A review by mkm95
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

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

4.75

I would first like to say, whoever read this and their first thought was "funny"... I want to study you for science. Don't get me wrong, there are some funny situations and things, but that is one of the last words I would use for this novel. Maybe I relate too much to Eleanor to view it lightheartedly, but her issues with self love, socialization, abandonment, etc., man they scooped out my soft bits and put them in a bit of an emotional blender. I love this book, for the most part, but please don't go in expecting it to not deal with some heavy heavy trauma and the emotional repercussions that come with that. Ultimately I fell in love with the characters and loved the strong vein of friendship that went through the core of the personal journey in this novel. I personally disliked the very final twist, hence the 4.75 instead of a full 5, but I found myself caring so much for Eleanor and her new friends. I was weary of the upcoming movie as I was untrusting of Reese Witherspoon's interpretation based on her blurb about the humor, but it will be directed by the director of Fleabag and Enola Homes so I actually have a lot of faith and excitement now! Definitely read in preparation for the movie if you think it's up your alley. 
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