For some reason many of us missed this 2017 novel. It's "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman. Maybe the title didn't grab us but now Reese Witherspoon's movie production company is making a movie of it. At first we wondered why there was suddenly so much renewed interest. It's funny how popular entertainment ebbs and flows. In any event, this book is worthy of every accolade it receives. Here's hoping that Ms. Witherspoon's movie captures the tone and humor of this wonderfully sad, funny, quirky character.
Eleanor is a 30 year old single woman working and doing nothing else except drinking her weekends away, just killing time until Monday morning comes along again. She definitely loves a routine and work is the only thing that fulfills her need for structure. Very gradually the reader gets to know Eleanor. Her story is heartbreaking and dark but her journey ends with optimism. You will cheer her on as she opens up so gradually that she doesn't even realize it.
Eleanor is like the aliens in the old TV show "Third Rock from the Sun". She has never experienced so many things that we all take for granted. Her observations are hilarious. Look for her rant about Sponge Bob and her new makeup counter friend, Bobbie Brown.
It's no wonder "Eleanor" earned rave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. You will fall in love with Eleanor, there is no doubt about it!
