Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Book of the Month for August is one of those rare pieces of literature that makes you laugh out loud on one page then moves you to tears on the next. The book that coined a new genre of literature – UpLit (short for Uplifting Literature) – Eleanor Oliphant deserves your attention.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Eleanor Oliphant is not your usual heroine. Socially awkward with a deadpan wit that her colleagues fail to notice, her only significant human interaction comes in her weekly phone calls with Mummy. But that is fine for Eleanor because she likes to be alone; people are needy and annoying. But then she meets Raymond, the odd man from IT and through his friendship Eleanor begins to realise that it is OK to be happy, after all.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is one of the few novels I will read over and over. Eleanor and Raymond are loveable characters that are hard to let go for the reader. You long for them to be happy. The novel’s portrayal of the modern workplace is excellent, and it approaches mental illness and post-traumatic stress disorder in a way that is simultaneously heart-breaking and sympathetic, without making the protagonist merely a victim.

Don’t write this off as “not your type of book” – it is everyone’s type of book. A novel that will leave you full of hope and happiness.

linked to quote — “No thank you,” I said. “I don’t want to accept a drink from you, because then I would be obliged to purchase one for you in return, and I’m afraid I’m simply not interested in spending two drinks’ worth of time with you.” – Eleanor Oliphant

Life should be better than fine

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine deserves its accolades. It is frequently laugh-out-loud funny, at times frightening and sad, but ultimately it gives you faith in humanity. It is also one of the few books I have read with a surprising and satisfying twist. You will finish this book with a big smile on your face.

You can buy Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine in paperback or digital download from Goodreads.

And if you liked this article check out my Book of the Month blog series. This free, informal book club introduces a variety of fiction/non-fiction authors and genres to keep you entertained.

Happy reading!

Dave

Don’t have time for novels? Enjoy ten-minute reads. Check out my short stories.