Book Review: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
What is it about?
'Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine' by Gail Honeyman follows the life of a young woman, Eleanor, who is socially awkward and lives alone in Glasgow. She follows the same routine every day and her life appears to be predictable and orderly on the surface. However, she is unaware that she is quietly struggling with depression, the result of a deeply traumatic childhood. She has never truly understood what happiness or genuine human connection feels like. That slowly begins to change when a colleague at work introduces her to small but meaningful moments of kindness and companionship. Through this, Eleanor starts to realise the importance of connection and self-acceptance. The book is beautifully written by the author who skillfully balances humour and emotional depth, portraying Eleanor’s journey toward self-acceptance and healing with a mix of heartache and hope.
Why it appealed to me?
I don’t usually read fiction, and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is the first fiction book I’ve picked up this year. I was looking for something that simply told a story—nothing too intense like crime, thrillers, or romance. I wanted something grounded, similar to A Man Called Ove, which I read a while ago and found beautifully written. That’s how I came across Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, and it immediately caught my eye. Living in another country has its glamour, but it also brings moments of loneliness. To fill those gaps, I tend to stick to a routine—a way to stay balanced, content, and focused. The theme of this book resonated with that part of my life, and that further motivated me to start reading it.
It turned out to be a fantastic read. The book touches on themes like social isolation, loneliness, depression, and trauma, but it never feels overwhelming. In fact, it’s surprisingly funny in many moments. It also captures that flutter of excitement you feel when you start connecting with someone new—the anticipation of those first few interactions. It’s not a romantic novel, but it shows how having the right person by your side can support and inspire change, which is another important theme.
The book also made me more aware of the hidden struggles people around us might be facing. It’s a reminder that even those who seem perfectly fine at work or in passing may be carrying more than we realize. It encourages empathy and understanding, and that’s something I truly appreciated about the story.
Should you read it?
If you enjoy fiction that's lighthearted but still manages to be meaningful, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine could be exactly what you're looking for. It's the kind of book that keeps you engaged with its simple yet compelling narrative, and it strikes a great balance between humor and emotional depth. The story isn’t complex or overly dramatic, but it touches on real-life themes that feels authentic and relatable.
What makes this book special is that it's both easy to read and thought-provoking. So whether you're looking for something that will make you laugh, feel emotional, or reflect on human relationships, this book delivers. It’s perfect for readers who want a story with heart without being overwhelmed. For all these reasons, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is definitely worth picking up.