Book Review: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

Honestly, after reading this book, I'm quite fine too.

TW: murder, domestic violence, suicidal thoughts & alcohol abuse

This book takes you on an uncomfortable journey through Eleanor Oliphant's life as she searches for contentment after falling for a man she's never met. It's the perfect kind of book for a nice but gloomy day as it gives you all the warm and fuzzy feelings that you need, without the romance aspect that makes you feel empty inside at the end.

What starts off as a slow read (that you really have to power through) turns into an intriguing one as events in Eleanor's life transpire. From her nightmare of a mother and a boring desk job to impulsive purchases and adventures, the read is well worth it. Once you power through the first part and get a grasp of Elenor's peculiar mindset, it's easy to see things from her point of view as the wallflower in her own life.

Eleanor Oliphant is a 29-year-old woman with a meticulous routine that couldn't be bothered by anything. As I read it, it was tough to believe that I had anything in common with her but she's a blunt woman who doesn't want to show weakness while at the same time longing for more. More friends, more love, more normalcy.

Her routine consisted of being invisible, getting through the workday, and going home to her single-serve meals and bottles of vodka. But after an unavoidable encounter with a coworker and a chance encounter with "the one", Eleanor decides that it's time to put an end to being invisible and following routine.

The book is told through Eleanor's point of view as she suppresses triggering memories and tries to understand the oddities of other people. Her attempts to do these "normal people activities" like use smartphones, get bikini waxes, and visit bars are the perfect amount of comedy laced within this story. She speaks volumes to any introvert reading this as she faces the world as her truest self, with no shame.

With the guidance of her un-kept and slightly off-putting coworker, Eleanor finds out just how kind people can be to one another and how she really deserves to be treated.

All in all, an endearing read needed when you want to see kindness in the world.

4 out of 5 stars.