"Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" Was A 5-Star Novel, In My Opinion | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

"Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" Was A 5-Star Novel, In My Opinion

Eleanor is a witty, charming, and incredibly lonely woman who is totally not fine.

54
"Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" Was A 5-Star Novel, In My Opinion
Pexels

"Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" tells the story of Eleanor Oliphant, a thirty-year-old woman who seems pretty odd from the start of the novel. She's very articulate with her words (something that is rare in this day and age), and she is extremely punctual. Eleanor has lived alone for many years and does the same things every day. She doesn't interact with anyone outside of work and goes whole weekends without speaking to another human being.

While I was reading this novel, I found that I could relate to Eleanor in a variety of ways: She lives alone, is very punctual, and isn't immersed in society all too much. Like Eleanor, I find myself correcting people's grammar and wondering (in my head) why some people are so rude or unmannerly on a daily basis. This book made me laugh so many times because reading Eleanor's thoughts was so interesting to me. She's funny, weird, and charming in her own way.

The book puts the reader inside Eleanor's mind as she goes about her daily routine. In the morning, she heads to work in her office where she has never taken a sick leave day in the nine years she's worked there. She performs her job duties and has the same type of lunch every day. One day, though, she meets the computer repairman, Raymond, when her computer at work malfunctions. Immediately, she's put off by his cigarette stench and disorderly way of dressing himself. Then, Raymond and Eleanor help a man who's fallen on the street and soon, they all become friends.

Over time, Eleanor opens up more to her new friends and finds herself spending less time alone at home than before. She learns so much about relationships throughout the novel, and it's fascinating as the reader to be taken on that journey with her. It's also really interesting to note how not being lonely changed her whole life. She had lived alone for so many years. Facing her demons alone, feeling like she is "completely fine", as the title of the book states. She deals with her loneliness by drinking and blacking out, and she saw this as a normal part of her life.

The reader sees the natural progression of her sentence use throughout the novel get more casual as she starts spending more time with Raymond. At the beginning of the novel, she can't stand when people don't spell out full words when writing emails or talk in an orderly fashion. Over time, though, she softens up and becomes less stingy. The impact of having someone else to talk to really shaped her into a totally different person.

I was reading mixed reviews about this novel, particularly the ending. I thought it was very clever and a very good read, though. I don't want to spoil anything, but the ending literally made my jaw drop. I rated the book five stars on Goodreads, which is something I don't normally do. All in all, the book taught me a lot about relationships, loneliness, and finding comfort in others. It's soon to be produced into a movie by Reese Witherspoon, and I really, really hope she does the book justice on the big screen. Is that too much to ask?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774483
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

A Candid Letter to My Best Friends Ex

Because this is the real form of torture you deserve.

190
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

College Life: As Told By Bob's Burgers

If there's anyone who understand the struggles of college, it's the Belcher family

872
Bob's Burgers

College is a time of gaining independence, exploring new things, and copious amounts of Netflix. If you're like me, you often find yourself laughing at the sheer ridiculousness of the situations you find yourself in. Here are ten times Bob's Burgers accurately captured college life.

1. What you're pretty sure your upstairs neighbors do at 3am every morning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Why Theater Kids Are the Greatest People Ever

Supportive and spontaneous human beings are the best.

661
Theater Kids

Throughout school, the theater department has always been my go-to place with go-to people when I need advice, a dance party, or just someone to listen to me vent.

You never know what's going to happen when you're dealing with theatre or what kind of characters you'll encounter. We have too much fun doing anything! One time in my senior year acting class, we spent an entire class period watching Bob's Burgers, and it was the greatest class period ever.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments