Meet Eleanor Oliphant: She struggles with appropriate social skills and tends to say exactly what she’s thinking. Nothing is missing in her carefully timetabled life of avoiding social interactions, where weekends are punctuated by frozen pizza, vodka, and phone chats with Mummy.But everything changes when Eleanor meets Raymond, the bumbling and deeply unhygienic IT guy from her office. When she and Raymond together save Sammy, an elderly gentleman who has fallen on the sidewalk, the three become the kinds of friends who rescue one another from the lives of isolation they have each been living. And it is Raymond’s big heart that will ultimately help Eleanor find the way to repair her own profoundly damaged one.
Soon to be a major motion picture produced by Reese Witherspoon, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is the smart, warm, and uplifting story of an out-of-the-ordinary heroine whose deadpan weirdness and unconscious wit make for an irresistible journey as she realizes. . .
The only way to survive is to open your heart.
My Thoughts: I had heard such good things about Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, so I was not surprised to find myself irresistibly drawn to this socially awkward yet brilliant young woman. Her routines seemed to define her, and I could understand how reassuring they were. She seemingly denied any problems or issues, assuring everyone repeatedly that she was fine. Being alone and apparently friendless was a way to show her strength and her capability.
But along the way, as Eleanor began to long for someone special in her life, she built up a fantasy life around a handsome singer, and started changing her appearance, from hair and makeup to new clothes, to make herself more appealing. She was also becoming friends with Raymond, the somewhat strange IT colleague, and gradually began to join him for lunches, outings, and even parties. She bloomed.
But then something happens that topples her carefully constructed reality…and she has to accept help. At last.
I loved how we learned bits and pieces about her life, through her first person narrative. But she kept most of her secrets close to her vest until finally, through therapy, she could confront the pain and trauma of the past. I loved Eleanor, and wanted to keep reading about her. I am looking forward to the movie. 5 stars.
Sounds very interesting. Love these out of the ordinary characters. Will go on my to read list.
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Thanks, Lisbeth, so do I! These characters are definitely layered and compelling.
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Great review. I loved this book sooo much. Eleanor is just such a poor wee soul but also so unintentionally funny. Raymond I could never quite figure out. He’s just too nice.
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Thanks, Ali, I wasn’t sure about Raymond, either…he seemed like a strange one. But a lovely book!
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I’m so glad you loved it – I did too. The film should be in good hands with Reese Witherspoon’s company. Looking forward to see who is cast in the main roles.
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Thanks, Mary, I’m eager to see who will play the main roles, too. Reese is quite a powerhouse these days.
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I hadn’t heard that this book was being adapted into a movie and am really excited to hear it!! 🙂
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Thanks for visiting, Lindsay, and I’m excited about the movie, too.
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I loved it and really enjoyed the audio version. I loved the revelation about her mother. I didn’t know there is going to be a movie. Yay, how exciting.
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Thanks for visiting, Kathryn, and I wasn’t expecting that bit about her mother. Loved it! I can’t wait to see who is playing in the film.
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Great Review! I have been toying with reading this book for a while.
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Thanks, A, I loved it! Hope you enjoy it someday.
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Laurel-Rain, this sounds like a wonderful book. I’d love to read it, and I’d love to see the movie! I enjoyed reading your review 🙂
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Thanks, Suko, Eleanor is the kind of character that leaves you smiling…and makes you want to stay connected to her.
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I agree, the character of Eleanor is a good one, and not least because she shares my name! I hadn’t heard of the film version, but can’t wait for it to come out 🙂
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Thanks, Eleanor, I love characters that share my name…or the names of loved ones. Thanks for stopping by. I hope the movie comes out soon!
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This sounds wonderful. I keep seeing this book everywhere but your review revealed to me what it’s about. Thank you. 💕 Now that I know, I’ll add it to my tbr. 😊
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Thanks, Laurie, glad you enjoyed the review. I hope you love the book!
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The perfect read for a rainy day, I really enjoyed it, despite having to suspend belief occasionally, such a talented writer, she really did create an unforgettable character in Eleanor.
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Oh, yes, it was a delightful read, Claire. Thanks for stopping by.
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