Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman - Restarting February 2nd 2020

[Jayme]

Chapters 31-33:
(view spoiler)[Oh my gosh, I almost cried when Raymond gave Glen to Eleanor! I wasn't expecting that and it's just perfectly what Eleanor needed! :) I'm such a cat person and this just made my heart so full!!
Also, the bit about Glen eating up her sick was so hilarious! I've seen cats do that but I always try to stop them. Eleanor just said "good girl, cleaning up after herself" haha :D
So her sister is Marianne then, I'm assuming. I'm so ready to hear her story! I'm really hoping there's going to be a twist, like maybe her sister is still alive and they just got separated in foster care. I doubt it, but I hope so. I'd love to see her reunited with a sister. (hide spoiler)]

[Jayme]

Chapters 34-36:
(view spoiler)[Aww, I'm glad Eleanor found her own voice :) Even though that was a short chapter, it said so much. I was actually thinking at the beginning of chapter 36 that Eleanor was being way too judgmental with these people. I'm glad she was able to recognize that :) (hide spoiler)]

[Jayme]

GridGirl wrote: "Chapters 34-36:"

(view spoiler)[That was so sweet that the family gave her his sweater! That warmed my heart :)
She really does seem so much happier now that she's been in therapy and has a cat and a friend :) It's so amazing to the change that has happened in Eleanor throughout this book. (hide spoiler)]

[GridGirl]

Jayme wrote: "GridGirl wrote: "Chapters 34-36:"



(view spoiler)[Agreed! Eleanor is a completely new person now when it comes to her happiness. But she's still her quirky old self which I like :) (hide spoiler)]

[GridGirl]

Chapters 37-39:

(view spoiler)[I love Eleanor and Raymond together! They would make a great couple. But I don't even care if there'll be a romance or not, the two of them are just the cutest anyway. I'm looking forward to Eleanor's last talk to her Mom! This evil lady needs to realize that she has no power over her daughter anymore! (hide spoiler)]

[Jayme]

Chapters 37-39:
(view spoiler)[These chapters were such a joy to read! I just feel so happy for Eleanor that she's getting back into the swing of things and becoming a more happy person. Raymond is such a sweetie and him and Eleanor are adorable together. Are you just as curious as I am to see Eleanor's signature? It sounds so interesting and cool! (hide spoiler)]

[Jayme]

GridGirl wrote: "Chapters 37-39:"
(view spoiler)[Right?! I would love them as a couple, but I also love them as friends! I don't think I've come across a cuter duo than these two :)
Me too! I can't wait! I'm so so proud of Eleanor!! (hide spoiler)]

[Jayme]

Finished:
(view spoiler)[Wow, I was really not expecting that her mother was dead the whole time! I usually can guess these things, but I just never expected it in this novel. It kinda makes sense, looking back on it.
I like how the book ended. I'm not sure if they were hinting at a possible romantic relationship between Eleanor and Raymond, or if that's just my wishful thinking :) I thought the ending was sweet, but not overly so.
I'm going to give it five stars. I really ended up liking this book so much more than I expected when I started it :) (hide spoiler)]

[GridGirl]

Finished:

(view spoiler)[
Oh, wow, I wouldn't have thought that Eleanor just imagined her mom still being there. I read over that article like 5 times to make sure I didn't miss something when they stated that her mother died. That was a huge surprise!
I like that things between Eleanor and Raymond are left open. That is actually the best way to end this novel. There is no forced romance slapped within the last few pages and I like that!

(hide spoiler)]

[GridGirl]

Jayme wrote: "Finished:


(view spoiler)[I'm glad you liked it so much! I'm not sure if I'll rate this 4 or 5 stars yet. I think I'll make up my mind in the next few days :) (hide spoiler)]

[Jayme]

GridGirl wrote: "Jayme wrote: "Finished:"

(view spoiler)[I also liked that things were left open between Eleanor and Raymond. Sidenote: For some reason, throughout the whole novel I kept wanting to call Raymond Robbie. I have no idea why, but it has happened everytime I went to write a discussion post :D Haha!
And I also read through that article many times before I could process what I'd just read. I was so confused at first, and thought I just read it wrong, but nope! :)
I look forward to reading your review!! :))) (hide spoiler)]

[Anna 'Bookbuyer']

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Date changed. Restarting February 2nd 2020. Happy Reading ☺

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[Pragya]

Up to Ch 4 (view spoiler)[ I didn't liked Eleanor's mother. What kind of mother talks to their own child like that? (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Up to Ch 8 (view spoiler)[ Eleanor is a stalker. (hide spoiler)]

[Raghad]

I will start this tomorrow

[Vivi]

Hi. Haven't started it yet... but I will, soon.

