I learned about "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" during an ad on the "Modern Love" podcast. I heard the ad about 10 times before I decided to look up the book on Amazon. In the podcast promotions, the book was described as a love story. With my Cape Cod vacation on the horizon, I asked myself, "What could be better than a romance novel on the beach?"
As it turns out, this is not a story about two people who fall head over heels in love. This is the tale of a woman in her thirties, who suffered extreme trauma as a child, and has become a vodka-drinking, judgmental recluse.
To give you a sense of Eleanor, here is a passage where she talks about a typical Friday morning at work:
"Friday at last. When I arrived at the office, my colleagues were already clustered around the kettle, talking about soap operas. They ignored me; I have long since ceased to initiate conversation with them. I hung my navy jerkin on the back of my chair and switched on my computer. I had not slept well again the previous evening, being somewhat unsettled by my conversation with Mummy. I decided to make a refreshing cup of tea before I got started. I have my own mug and spoon, which I keep in my desk drawer for hygiene reasons. My colleagues think this is strange, or at least I assume so fom their reactions, and yet they are happy to drink from filthy vessels, washed carelessly by unknown hands. I cannot even countenance the notion of inserting a teaspoon, licked and sucked by a stranger barely an hour beforehand, into a hot beverage. Filthy."
And another where she explains why she can't bring herself to check out books from the library:
"The only criterion I have is that the books must look clean, which means that I have to disregard a lot of potential reading material in the charity shop. I don't use the library for the same reason, although obviously, in principle and reality, libraries are life-enhancing palaces of wonder. It's not you, libraries, it's me, as the popular saying goes. The thought of books passing through so many unwashed hands - people reading them in the bath, letting their dogs sit on them, picking their nose and wiping the results on the pages. People eating cheesy crisps and then reading a few chapters without washing their hands first. I just can't."
You get the point. Eleanor's usual routine is disrupted when a co-worker, Raymond, tries to befriend her. He invites her to lunch, sends her kind emails during the work day, he even welcomes her into his mother's house.
Slowly, Raymond's kindness and patience begins to chip away at Eleanor's armor. As the book goes on, more and more details are revealed about Eleanor's childhood, each one more painful than the one before. I was not prepared for how heavy this storyline was going to be. There were some moments where I had to take breaks, put the book down and come back to it later.
When I posted on Instagram that I was starting this book, a friend commented, "I've never rooted for a character so much." I wish I could say I felt the same, but the book's tone was so much more negative than I was prepared for, that I think I never recovered from it being so wildly different than what I was expecting.
I am so curious, have you read this book? Were you cheering for Eleanor?
*Photo of Gail Honeyman courtesy of @HarperCollinsUK on Twitter. Book cover photo by Molly Galler.
Comments
Michael Daniel
Thu, 10/10/2019 - 05:49
This book is one of my favorite books from all of the books. I pick this book from australianwritings reviews when I am doing research on some university projects which I complete it in the time.
jo emily
Fri, 04/17/2020 - 03:51
The world is moving so fast these days that the man who says it can’t be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it. A perfect and safe choice for everyone is here >> shell shockers
mehreensiddique
Wed, 07/15/2020 - 03:42
Hey what a brilliant post I have come across and believe me I have been searching out for this similar kind of post for past a week and hardly came across this. Thank you very much and will look for more postings from you. Ly The Dung Bat Dong San
Seo link creator
Wed, 12/16/2020 - 06:19
Tante lenzuola matrimoniali per il tuo letto. Scopri la gamma e i colori delle più belle lenzuola per te. Acquista online e risparmia già oggi stesso. lenzuola matrimoniali in cotone e lenzuola matrimoniali in microfibra ideali per il tuo letto e la tua camera da letto.ti aspettiamo sul nostro e-commerce www.shopcentroscampoli.com.Buona spesa e arrivederci a presto.
Seo link creator
Thu, 12/17/2020 - 02:45
Excellent article. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice article. Thanks! keep rocking. multifunction hair trimmer
Seo link creator
Thu, 12/17/2020 - 03:22
This particular papers fabulous, and My spouse and i enjoy each of the perform that you have placed into this. I’m sure that you will be making a really useful place. I has been additionally pleased. Good perform! buy pregabalin
Seo link creator
Fri, 12/18/2020 - 03:22
I found that site very usefull and this survey is very cirious, I ' ve never seen a blog that demand a survey for this actions, very curious... Tv por Assinatura
Seo link creator
Sat, 12/19/2020 - 01:53
Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! importance of employee benefits
Seo link creator
Sun, 12/20/2020 - 02:25
Very informative post! There is a lot of information here that can help any business get started with a successful social networking campaign. บาคาร่าทอดลอง
Seo link creator
Sun, 12/20/2020 - 03:06
Thank you very much for writing such an interesting article on this topic. This has really made me think and I hope to read more. สมัครบาคาร่า888
Seo link creator
Sun, 12/20/2020 - 03:43
Nice blog, I will keep visiting this blog very often. สล็อตเครดิตฟรี
Seo link creator
Sun, 12/20/2020 - 08:08
I cannot wait to dig deep and kickoff utilizing resources that I received from you. Your exuberance is refreshing. Oversized Wall Art
Muhammad Saeed
Sun, 12/20/2020 - 10:58
revolutionalist press news, Press media,news channel ,business,sports,worldwide,revolutionalist news press etc SCHIZOPHRENIA
