What I read: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
Recently I just finished a book called “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” Which is kind of like a rom-com novel, but I think it’s more than that. It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read, and I would recommend it to everyone. If you’re looking for an inspiring, amusing, and worth reading book, this one might be your answer. But why, let’s find out!
Get to know the author
Gail Honeyman got the idea from a newspaper article about loneliness. She got hooked by the story of a 20s woman who spent her after-work life only by herself which is completely Eleanor.
Gail put her writer hat on when she was 40. It was the time when she realized that “It’s now or never”. She started her writing career by submitting her work to a short story competition. She didn’t win, but it got her a deal.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine won the Costa Debut Novel Award in 2017. Her’s work was also bought by Reese Witherspoon to make it into a movie version. That’s guaranteed how great this book is, so Don’t be hesitate. You are not going to regret it.
What’s the story about
Eleanor Oliphant, the protagonist, is a scheduled woman in her late 20s who spends her life working 9–5 fives day a week like most of us. Eleanor doesn’t have proper social skills. She’s trying to avoid every human contact. Then, she falls in love with a local musician who changes her life.
Eleanor changes her look because she thinks it would make her more “interesting”. While spending her time thinking about her dreamy boyfriend, she also spends a night talking to her mummy on the phone. She tells her everything.
The story becomes interesting after she meets Raymond, an IT guy from her office. He is not her type at all, but they become a friend after they save Sammy. After that, the author takes us through the life of Eleanor which she said “it’s fine”
My Thought (Spoiler Alert)
I am not a rom-com novel veteran, so I would not dare to rate this book. But I can say that it is one of the best books I have read this year.
The contrast between Eleanor and Raymond is interesting, so it is enjoyable every time they are together. I love how sweet they are, though Eleanor is so cold. The love arch was not cheesy. It will not make you feel like the first time Ross and Rachel from Friends were dated. It was like Sheldon Cooper and Amy Farrah Fowler from The Big Bang Theory instead. That is the reason why I freaking love it.
However, there is a thing that annoyed me thought out the book. It is the plot about a musician whom I can’t even remember his name. I was skimming every time Eleanor fantasied about him. Fortunately, he was not in the main plot and didn’t affect the story that much. He was like your first crush whom you didn’t even talk to once. At first, you would think he/she going to be the love of your life, who you talk about the future together. Ten years later, you can’t even remember the name.
My favorite part is the “Bad day” which is when Eleanor had to get through depression. I can’t say it was accurate, but I think the author did an amazing job there. It is a tough situation for anyone, no matter how strong you are you cannot conquer your mind on your own.
REMINDER: Be kind to everyone.
The climax of this book is also great. It was slowly revealed the background of Eleanor. Although I noticed that she didn’t have a proper childhood, the biggest reveal was still pretty shocking. I will not tell you what it is but believe me, you should stick to the end.
On the whole, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is a great book. I recommend you to read it.
