funny if the reason for Eleanorās detachment and lack of social understanding werenāt so tragic (even so, I found the āhumourā quite heavy handed), but in the context of the what weāre supposed to believe about Eleanorās background and upbringing, it feels like Iām being encouraged to point and laugh at the amusing freak. The freak who is a deeply damaged individual.
OK, so I stopped at only 23% of the way through the book, and maybe the author turns it around later on in a way that can mitigate this first quarter. But I searched out some other reviews from readers who feel the same way but had the tenacity to see it through to the end, and I donāt believe thatās the case.
So, no. Justā¦ No.
stephaniesteen73's review against another edition
5.0
Unique story with a character you root for - couldn't put it down!
deannewaters's review against another edition
dark
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was a compelling read that made me think and touched on heavy topics like mental illness and trauma. The humor in Eleanor's character added the perfect touch.
meatsock's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Minor: Rape
morgantcortez's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0