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Life is unpredictable. One moment brings immense pleasure and happiness and you think everything is working as per the schedule, the next moment it shatters like broken glass. One moment you try to live to the fullest, the next moment brings doom to your house and it is left with an unrepairable void. Something similar is the life of the protagonist Eleanor Oliphant in the book “Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine” by Gail Honeyman.

Description 

Everything is systematic and perfect in Eleanor Oliphant’s life. Same routine, same road to office and same job for the past 9 years, established a pattern in her life. Same clothes to work, Same meal during lunch and same two bottles of Vodka during weekend is what she needs to be happy. Yet she has to have a conversation with her mummy every wednesday evening, which is terrifying for her and she is so afraid to avoid that due to consequences. But is this the life she planned for herself or there is more to it ?

The story revolves around Eleanor who is having a very painful past which leads her life towards misery and pain without her knowledge. The experience of her self obsession toward a singer whom she thought she was destined to unite with added the fuel to her condition. While understanding life with the help of her first ever friend Raymond and Sammy, an oldman she helped in rescuing, she underwent drastic change in her life and the journey towards her own salvation will leave readers emotionally involved with the character.

My Review

• First chapter started with a bang. The description will make you resemble your own life and within 3 pages she raised the bar and started the curiosity in the reader to know more. The chat with the doctor was super funny and unexpected. 
• The book showcased both ways of thinking. What others thought about the protagonist and how the protagonist’s mind works in the same scenario. The author did a great deal of work in thinking from both sides and explaining them which a user can empathize with both the parties involved.
• Author depicted real life scenarios very well and realistic descriptions made me feel like doing the same thing that the protagonist did. For example, travel in a metro or going to a manicure shop after seeing an offer pamphlet.
• “Eleanor, you are too quick to judge people” – Here the author has given a tremendous lesson to the readers. Not to judge anyone from their looks.
• The book manifested true friendship and its impact on a person. A true friendship can change life, can help to heal and save a life. We could see lots of examples of the same in the book. The friendship between Eleanor and Raymond is one in a million and very much emotional. A friend like Raymond is the one she was waiting for almost a decade in her lonely life and when they met, the funny conversations they had, vulnerability they shared and unique sense of humor can melt hearts.
• Mental health such as depression is very much common. One should never feel ashamed to consult a doctor and seek help whenever and however necessary. Everyone deserves a life to live and feel happy. Eleanor’s journey is one such example. How bad depression can alter brain activity is unimaginable unless one undergoes the same. The author did a tremendous job in explaining the issue in a very simple manner with its cure. 

I recommend everyone to read this book “Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine” by Gail Honeyman at least once in their lifetime.

Awards and Recognition

Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine is the 2017 debut novel by Gail Honeyman and the winner of Costa Debut Novel Award.

Conclusion

I was very much impressed with the writing of the book and how easefully the author has described mental health issues left me emotional and tearful. Support from parents is very much essential and fundamental for kids to grow as a better human being along with friends who play a vital role in anyone’s life to keep minds in sane. Even though the story showed the dark side of mental health issues, still the humor I found was very much funny and made me laugh in the middle of the night while I was reading it. I would say this is the best book I have ever read. Funny, touching and heartwarming are the best words we can use for the book.

PS – Thank you so much Bro for this book. I got it from my cousin as my Rakhi gift. Indeed this is the best. I will lend you this book to read next time we meet. WINK.