FIRST BOOK REVIEW

Review of:

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

by Gail Honeyman 

As we are leaving 2021, I'd like to leave you all with a book recommendation. I first read this back in 2019 and it was one I could not put down once started. Up until then, nothing I'd read gripped me as much. It follows the life of Eleanor Oliphant, who is stuck in a job she's indifferent about and rather lonely. Her mother has a hold over Eleanor's life, with critical comments and cruel nature. What drew me to this protagonist were her habits and socially anxious traits. The way she buys vodka each weekend or feels awkward going to get a bikini wax. Her comedic observations of the strange world around her had me laughing and seeing a lot of myself in her character. Though, Eleanor is a troubled woman. She denies being unhappy but has no friends, no boyfriend and shows signs of being a bit depressed. 

When she meets Raymond, things start to change. They get on well and his kindness is remarkable. But Eleanor is fixated on a musician she hopes feels the same way about her. With her mother's voice tearing her down and a lack of hope, can Eleanor admit that she's not completely fine? Can she find the strength in her to ask for help and address her problems? 

It was both a heart-breaking and heart-warming read.
The ending had an unexpected twist which made my jaw drop too. I think the main thing anyone who reads this will love, is the original voice Honeyman created. It's funny, it's honest and it's relatable. So, if you want a good cry or a belly laugh - this is the book for you. 

Buy now: 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eleanor-Oliphant-Completely-Fine-Bestseller/dp/0008172145/ref=sr_1_1?crid=32HN3M5URZA6F&keywords=eleanor+oliphant+is+completely+fine+paperback&qid=1640090117&s=books&sprefix=eleanor+oliphant+is+complet%2Cstripbooks%2C144&sr=1-1