“A philosophical question: if a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? And if a woman who’s wholly alone occasionally talks to a pot plant, is she certifiable? I think that it is perfectly normal to talk to oneself occasionally. It’s not as though I’m expecting a reply. I’m fully aware that Polly is a houseplant.”
― Gail Honeyman, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
When I first started off on the book, I must say I wasn’t quite impressed with Eleanor’s character. I found her to be way too aloof in life. But as the book progressed and more shades of Eleanor’s character were revealed, I was pulled into it. She has a past, and a lurking guilt along with it. Her anti-social behavior is an outcome of this past. New friendships forged, tap this exterior and she seeks love and forgiveness in her life.
At 32 years of age, Eleanor struggles with her social skills. She’s been working for the last nine years as a finance clerk in the same graphics design company in Glasgow. She arrives and leaves at the exact same time each day and does the newspaper crosswords every day during her lunch hours. Her life is carefully timetabled- one where she avoids social interactions, spends her weekend with frozen pizzas and vodkas. Life is more of a habit for her, and being lonely isn’t really a bother. And then enters Raymond the high energy, yet un- hygienic youngster from her office.
Together with Raymond, Eleanor ends up saving an elderly gentleman called Sammy who had fallen off the sidewalk. Over the days, the three become good friends, only to realize that that each live their own life of isolation. Slowly, Eleanor begins to realize that the only way to survive is to open her heart out. She takes that step to find a way to repair her lonely soul.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is all about making those much needed changes in life, to overcome depressing thoughts and confronting secrets that one avoids all their life.
This post is a part of the A to Z Blogging Challenge where I write about twenty six women characters from books, who have left an impact on me. You can read the previous posts here- Women in Books
39 Comments
randommusings29
This is on my TBR list – it sounds like a fab read
Debbie
Ramya Abhinand
Read it .. its an awesome boook 🙂
rashimital
Sometimes, it’s important to vent out, especially to people unknown.. Coz they do not judge us, aren’t bias.. just offer the much-needed listening ear.. sometimes, it’s good to.open up to strangers.
Ramya Abhinand
True Rashmi, We need to vent out and bring out all those pent up feelings within us. And this book is one such where past thoughts come to haunt.
rashimital
Maybe I’ll pick this book someday.
P.S.- Ramya, my name is Rashi not Rashmi.. 🙂
Ramya Abhinand
So sorry Rashi. Though I know Ur name is Rashi, wondering how I landed up typing Rashmi. Apologies
Sulekha (@sulekkha)
Ramya, thanks for suggesting this book. I read it and loved the predictable Eleanor and how she turned her life around with a few simple changes. Great review.
Ramya Abhinand
Good book right??? Glad you enjoyed it Sulekha
Obsessivemom
I’ve heard so much about this book. It reminds me a little of A man called Ove. It’s been in my wishlist for ages. I really need to get to it. Sounds like I will like it.
Ramya Abhinand
Probably yes to a certain extent could be considered to be on those lines.. It is a pleasant book that you would surely love to read
Tarang
Haven’t read this book, but it sounds interesting. Love the quote you mentioned. Will check. It’s not a translation, is it?
Ramya Abhinand
NO no tarang its not a translation. Its a nice read. You would surely like it
Tarang Sinha
Glad to know that. I don’t enjoy translations.
Dr Roshan R (@pythoroshan)
I haven’t read it but I do love the theme… something I need to check out. I love how this series gives me a new reading list 😀
Godyears.net
Ramya Abhinand
Roshan this is a lovely read, and is garnering quite a bit of popularity. Do add this to your TBR
Shalzmojo
With the bday vouchers coming in, this book is on my list to buy! Thanks for such a lovely review Ramya, you convinced me to pick it up soonest! 🙂
The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak #atozchallenge
Ramya Abhinand
Yes Shalz, use those vouchers for this great book 🙂
Shalini🌻 (@kohleyedme)
Onto my reading list you go! I have been wanting to read this book since you posted its review before.
Exercise for Dogs
Eggs On Toast
Ramya Abhinand
Yes shalu, doing this book post a second time, since I loved it soo much
Balaka
Ramya, you and Shalzmojo are guilty of making a broke woman’s TBR fat…I have made a promise to myself that I won’t buy/borrow a single book until I finish all the unread and half read books..but you girls are tempting me to break my ‘pratigya’ and head to amazon..such amazing review and how can I control myself..
Ramya Abhinand
Hahah just covergin different genres. pick the one you like the most Balaka
Varad
Very interesting premise. Think it’ll be on my ‘to buy’ list soon.
E is for Epicharikaky
Shilpa Garg
The buzz around this book made me pick it up earlier this year and I was not disappointed. It’s a quirky, witty, funny and a poignant read.
Ramya Abhinand
Glad Shilpa you liked it. It was a great read and different in its own sweet way
writershilpa
I read this review some time back and could so relate to Eleanor. Lonely, aloof, leading a time-tabled life…You know, that’s just how I like things..and, I secretly hope I don’t have to change, ever! 😛
Will pick this book up soon!
Ramya Abhinand
Do Shilpa, its s lovely heart warming tale
Soumya Prasad
I just finished this book today and I absolutely loved it! 🙂
Ramya Abhinand
Awesome Sowmya!!!! Glad you liked it
Rachna
Is it worth reading then? So many of you are praising it that I am tempted to get it on my Kindle.
Ramya Abhinand
Rachna… a BIG YES!!!! Do read it.
shanayatales
I was sold when I read that first quote you chose to highlight. So I am definitely going to check this one out – overflowing TBR or not – I need this in my life.
pratikshya2
Oh god. I think everyday i am adding books to my wishlist. Adding into my amazon cart then saving it for later. Feeling wistful.
I had started reading this book online sometime in November. Then had left it off after a few chapters. Now after your review and so many positive comments i think i should give this one a try too. Being a socially awkward person myself at times, i could relate to her a bit, but then couldn’t continue.
Picking it up in next few months.
Ramya Abhinand
Oh Pratikshya, its a good book, its a lovely book. Go beyond those first few pages to enjoy it
Meha Sharma
This is on my TBR as i have read such rave reviews. Your post makes me want to pick it even more.
Ramya Abhinand
Yes Meha.. Its a lovelybook. Do pick it up
Natasha
I’ve heard so much about this book, and I guess it’s on similar lines to The Man Called Ove. I was told the former is livelier than this one. But I guess no pint drawing comparisons and reading each book as it is. I’m definitely going to check this out Ramya. Thank you.
Natasha
natashamusing
April Anecdotes
Far Far Away
Stepheny Forgue Houghtlin
My book club is reading Oliphant is Completely Fine for our May meeting. I have it in hand and this review has helped to perk my interest. The report from those who have already finished the novel have all enjoyed it. This is my first visit to your blog finding you on the participants list for the #Challenge. Addicted to reading, your theme was right up my alley. If you have time and interest, I am writing about BOOKSHOPS this month, their architecture, locations and the great people who sell books. I would love to know what your favorite bookstore is and where. Hope you will come and join me on the tour of special places in our hearts.
BellyBytes
Another book I will have to read….. you are right about heroines making an impact on the reader. Unfortunately sometimes I remember everything about the heroine save her name!
lindamaycurry
On my free day on Sunday I downloaded it and read in it on a beautiful, cold wet day in our caravan. I had a slight cold and was able to forget everything for a while except the story. I felt there was going to be more of a twist at the end than there was. It is fairly predictable. But I did love it. Thanks for sending me in that direction.