Bianca's Reviews > Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

Just announced: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is a Costa Book Awards winner.

In some ways, this novel reminded me of The Rosie Project, without a doubt, because of the main character, Eleanor Oliphant, is an odd one, a recluse, who doesn't fit in.

Eleanor is thirty and has been working in an ad agency as accounts receivable officer for over nine years. It's the only job she's ever had. She's a loner, set in her ways - she's one of those people that you pass by and never notice or if you do, you avoid them. Her weekends are the worst, as she stays at home, all alone, drinking vodka into oblivion.

Eleanor's routines change when one day, walking from work alongside her IT colleague, Raymond, they come to the rescue of an elderly man who has a dizzy spell and falls onto the street. What ensues are a series of events that discombobulate Eleanor but also thrill her in unexpected ways: she visits someone in the hospital a couple of times. A first for her. She goes to a bar for drinks. Again, a first. She's invited to a party. She's shown unexpected kindness and finds herself enjoying other people's touch, be it for a hug, or when she finally gets her hair cut and styled professionally - for the first time in her life.

Things start getting better for Eleanor. Until a seemingly small incident triggers some very bad thoughts.

I'll leave it there for fear of spoilers.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine was an exceptionally touching novel. It was also charming, smart, funny and very well written. It's impressive that this is Gail Honeyman's debut novel. I loved the language. There were many words that I needed to look up. As I professed before, I dig that big time. Hopefully, I'll remember some of those words.

This novel was full of heart! A big, beautiful heart! I so needed to read a book like this.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

I've received this novel via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the publishers, HarperCollings, Australia, for the opportunity to read and review this gorgeous debut novel.

Cover: 5 stars (I absolutely love the title)