Book: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Gail Honeyman
Publication date: 2017
WCRG Meeting: 28 August 2019
Rating: 7.5
Many people loved the book, and said it was wonderful and outstanding. It was an easy read and compelling in terms of what would happen next. However, for others it ‘did not click’.
The first part of the book seemed to be the most divisive, with some members sensing that something was not quite right but being curious and engaged to find out more. Others felt it was a painful read or felt embarrassed when reading about Eleanor, her disability, struggles and trauma in such a lighthearted manner. Did we laugh with her or at her?
The book explored the themes of loneliness, kindness and friendship. However, some questioned why a book which aims to explore the topic of loneliness needs to include such a traumatic childhood to do so.
The book had some profound takeaways: don’t judge people by their cover, be kind to each other, the importance of friends and a support network. However, it was a bit of an odd mix between serious and funny; very real descriptions of everyday struggles and hyperbole, literary devices.
Overall the booked seemed too lightweight for such a heavy topic. It was interesting however, that members who loved the book still could see it shortcomings, and most who did not like it could see why others might enjoy it. It seemed that the book tried to be too many things at once, and it very much depended on the reader on which parts they focused and therefore how they perceived the book.
The majority enjoyed the book, despite its flaws and the overall score the book achieved was 7.5 out of 10.
Many people loved the book, and said it was wonderful and outstanding. It was an easy read and compelling in terms of what would happen next. However, for others it ‘did not click’.
The first part of the book seemed to be the most divisive, with some members sensing that something was not quite right but being curious and engaged to find out more. Others felt it was a painful read or felt embarrassed when reading about Eleanor, her disability, struggles and trauma in such a lighthearted manner. Did we laugh with her or at her?
The book explored the themes of loneliness, kindness and friendship. However, some questioned why a book which aims to explore the topic of loneliness needs to include such a traumatic childhood to do so.
The book had some profound takeaways: don’t judge people by their cover, be kind to each other, the importance of friends and a support network. However, it was a bit of an odd mix between serious and funny; very real descriptions of everyday struggles and hyperbole, literary devices.
Overall the booked seemed too lightweight for such a heavy topic. It was interesting however, that members who loved the book still could see it shortcomings, and most who did not like it could see why others might enjoy it. It seemed that the book tried to be too many things at once, and it very much depended on the reader on which parts they focused and therefore how they perceived the book.
The majority enjoyed the book, despite its flaws and the overall score the book achieved was 7.5 out of 10.
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