Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine - Gail Honeyman - ★★★★.¾

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AUTHOR: Gail Honeyman
GENRE: Contemporary Fiction
PUBLICATION DATE: May 9, 2017
RATING: 4.75 stars.

Every avid reader wants to read fabulous books. But the truth of the matter is that, more often than not, this is a constant struggle. Just because certain books are reviewed to be fabulous doesn't mean that YOU as a reader would find them fabulous. So when you take up a book that you know has received universal acclaim, you try desperately to keep your expectations in check and give it the opportunity it deserves. And if the book does end up matching your expectations, it's just thrilling!

"Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" has been reviewed in my Facebook group multiple times and every single review was not just positive but absolutely glowing. By the time the latest review was posted, I couldn't resist anymore and picked it up. And what a blast it has been!

Eleanor is one of the best characters ever sketched in fiction. Such an amazing, intense woman! She faces struggles like no one else. And she comes out like a phoenix, stronger than before.

You read Eleanor's story from her perspective. So you do see life as she sees it initially - practically and detached. But when you keep reading and discover what she has gone through, it's like a jolt to your system because you find yourself reacting but Eleanor doesn't. She remains stoic and unfazed.

Not to forget the person who helps her realise the value of life and friendship. Raymond is the friend I'd love to have. The two of them are such a great match in the book; I loved their interactions.

An additional (and unexpected) positive for me was the vocabulary of the book. What a command over the language! In all humility, I do have an extensive vocabulary and yet I found myself needing the dictionary every now and then. In this age of short-cut lingo, this book was a true treasure trove for a logophile.

It is unbelievable that this is the debut work of Gail Honeyman. She is surely going to be on my watchlist now onwards.

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