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cnohero's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I struggled to connect with Eleanor in the first few chapters, but I realized that's the point. She CAN'T connect with people. This book made me laugh and cry. I was horrified and inspired by it.
I won't say this is an easy read... it's really hard but I'm glad I read it.
I won't say this is an easy read... it's really hard but I'm glad I read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Grief
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, and Child death
bribreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is one of the best books I've read this year. The story follows that of the nominal character Eleanor, a 30-year-old Scottish woman floating through life in resolute solitude. That all changes when Raymond, an awkward and oddly charming IT tech from her office, shows her that life is meant to be shared with others.
This book was admittedly hard for me to get into at first- Eleanor initially comes off as rude, clinical, and severely lacking in self-awareness. While all of this is true, I've now come to recognize that this depiction of the character was not only intentional but brilliant on the part of the author. By the end of the story (no spoilers), we come to realize that Eleanor has suffered immense traumas in her life. So, while odd, there's an explanation for her seemingly offputting behavior. One of the greatest lessons of this story is that we can't possibly know what others are going through. My initial distaste for Eleanor was because I looked at her one-dimensionally: once I learned more, I immediately felt bad for my judgment, and resolutely wanted the best for her character.
Another strength of this novel was the deeply insightful depiction of loneliness and the way that it causes people to turn in on themselves. Eleanor is dying of loneliness- her solitude and inability to escape it is absolutely eating her alive. Having read this in the midst of a global pandemic, this message resonated strongly with me as millions of people across the world suddenly find themselves forced into isolation and grappling with the pangs of unwilling distance. We all, ultimately, need each other. That's the beauty of being human.
This book was admittedly hard for me to get into at first- Eleanor initially comes off as rude, clinical, and severely lacking in self-awareness. While all of this is true, I've now come to recognize that this depiction of the character was not only intentional but brilliant on the part of the author. By the end of the story (no spoilers), we come to realize that Eleanor has suffered immense traumas in her life. So, while odd, there's an explanation for her seemingly offputting behavior. One of the greatest lessons of this story is that we can't possibly know what others are going through. My initial distaste for Eleanor was because I looked at her one-dimensionally: once I learned more, I immediately felt bad for my judgment, and resolutely wanted the best for her character.
Another strength of this novel was the deeply insightful depiction of loneliness and the way that it causes people to turn in on themselves. Eleanor is dying of loneliness- her solitude and inability to escape it is absolutely eating her alive. Having read this in the midst of a global pandemic, this message resonated strongly with me as millions of people across the world suddenly find themselves forced into isolation and grappling with the pangs of unwilling distance. We all, ultimately, need each other. That's the beauty of being human.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Vomit, and Grief
Minor: Body shaming