[Pragya]

Up to Ch 11 (view spoiler)[ OMG! Eleanor's boyfriend beat her just because she asked him to move out. Even a reporter beat her. She had a tough life. I'm intrigued what exactly her mother did. (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Up to Ch 23 (view spoiler)[ Sammy died way to early. I am rooting for E and R. (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Up to Ch 32 (view spoiler)[ It's feels so good to see Eleanor's progress. (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Finished!

[Vivi]

Pragya wrote: "Up to Ch 4 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I definitely don't like Eleanor's mother either! She is abusive towards Eleanor! She clearly has mental health issues. I think she is in jail and tried to hurt Eleanor in a house fire (or something)?! I think she is the one who caused Eleanor's scars (physical, and most certainly, emotional).

Also, I think Eleanor was born from a rape assault, maybe?! Because mummy said that Eleanor was born from a compulsory donation and that she had no choice in the matter!
Was Mummy raped? Is Eleanor the child of mummy's rapist?! Is that why she loathes Eleanor so much?! (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Vivi wrote: "Pragya wrote: "Up to Ch 4 [spoilers removed]"

I definitely don't like Eleanor's mother either! She is abusive towards Eleanor! She clearly has mental health issues. I think she is in jail and trie..."

I am trying hard to not say anything and spoil it for you. My lips are sealed for now till you finish the book. I have a few thoughts.

[Vivi]

Pragya wrote: "Vivi wrote: "Pragya wrote: "Up to Ch 4 [spoilers removed]"

I am trying hard to not say anything and spoil it for you. My lips are sealed for now till you finish the book. I have a few thoughts ..."

Lol. Now I'm curious!

Just sharing my thoughts. No need for spoilers. Hold on to the information. 😊

I'll keep updating my thoughts here.

[Vivi]

Pragya wrote: "Up to Ch 8 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Eleanor IS a stalker! 😂 Her whole crush on this stranger handsome musician is crazy and not something you'd expect from a 29-year-old (maybe a 14 year old?!). The worst part is that she doesn't recognize that it is Not normal behavior to stalk a person... And she believes he will be the love of her life and she doesn't even know him! That's all in her head and he's a famous idol... She probably will never get to really speak to him ever.

Also, it's clear now that there was a fire when Eleanor was 9. It appears that she was the one who called 999 and was brought to the hospital. And then foster care.

It's also seems that mummy neglected and abused Eleanor as a child. Did she starve her? It certainly seems she didn't give her normal food to eat. She didn't know what ketchup was at 9 years old. Also, no TV and homeschooling. She was stuck every day with that crazy mother.

And it seems Eleanor doesn't remember the fire and what exactly happened that day. Her mind must have repressed it as a protective mechanism! I think maybe someone died in the fire and Eleanor forgot about that person. Maybe it's the same person who gave her the polly plant?
I'm thinking maybe Eleanor had a grandma or a sister?! (because the social worker mentioned a she that Eleanor must miss terribly and Eleanor was like who?!)

Anyways, this book is definitely way deeper and heartbreaking that I was expecting... And we're still on the 'good days' part 😩 (hide spoiler)]

[Vivi]

Pragya wrote: "Up to Ch 11 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Mummy was clearly abusive towards Eleanor. Unfortunately, the boyfriend was abusive too, but in a physical way. He's an agressor... And Eleanor was a domestic violence victim. 😑

And, since Eleanor is "used to" being abused, being treated badly by mummy (the one person who is the closest to her - her own blood!), my guess is that she thinks a bit of yelling, rudeness or bad words; and some angry outbursts are all completely normal! 😔

I think maybe mummy tried to kill Eleanor in the fire 🤔... Or maybe it was a crazy homicide and suicide attempt?! We'll see... I have a feeling we will read all about it in the 'bad days' part!

On better notes, I'm so happy that Eleanor is starting to have some human interaction/contact, affection and warmth. Raymond's mum and Sammy were so sweet to her. It's really sad how alone this girl is!

... And I'm loving Raymond! He's kinda of cute. I think he kind of likes Eleanor - or, at least, is curious about her. Or maybe he is just nice! I like how he makes an effort to give attention to Eleanor and is nice to her (when everyone in the office are just mean to her, just because she's different and a bit socially awkward). (hide spoiler)]

[Vivi]

Pragya wrote: "Up to Ch 23 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Yeah, I wasn't expecting Sammy to die so soon. It was definitely very sad.

About Eleanor and Raymond...you gotta love Raymond! I love that he actually 'sees' Eleanor. That he hears her, is nice to her and actually cares for her! And I think she cares for him too.

I don't know if Raymond had anything with Laura?! (maybe he was just conforting her?!) But I'm guessing he, at least, likes Eleanor a bit... And he's an extremely sweet guy. (hide spoiler)]

[Vivi]

Pragya wrote: "Up to Ch 32 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ yeah, it's so good seeing Eleanor happier; working through her past traumas; and on the path of healing.

