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A review by maddyhavranek
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I liked this book! I really liked how easy of a read it was, and I found the characters lovable and interesting, and I found myself rooting for the friendships and relationships developing throughout the book. Honestly, this book sort of gave me A Man Called Ove vibes, but with a super dark twist, which did make it more enticing to me.
I think that the writing was well-done, and Eleanor’s character certainly read the way the author intended, but I can’t lie that I did get a little bit annoyed of being inside her head at times. Mainly just because she seemed so poorly adjusted that so many of the situations presented to her were handled differently than I would have, but I think this was in part the author’s intent. I really loved Raymond, but he did feel a little flat — I wish we got more of his backstory and a bigger peek into his life, rather than just how he fit into Eleanor’s.
I also will say I did not guess the twist, which is both good and bad — I definitely thought that Eleanor had set the fire or that her mom was hiding out and pretending to be dead. TBH that may have been more interesting, but her being dead and Eleanor coming to terms with that was a necessary for the overall catharsis of the book.
Overall, a 4 star read because the story propelled me through it, but the characters outside of Eleanor fell a little flat.
I think that the writing was well-done, and Eleanor’s character certainly read the way the author intended, but I can’t lie that I did get a little bit annoyed of being inside her head at times. Mainly just because she seemed so poorly adjusted that so many of the situations presented to her were handled differently than I would have, but I think this was in part the author’s intent. I really loved Raymond, but he did feel a little flat — I wish we got more of his backstory and a bigger peek into his life, rather than just how he fit into Eleanor’s.
I also will say I did not guess the twist, which is both good and bad — I definitely thought that Eleanor had set the fire or that her mom was hiding out and pretending to be dead. TBH that may have been more interesting, but her being dead and Eleanor coming to terms with that was a necessary for the overall catharsis of the book.
Overall, a 4 star read because the story propelled me through it, but the characters outside of Eleanor fell a little flat.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Alcohol