Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine - Gail Honeyman

Drama

Rating: 8/10

“I do exist, don’t I?” This is the pivotal question in Eleanor’s story as she feels like a figment of her own imagination much of the time. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry as I watched her attempt to navigate life as she struggles with appropriate social skills and human connection. In the end I did much of both! The reader watches as her well-structured and scheduled life goes off the rails and she begins to open up her heart to something foreign to her. We all know an Eleanor, or at least can recognize parts of her in people we have come across. Someone who presents as odd or quirky at the workplace, who doesn’t engage in frivolous chit chat, who remains firmly on the outside of things. We may have speculated about their life, and maybe not always with kindness. It’s possible they are similar to Eleanor in that they are profoundly lonely, with reasons for their isolation beyond our comprehension. And maybe if we gave them further notice we would find their story as hilarious as it is poignant.

Footnote: Eleanor may be a new brand of superhero!