I'm so glad Eleanor has Raymond in her life! Even as only a friend. If he didn't show up when he did... If he didn't show her that he does truly care about her, Eleanor would be long gone. I do believe she would have died alone on that apartment, on her own! All alone! ...Suicide. That would have been very sad and tragic.

I think it's lovely that Raymond brought Glen🐈 to Eleanor. She'll definitely feel less lonely (and happier) with the cat.

But, it seems Eleanor doesn't know/remembers what was mummy's crime. Eleanor's mind blocked it as a protective mechanism. I think it was homicide. I think someone died in the fire. And I think it was a small child - Eleanor's little sister?!

Also, it's highly probable that mummy is a big fat liar! Can the rape assault story be nothing but a mean lie?! Mummy clearly has serious mental health issues - I'm thinking she might be bipolar (without the proper medication) or even a sociopath?! (she is fricking horrible and evil).

The neglect and abuse that Eleanor suffered from Mummy will only get clearer from here on forward. Eleanor went through a lot, with that crazy mother. She's definitely a survivor! She should just stop the calls with mummy. Their relationship is horrible! That woman just hurts Eleanor every chance she gets. They should just end their relationship...and each go their separate ways. (hide spoiler)]

[Vivi]

Pragya wrote: "Finished!"

I finished it too! Let's talk about it!... (view spoiler)[

I am utterly shocked that Mummy is dead! I never even thought about that possibility! 😲

I think Eleanor 'pretended' her mother was alive because she felt guilty for not being able to save Marianne...so Mummy was kind of a way for Eleanor's mind to punish herself for it (Mummy’s interactions with Eleanor as an adult are all in Eleanor's mind. They're not real... And they are all horrible! Her mother treats her badly. She's mean, abusive... Because Eleanor Unconsciously feels she deserves to be treated badly because she failed her sister... She couldn't save her, but saved herself).

Also, Eleanor talks about 'monsters' not appearing out of nowhere and that they had a family too! They had people that educated/raised them (or not!). Eleanor has no living relatives... So was Sharon an orphan too? Did she grow up in foster care too? Was she abused too?!

Sharon had mental health issues. She was raped at 19 years old and got pregnant with Eleanor. 6 years later she got pregnant with Marianne. Was Marianne a result of rape too? Was Sharon continually raped and abused by a boyfriend(s)?

Sharon hated her children. She had to raise them on their own. She was an extremely abusive parent, physically and emotionally. That she could harm her children so badly with no one knowing means she was very isolated too... As Eleanor is as an adult.

Sharon might have been abused as a child too...growing up in foster care. Maybe even sexually abused. Sharon I think had bipolar disease, because she had moments when she was kind of okay with the children (when she fed them) and moments she was just plain abusive with them (she might have had anger management issues too). The point is if Sharon had had any help, if she had looked for a therapist to deal with her past traumas (she was Raped for God's sake!), anger issues, hate towards her rapist's child, abusive behavior towards her children, mental health issues; sharon might have been a better mother and not end up doing what she did.

Sharon as Eleanor, was all alone and 'completely fine'; and just trying to deal with everything and all her problems on her own. Ultimately, Sharon, in the midst of a depression (maybe) decided she couldn't do it anymore; she couldn't bare with it anymore; but she had to resolve her problems on her own. No asking for help! Not ever, because there’s no one who cares, who truly cares. And what Sharon decided was that it was best to end it all. To kill the children.

Sharon died in the fire, so I don't know if she was really trying only to get rid of the children... Unconsciously I think she has trying to kill herself too. An homicide and suicide... To end it all. To end the pain, the traumas, the loneliness.

I would have liked to know more about Sharon's past. And more about Eleanor's future. But, Eleanor is on the path of healing and she has people who truly care about her (like Raymond and Bob), so I know she's good and she'll be okay... Raymond's got her back. 😊 (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Vivi wrote: "Pragya wrote: "Finished!"

I finished it too! Let's talk about it!...

I am utterly shocked that Mummy is dead! I never even thought about that possibility! 😲

I think Eleanor 'pretended' her moth..."

(view spoiler)[ I didn't gave so much thought about Sharon. I believe she might have been raped and was not mentally stable but I don't trust Eleanor's thought about her mother completely. There was so much that she had made up in her head about her mother. (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Vivi wrote: "Pragya wrote: "Up to Ch 23 [spoilers removed]"

Yeah, I wasn't expecting Sammy to die so soon. It was definitely very sad.

About Eleanor and Raymond...you gotta love Raymond! I love that he actua..."

(view spoiler)[ I totally love Raymond. He is really good for Eleanor. (hide spoiler)]

[Vivi]

Pragya wrote: "Vivi wrote: "Pragya wrote: "Finished!"

(view spoiler)[ Maybe Eleanor just couldn't bear to be alone thus Sharon and the Wednesday's calls. Guess a mean mummy is better than no mummy.
I'm happy that Eleanor found friends and people who care for her. (hide spoiler)]