Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine by Gail Honeyman

I have been waiting for death all my life. I do not mean that I actively wish to die, just that I do not really want to be alive.

– Eleanor Oliphant

WHAT A BOOK!!! I had to take breaks while reading this gem because it’s so overwhelming and after completing it, one minute I was spellbound, and the other minute I wanted to say so much but of course couldn’t find anyone since it was 4 O’Clock in the morning and I didn’t realize until I saw the clock. Yes, it is that kind of book, unputdownable!!

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman is one of a kind. It’s about a woman suffering from clinical depression/mental illness. 

Eleanor is not much of a conversationalist, she speaks only when required. She struggles with social skills and it’s difficult for her to blend in with the normal culture of society. She says what comes in her mind without being manipulative. She is like a child who was never loved and the tragedies of her past still haunts her.

It was a rollercoaster of emotions for me. I laughed, I sobbed, I got angry and sometimes I felt helpless. There were so many relatable situations which left me dumbstruck. This book is a conglomeration of happiness, grief, and humor. Such simple straight forward sentences by Eleanor that will leave you cracked up. She has this strange thought process, and I don’t know why but I was quite fascinated by it.

Character development is exceptionally good. Be it, Eleanor, Raymond or other characters, the author has done a great job with them. Raymond, for me, was a ray of light. Everyone deserves someone like him in their life. Though there are loads of sad moments, this book also gives so much hope. While there are people who are gonna mock you for what you are, there are always people out there to accept you the way you are. It’s just a matter of time when you come across one.

This book is a much-needed read. It talks about so many issues prevalent in our society. Loneliness, depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts being the major ones. We avoid the symptoms and prefer not to talk about it. Lack of love, satisfaction and loneliness can lead to depression which eventually leads to suicides or self-harm. The only way to get out of this illness is by talking about it. This book focuses so much about opening up and that is why everyone should read it to know what steps could we take to prevent it. We should not be ashamed if depression hits us, it could happen to anyone and it’s not your fault. We might be the victim or the helper but if we aren’t aware, we will be at a great loss.

My verdict – Just read it because it’s important and yes it’s an amazing book too.

Rating – 5 out of 5

You can buy it here – Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

[Above mentioned is Amazon Affiliate Link]

Time only blunts the pain of loss. It doesn’t erase it.

– Eleanor Oliphant