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Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
Group Reads - Fiction
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Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine- Group Read- March 2018
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I liked how she should that little bits of kindness can have a big effect.

(view spoiler)

One thing I notice is that whether in RL or online, discussion about a book can make one see a book in a different light. In particular, it was interesting to me to hear what people thought about Eleanor & Raymond's interactions with Sandy and his family. And I am glad that you have decided that you are intrigued enough to want to reread this.
I certainly feel that Gail Honeyman has skill as a writer, regardless of whether one feels positive or negative about this book. She manages to capture the reader's attention and knows how to draw one into the world she has created. I didn't personally feel that the twist at the end (view spoiler) was necessary but it did make more sense to me than (view spoiler) .
I completely agree with you, Leslie. I would definitely read the next book Gail Honeyman writes. I think any book that can create such worthwhile and varied discussion is of high quality, even if it is not to a readers personal taste.
Another consensus in our group was that the ending felt a bit rushed. I think this is quite common in debut books.
Another consensus in our group was that the ending felt a bit rushed. I think this is quite common in debut books.
Pink wrote: "Thanks so much for sharing everyone's thoughts, Heather. It sounds like most people had a similar reaction.
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(view spoiler)
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(view spoiler)
Heather wrote: "I completely agree with you, Leslie. I would definitely read the next book Gail Honeyman writes. I think any book that can create such worthwhile and varied discussion is of high quality, even if i..."
I certainly thought that too, it was almost like the author spent a bit too long drawing out this twist then to reveal it right at the end. But it is something I do see in a lot of debut novels, I still would love to read more by the author, if I got any more books from her sent through to me by any publishers, I would take it right away.
I certainly thought that too, it was almost like the author spent a bit too long drawing out this twist then to reveal it right at the end. But it is something I do see in a lot of debut novels, I still would love to read more by the author, if I got any more books from her sent through to me by any publishers, I would take it right away.

Evelyn wrote: "You are all so good at using the spoilers! I just wanted to thank you all for that as I am still on the wait list at my library for this book, so I haven't started it yet."
I'm glad, Evelyn! I think because we do such relaxed readalongs the spoiler tags are really important. The only time it's a bit of a pain is when you want to look at updates on the app!
I wish goodreads would sort out it's app functionality!
I'm glad, Evelyn! I think because we do such relaxed readalongs the spoiler tags are really important. The only time it's a bit of a pain is when you want to look at updates on the app!
I wish goodreads would sort out it's app functionality!


Pink wrote: "Again I agree with everyone that the ending felt rushed compared to the first half. I'd also read another book by her. For a debut I thought she done a brilliant job at keeping us interested and gi..."
No, I don't think it would be my usual genre, If it wasn't the fact, I'm trying to get involved in more group reads, I'm not sure that I would have read this but I'm certainly glad I did.
No, I don't think it would be my usual genre, If it wasn't the fact, I'm trying to get involved in more group reads, I'm not sure that I would have read this but I'm certainly glad I did.

Robin wrote: "I also felt things wrapped up too neatly and it seemed unlikely that Eleanor was able to make the connections she did. I thought this was going to be more humorous, like [book:The Rosie Project|161..."
I am finding it interesting that so many of our group feel like this. I have read a few reviews of this book which haven't commented on the ending.
I am finding it interesting that so many of our group feel like this. I have read a few reviews of this book which haven't commented on the ending.

My opinion on Eleanor shifted a lot during the book (view spoiler) , but generally I thought it an overall endearing and compassionate book.