Seo link creator
Mon, 12/21/2020 - 01:38
It is the kind of information I have been trying to find. Thank you for writing this information. It has proved utmost beneficial for me. हिंदी में जानकारी
Seo link creator
Mon, 12/21/2020 - 02:46
thank you for your interesting infomation. buy classic wow gold
Seo link creator
Mon, 12/21/2020 - 03:24
Admiring the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information you offer!.. strapping tool
Seo link creator
Mon, 12/21/2020 - 04:23
I cannot wait to dig deep and kickoff utilizing resources that I received from you. Your exuberance is refreshing. afflift forum
Seo link creator
Mon, 12/21/2020 - 07:09
Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. ibogaine for sale
Seo link creator
Mon, 12/21/2020 - 07:59
I am impressed. I don't think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here. best rowenta irons
Seo link creator
Mon, 12/21/2020 - 08:37
Very interesting blog. Alot of blogs I see these days don't really provide anything that I'm interested in, but I'm most definately interested in this one. Just thought that I would post and let you know. best pc gaming chair under 300
Seo link creator
Tue, 12/22/2020 - 02:18
Very interesting blog. Alot of blogs I see these days don't really provide anything that I'm interested in, but I'm most definately interested in this one. Just thought that I would post and let you know. office fitout London
Seo link creator
Tue, 12/22/2020 - 07:04
I am very enjoyed for this blog. Its an informative topic. It help me very much to solve some problems. Its opportunity are so fantastic and working style so speedy. otherworldly evil monarch novel
Seo link creator
Tue, 12/22/2020 - 08:13
Thanks for a wonderful share. Your article has proved your hard work and experience you have got in this field. Brilliant .i love it reading. the grandmaster of demonic cultivation
Seo link creator
Tue, 12/22/2020 - 08:50
I found your this post while searching for some related information on blog search...Its a good post..keep posting and update the information. the grandmaster of demonic cultivation
Seo link creator
Wed, 12/23/2020 - 01:53
I read a article under the same title some time ago, but this articles quality is much, much better. How you do this.. novel online
Seo link creator
Wed, 12/23/2020 - 06:29
Great write-up, I am a big believer in commenting on blogs to inform the blog writers know that they’ve added something worthwhile to the world wide web!.. receive SMS free
Seo link creator
Wed, 12/23/2020 - 07:56
This is highly informatics, crisp and clear. I think that everything has been described in systematic manner so that reader could get maximum information and learn many things. professional plumbing
Seo link creator
Wed, 12/23/2020 - 08:45
This is highly informatics, crisp and clear. I think that everything has been described in systematic manner so that reader could get maximum information and learn many things. pgslotxo.vip/
Zaid Shaikh
Wed, 12/23/2020 - 17:27
I'm constantly searching on the internet for posts that will help me. Too much is clearly to learn about this. I believe you created good quality items in Functions also. Keep working, congrats! Tattoo Shops Eureka
Seo link creator
Thu, 12/24/2020 - 02:45
That'sthe factor marketing that you choose to perfect due diligence in advance of producing. Additionally, it is likely to jot down better ad utilizing this type of. Home Improvement Deductions for Taxes in 2020
Zaid Shaikh
Thu, 12/24/2020 - 10:50
I want to say thanks for beautiful blog sharing with us. Your blog really great resource to update my knowledge. cbd merchant account
Zaid Shaikh
Sun, 01/03/2021 - 09:19
Your work here on this blog has been top notch from day 1. You've been continously providing amazing articles for us all to read and I just hope that you keep it going on in the future as well. Cheers! Bes cheap bikes for men
Zaid Shaikh
Tue, 01/05/2021 - 01:30
When a blind man bears the standard pity those who follow…. Where ignorance is bliss ‘tis folly to be wise…. where can i buy kamagar 100 mg tablets in australia
Geeks Rider
Fri, 02/26/2021 - 11:52
Thanks for this great post, i find it very interesting and very well thought out and put together. I look forward to reading your work in the future. How to Delete Snapchat Account
Zena Bartell
Thu, 04/15/2021 - 00:27
This site extremely instructive ! Keep on setting up! skribbl io
Zena Bartell
Thu, 04/15/2021 - 00:27
Thanks for the great article. geometry dash
Zaid Shaikh
Thu, 04/15/2021 - 07:24
definately enjoy every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff of your blog a must read blog! best smm panel
Zaid Shaikh
Sat, 04/17/2021 - 12:48
This is a great high resolution screen which you have shared for the users. Making a website is not an easy task but managing a good website is really a hard work. As far as this website is concerned, I am very happy. driver talent serial key list
Branding Services
Mon, 04/19/2021 - 17:33
I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative..
waec midnight answer runs
Zaid Shaikh
Tue, 04/20/2021 - 12:09
The first phase the preparation should, theoretically, be uninfluenced by the intended intensity and duration of the sound which is subsequently produced. In fact, however, so quickly are the three phases accomplished that the pianist rarely has capacity to think, in performance, of each phase separately. reimage torrent
Zaid Shaikh
Wed, 05/05/2021 - 13:30
Personally, I have found that to remain probably the most fascinating topics when it draws a parallel to. You may find two to three new levels inside L . a . Weight loss and any one someone is incredibly important. Initial stage may be real melting away rrn the body. lose weight Cook county mortgage rates
Branding Services
Thu, 05/06/2021 - 20:15
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
free waec runz
among us
Thu, 06/24/2021 - 03:33
You are doing well. I have read a lot of blog posts, but I have never heard of a topic like this. I like this topic.
among us
สมพร เดธสง
Mon, 03/07/2022 - 00:27
เกม 123 if you want to get cash click my URL. have a nice day.