I’m writing this post on my iPad while on vacation in Maui, so forgive me if the formatting comes out a little weird and the review short, but I really couldn’t wait to tell you that you should read this book.
First of all, it is a great vacation book in that it is funny and quirky and light. But it is also much, much more than that. It is heartbreaking, human, and transformational.
If this sounds paradoxical, that’s probably because it is.
The heroine, Eleanor, is an oddball. As you first get to know her, you can understand why her office mates make fun of her behind her back.
However, as you learn her story you will understand her background and be in awe of her courage and fortitude.
As you watch her transformation, you will cheer her on and, ultimately, fall in love with her.
From a purely literary point of view, the author, Gail Honeyman, has made some interesting and excellent choices about her portrayal of Eleanor – her language, habits, etc. – as well as how she has rolled out the information that the reader needs. Well done, Ms. Honeyman!
Do yourself a favor and get your hands on a copy of this book. There aren’t many books that would inspire me to write a blogpost while on a Hawaiian vacation, but this is definitely one of them.
Grade: A
I really liked it too. Glad you read it before the movie comes out. Keep enjoying your Maui getaway.
By: Rosemary Wolfe, NoChargeBookbunch on October 10, 2017
at 8:52 pm
Wish you could join us here! Hope you are healing well. Sorry to see this book end. . . Now nothing else looks appealing to me.
By: Jeanie F on October 10, 2017
at 11:55 pm
Thinking of you – wish I were there.
By: Rosemary Wolfe, NoChargeBookbunch on October 11, 2017
at 12:29 am
Thinking of you. Wish I were there.
By: Rosemary Wolfe, NoChargeBookbunch on October 11, 2017
at 12:30 am
I enjoyed it too. Love a character driven book. Just read Careers For Women by Joanna Scott. Very cleverly plotted and smart chacterization.
By: Roberta Canfield on October 11, 2017
at 4:53 am
Thanks, Roberta, for the suggestion! I’ll look into it.
By: Jeanie F on October 11, 2017
at 10:26 am
Got it on my list now too – thanks!
By: Rosemary Wolfe, NoChargeBookbunch on October 11, 2017
at 3:09 pm
I finished this book about a week ago. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
By: Barbara Austin on August 5, 2018
at 2:52 pm
Glad you liked it – It’s a great summer read! I just read that the movie will come out next year starring Felicity Jones. The article I saw is at https://www.bookbub.com/blog/2018/07/30/eleanor-oliphant-is-completely-fine-movie if you want to know more about it.
By: Jeanie F on August 31, 2018
at 12:28 pm