Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine: Reese's Book Club: A Novel

2.5/5

While a lot of readers speak highly about this book, I really don't understand the hype for this rather clichéd, superficial, unrealistic book.

Full review on the blog: https://the-literary-adventures-of-a-french-reader.com/blog/eleanor-oliphant

Never have I ever rooted so hard for a character in a book!

Took a while to warm to this- Eleanor is like a cross between Ove and Sheldon, except completely unlikeable. Then you begin to discover there may be a very good reason for this, and she breaks down your defenses and you start to root for her. Many of of her observations were completely accurate if I’m being honest, particularly the ones about literacy or a lack thereof. Her relationship with Raymond was cathartic and beautifully depicted. I’ve never seen a character with this great an ability to compartmentalize, and the story unfolded in the most interesting way.

As we come to the end of 2020 I was looking to read a novel that is funny and perhaps light hearted. This was definitely not it for me. I had thought Eleanor would be similar to Fredrick Backman’s Britt-Marie and she made me laugh out loud. Eleanor on the other hand seemed like such a sad character. I also guessed the plot twists before they happened. Perhaps having a background in social work took away from this novel. I know so many people loved it.

Just read it.