Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman (2017): A Review

Title: Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

Author: Gail Honeyman

Publication Year: 2017

Pages: 383

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genre: Trauma Fiction, Literary Fiction

Source: Audiobook @storytel.tr

Awards (won): 2017 Costa Book Awards; 2018 British Book Awards; 2017 Waverton Good Read Award; 2018 Authors' Club Best First Novel Award; 2018 The British Book Industry Awards;

Awards (finalist, shortlisted, or longlisted): 2017 Books Are My Bag Readers' Awards; 2018 Audie Award; 2018 Australian Book Industry Awards; 2018 Desmond Elliott Prize; 2018 Glass Bell Award; 2018 Independent Booksellers' Book Prize; 2018 RUSA awards; 2019 Comedy Women in Print Prize; 2019 International Dublin Literary Award

Opening Sentence: When people ask me what I do—taxi drivers, hairdressers—I tell them I work in an office.

This is the story of Eleanor, our first-person narrator, through whose eyes we get to know her struggling to function in society. The blame does not lie with her; she is a brilliant individual, but constant abuse and subsequent trauma have pushed her into the darkest corners—both literally and figuratively. Throughout this journey of self-discovery and recovery, Eleanor finds support from a lovely friend who becomes a ray of sunshine in her life.

The narrative offers a compelling mix of horror, sadness, wit, and humor, though the humor is often ironic. As readers, we pick up on the wit in Eleanor's comments, which contrast with her struggles to engage with the world around her. The IRONY! At the beginning of the tale, you might feel the urge to keep your distance from Eleanor, as it seems nothing good can come from getting close to her. Her behavior can be unsettling, even to the point of being a creepy stalker.

However, as the story unfolds, we meet other facets of Eleanor and learn about her bond with a character named Raymond. He teaches us the value of friendship and the importance of not fearing connection with her. It's through this relationship that Eleanor begins to save herself and confront her past, which is beyond the grasp and tolerance of a normal person. The portrayal of her mother is particularly striking, as she embodies true evil and deserves to burn in the lowest circle of hell.

The author keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the revelation of Eleanor’s past. You will remain in the dark, much like Eleanor, until the final chapter. Brace yourself for a story of trauma and recovery that will have you shouting at the book, demanding answers as you power through each chapter.

It's definitely worth your time to read "Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine." Just be warned that the subject matter is heavy and filled with trauma. Also, No one can be completely fine, so you should get from the title that Eleanor is not fine, she is even not close to being fine. Maybe she moves toward it but in no way she is fine!