Elysse, I hope you don't mind but I've copied your post and put it in spoiler tags. It's just that there are a few people not finished yet and I don't want them to miss out if they haven't got all the way through. I will answer your excellent points in a different post
Elysse has posted some questions above which I have copied in to spoiler tags:
(view spoiler)
Elysse has posted some questions above which I have copied in to spoiler tags:
(view spoiler)
Heather wrote: "Elysse, I hope you don't mind but I've copied your post and put it in spoiler tags. It's just that there are a few people not finished yet and I don't want them to miss out if they haven't got all ..."
Elysse, (view spoiler)
Elysse, (view spoiler)

Hi Heather! Thank you! I was looking for the spoiler tag but couldn't find it so I appreciate your help :)
You type (spoiler) at the beginning of what you want to hide, then (\spoiler) at the end.
Except use < and > instead of the round brackets.
If you click on 'some html is ok' it gives you a quick guide to some of the codes
Except use < and > instead of the round brackets.
If you click on 'some html is ok' it gives you a quick guide to some of the codes


I liked Eleanor's comments on other people's behavior and speech - I am not sure that she is being sarcastic or not but they often were funny.
For me, the book picked up in the second half so fingers crossed that it will for you too Josen.


However at the end I felt my emotions had been manipulated. A silly thing to say perhaps, as of course novelists persuade you that make-believe is truth. But I think it was the unrealistic speedy resolution that made it feel false.
Nice to see you commenting, Joy! Thanks for your thoughts

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
May 2017
Fiction
Completely Fine is a matter of perspective.
Miss Eleanor Oliphant is 30 years old living an extremely structured life since graduating from University with a degree in Classics. She has worked as a finance clerk for Bob, the owner, since she was 21 years old. Although she has experienced a lot of trauma in her childhood moving from foster homes frequently. Aside from her weekly phone calls on Wednesday nights with her narcissistic, manipulative mother, Eleanor feels that everything is fine. Her mother serves up weekly condescending and cruel insults.
Eleanor manages to cope with her difficult past by suppressing the memories and keeping her routine. She is aware that her outward appearance draws unwanted attention since the accident. Slowly, Eleanor discovers a reason to venture outside her comfort zone...a crush on a local musician.
She also makes an unlikely connection with a coworker when they happen upon an elderly man in medical distress on the sidewalk. They continue to check on Sam and gradually become involved with his family. The trio are an unlikely match but their connection is endearing.
What I enjoyed most this book was the manner in which Eleanor Oliphant expressed herself. She is well spoken and articulate often using "flowery" language reminiscent of her strict, proper childhood. I love the manner in which she navigates her way to a more "normal" life. Through the ups and downs of her experiences she realizes she is stronger and braver than she ever knew. Her life does not need to be defined by her past.
Such a delightful character that will have you cheering for her and laughing at her faux pas. She is a testament that good can come from bad.
Books mentioned in this topic
The Rosie Project (other topics)The Rosie Project (other topics)
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine (other topics)
I will put some stuff in spoilers
Thoughts about Eleanor herself: (view spoiler)[ In general members of my group found her very endearing. I personally found her quite irritating and I didn't feel she was very realistic. However, the more I talk to people about her the more I think that maybe I was avoiding feeling empathy for her by finding her annoying. Reading about her loneliness is very difficult and many people found it challenging (hide spoiler)]
Thoughts about therapy: (view spoiler)[ We actually had a trained counsellor in our group who felt that the counselling sessions and Eleanor's reaction were very realistic. She explained that it isn't uncommon for people to be left in tears at the end of an hours session because it helps people understand that the counsellor is there to guide them but that they have to help themselves. We did all agree about the speed of referral though...! (hide spoiler)]
Thoughts on Raymond: (view spoiler)[ A lot of the female members of our group thought he was a bit 'too good to be true'. However the two very lovely men in our group felt they understood Raymond. We felt that was definitely some romance brewing at the end but that the relationship had been purely platonic up until that point with no ulterior motives. (hide spoiler)]
Thoughts on Sandy: (view spoiler)[ There was quite a bit of agreement that we did found it a bit odd that Eleanor and Raymond managed to integrate themselves into Sandy's family. However, we eventually discussed that with such a big extended family it must be quite easy to accept new people into the group in contrast to both Raymond and Eleanor who had very small families and this goes some way to explaining why this happened (hide spoiler)]
Thoughts on the end: (view spoiler)[ 1 or 2 or our group got the twist about mother at the end of the book but didn't feel it let the book down. (hide spoiler)]
I think that is about all I have to add. I have really enjoyed discussing this book and I am quite keen to give it a re-read and see how I feel about it a second time round