It already had me at “Jojo Moyes approved”, but Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine was also crowned Book of The Year as well as The Sunday Times Bestseller. So, I was really hoping it would live up to its hefty titles. And it did.
Set in Glasgow, you fall in love with Eleanor’s endearing character and wit straight away. Saying exactly what she thinks, making controversial remarks and enjoying her own company over anyone else’s most of the time, you find yourself relating to Eleanor and wishing you possessed a bit more of her black and white approach to things.
The story line delves into her unhealthy relationship with her mother, giving you a taste of flashbacks from her earlier life. But with the woes come woos, as she meets equally as endearing Raymond when helping elderly man, Sammy after a fall. The three form a charming bond, but it’s her blossoming companionship with Raymond that’s the stuff made of modern-day fairy-tales that truly keeps you reading on with a little hope in your heart.
If you love a good heartwarming read, packed with funny one-liners and cliffhangers, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is a must. But you best get your skates on as Reese Witherspoon’s film company, Hello Sunshine, are bringing a film production of the film our way in 2019. So unless you want spoilers, get to Waterstones pronto.
Melissa McPhillips 