Summary: "Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine: A Novel" by Gail Honeyman | Discussion Prompts

by bestof.me

Gail Honeyman’s #1 New York Times bestselling book Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is also a certified book Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick. Nobody has ever told Eleanor Oliphant that life should not only be fine but better than fine.  Eleanor Oliphant is an ordinary woman who struggles with the appropriate social skills she needs to have on occasion. She has the tendency to say the exact words that she is thinking. Truth is, nothing is really missing in her carefully timetabled life that can be described as avoidance of social interactions. Her weekends are punctuated by frozen vodka, pizza, and phone chats with her Mummy. But everything will change for Eleanor when she meets Raymond in her office. He is the bumbling IT guy who is deeply unhygienic. When Eleanor and Raymond saw an elderly gentleman who has fallen on the sidewalk, together they saved Sammy. This became the start of the three’s friendship. They would rescue one another from the lives of isolation that they have each been living. And it is none other than the big heart of Raymond that would ultimately help quiet Eleanor to find the best way to repair her own profoundly damaged heart. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine will soon be a major motion picture that will be produced by actress Reese Witherspoon. This novel is a warm, smart and uplifting story of an unlikely heroine whose weirdness and unconscious wit would make an irresistible journey.



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52 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2019

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I nearly gave up on this book...when I started reading it, the main character really irritated me! Why did she speak that way? Why was she so annoying? And so old-fashioned? But I persevered...and I'm glad I did, because it was one of those books which made you sit up and think about the way we judge people without knowing their background, how we make assumptions and disregard others because they don't quite fit in with our understanding of what is acceptable or normal behaviour. The author gives glimpses of what Eleanor went through as a child, and the events which have shaped her character and beliefs, and by the end I was much more sympathetic towards her, even being able to identify with some of her dilemmas. There were funny moments, some very sad ones and a 'oh, I wasn't expecting that!' one towards the end. There were perhaps a few anomalies as well, and instances where I felt that the storyline became a bit unrealistic (being able to set up a laptop without a glitsch, having never owned a piece of technology before?!), but I can forgive the author that, in light of the fact that Eleanor's character remained in my mind and heart long after I finished the book. I liked the other characters (excepting 'Mummy') and the parts they played in helping Eleanor to come to terms with what had happened and to become a less lonely person.

I suspect this book could, however, be rather like Marmite...you'll either love it or you'll hate it! I would say that I grew to love it despite some minor flaws. A bit like some people, perhaps...

[Abdullah Khalefh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your typical love story—but so full of humanity.
Eleanor's journey taught me that healing takes time and love doesn’t always arrive romantically—it can come through kindness, friendship, and gentle understanding.
Beautiful, honest, and quietly powerful.

[June Hernandez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basic.

I guess it’s a summary and it contains many talking points- book club material. Didn’t strike a chord with me though.

[MS PM CROSS]

Touchingly funny

[Jennifer Cocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually the second time I read this. It does make for uncomfortable reading. Very satisfying read. Really recommend it.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I've read lately. ❤

[Alicia Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny

[Alvia Turney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good twist, delightful read.

[Sarah Barlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eleanor is not completely fine! Rather uncomfortable reading. if you could read with one eye shut, you would! An unusual read and quite entertaining. Would recommend