Eleanor’s story is one of deep isolation. She works in an office, where she interacts with others as little as possible. Her weekends are spent alone with a pizza, some vodka, and her plant, Polly. Despite her solitude, Eleanor maintains a veneer of self-sufficiency that hides the emotional scars she carries from a traumatic past. This façade is something many of us can relate to, especially in a world where admitting vulnerability is often frowned upon.
What makes Eleanor’s journey so compelling is her unintentional yet profound critique of social norms. She doesn’t understand why people say they’re fine when they’re not, or why a wedding gift registry is considered acceptable when it seems like an exercise in self-indulgence. Her blunt honesty is both refreshing and heartbreaking, exposing the absurdities of the societal expectations we often take for granted.
As I read, I found myself laughing at Eleanor’s dry humor and awkward social encounters, yet feeling a deep sadness for her at the same time. The turning point in the novel comes when Eleanor reluctantly starts forming connections with others, particularly Raymond, the IT guy from her office. Raymond isn’t extraordinary—he’s an ordinary, kind man who, without trying to, begins to draw Eleanor out of her shell. Their relationship evolves in the most unassuming way, but it becomes a lifeline for Eleanor, helping her to realize that she doesn’t have to be alone.
The beauty of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine lies in its ability to make us empathize with a character who is initially difficult to understand. Eleanor’s journey from isolation to connection is not just about finding friendship, but about confronting and healing from the past. The novel doesn’t rush this process—it allows Eleanor the time to confront her own demons, and in doing so, it gives readers a glimpse into the slow, sometimes painful path to self-acceptance.
Gail Honeyman has crafted a story that is at once funny, touching, and insightful. The novel speaks to the power of kindness, the importance of human connection, and the ways in which we all, in our own ways, struggle to be “fine.” For anyone who has ever felt alone in a crowd, or has hidden behind a mask of “fineness,” Eleanor’s story will resonate deeply.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is more than just a book about a quirky woman navigating life. It’s a story about the human condition, about the ways in which we protect ourselves from pain, and the healing that can come when we allow ourselves to be seen and loved. It’s a book that will make you laugh, cry, and think about the people around you in a new light. Eleanor may not be completely fine, but by the end of the novel, she’s a little more whole—and that’s something truly beautiful.
