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Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
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Group Reads - Fiction > Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine- Group Read- March 2018

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message 51: by [deleted user] (new)

I went to my 'in real life' book group yesterday and the overall opinion was positive. I actually think I've changed my mind about the book and upgraded it to a 3*. I actually want to read it again later this year because I can't stop thinking about it!

I will put some stuff in spoilers

Thoughts about Eleanor herself: (view spoiler)

Thoughts about therapy: (view spoiler)

Thoughts on Raymond: (view spoiler)

Thoughts on Sandy: (view spoiler)

Thoughts on the end: (view 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


message 52: by Joan (new)

Joan One image that will stick with me is the socklessman on the bus.

I liked how she should that little bits of kindness can have a big effect.


message 53: by Pink (new) - rated it 3 stars

Pink Thanks so much for sharing everyone's thoughts, Heather. It sounds like most people had a similar reaction.

(view spoiler)


Leslie | 16369 comments Heather, thanks for sharing your RL group's thoughts! It sounds like you have found a good group :)

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).


message 55: by [deleted user] (new)

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.


message 56: by [deleted user] (new)

Pink wrote: "Thanks so much for sharing everyone's thoughts, Heather. It sounds like most people had a similar reaction.

..."


(view spoiler)


Alannah Clarke (alannahclarke) | 14726 comments Mod
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.


Evelyn | 1410 comments 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.


message 59: by [deleted user] (new)

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!


Evelyn | 1410 comments Yes, I started on the mobile app, because I only have a mobile device, no desktop. Then I switched to the website on my mobile device and I find it much more user friendly.


message 61: by Pink (last edited Mar 16, 2018 11:14AM) (new) - rated it 3 stars

Pink 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 giving us lots of points to discuss. This isn't my usual sort of read, or preferred genre but there was still plenty that I enjoyed.


Alannah Clarke (alannahclarke) | 14726 comments Mod
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.


message 63: by Tweedledum (last edited Mar 20, 2018 10:28PM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

Tweedledum  (tweedledum) | 2167 comments Great to read everyone's thoughts and thanks to Heather for sharing your group's responses. 😄🤔😄🤔😉


message 64: by Robin P (last edited Mar 19, 2018 06:43PM) (new) - rated it 3 stars

Robin P 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 The Rosie Project, so I was put off by the dark parts. And some of the things Eleanor did, like the early scene at the spa, seemed highly out of character.


message 65: by [deleted user] (new)

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.


Claire  | 69 comments Finally finished it and loved the book. I do agree about the ending though. I felt like it was written in haste, not really in sync with the rest of the novel.
My opinion on Eleanor shifted a lot during the book (view spoiler), but generally I thought it an overall endearing and compassionate book.


Evelyn | 1410 comments I stopped in at the library yesterday to check on my hold. I am next on the list, so I might just receive a copy before the end of the month...


message 68: by [deleted user] (last edited Mar 24, 2018 12:05PM) (new)

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)


message 69: by [deleted user] (new)

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)


Leslie | 16369 comments Elysse - (view spoiler)


message 71: by Elysse (new) - added it

Elysse (compulsivereadersblog) | 3 comments 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 ..."


Hi Heather! Thank you! I was looking for the spoiler tag but couldn't find it so I appreciate your help :)


message 72: by [deleted user] (last edited Mar 25, 2018 08:41AM) (new)

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


Josen (josens) | 110 comments Well I'm listening to this and right now I'm on disc 4 of 9. I have to say I really wasn't getting it at first. I mean, the hype. I kept asking myself, when is this going to get better? I kind of resigned myself to the fact that I was going to be in the minority and not really like this book. Well I'm finally to a part that I thought was funny and really understood Eleanor's sarcasm. (view spoiler) I'm hoping that it keeps the momentum and I enjoy it more from here on out.


Leslie | 16369 comments Josen wrote: "Well I'm listening to this and right now I'm on disc 4 of 9. I have to say I really wasn't getting it at first. I mean, the hype. I kept asking myself, when is this going to get better? I kind of r..."

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.


message 75: by Elysse (new) - added it

Elysse (compulsivereadersblog) | 3 comments Has anyone watched the TV show "Younger"? She reminded me of Diana Trout in her cynicism - I loved it.


message 76: by Joy (new) - rated it 3 stars

Joy Stephenson (joyfrankie) | 243 comments I haven’t contributed to this group for some time but have enjoyed reading all your comments on this book. My thoughts about it tend to mirror those of Pink above. I did become engrossed in the story apart from certain irritations such as Eleanor apparently knowing nothing about I.T. despite being a graduate and holding down an admin job - and oh yes, the next minute she’s au fait with Twitter. I kept imaging her as much older.
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.


message 77: by [deleted user] (new)

Nice to see you commenting, Joy! Thanks for your thoughts


Kelly (marquis784) | 401 comments This touching, witty and sometimes humorous novel is a must read for those who enjoy flawed, socially awkward characters. The strong characters eventually find their place make rooting for the underdog rewarding.

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.


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