Reviews

Eleanor Oliphant sta benissimo by Gail Honeyman

hyperchemical's review against another edition

emotional funny sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I am not going to lie, I thought this was just going to be a quirky novel about a very autistic woman. However, that is not how it turned out! Turns out it is about a VERY DEEPLY traumatized woman. If you are sensitive to mental health, I would not advise you to read this book. It is very frank about trauma, and deals with the hard work that is needed to heal from something like that. It gets very graphic at times. A lot of it is foreshadowed and you can see it coming before it is explicitly stated, but there is one twist at the end that is like holy crap. However, it was then very glossed over which was quite annoying because I was like hold up are we not going to talk about this? 

It made me cringe, it made me cry, it made me happy. It was a wild ride. I also liked how they kept it not romantic, like it easily could be interpreted towards the end as heading for romance but they keep it a mystery and leave it mostly platonic. I think that was a really good choice given the vast huge ginormous amount of trauma that Eleanor still has to work through. Also love the realistic but favorable portrayal of therapy, it is definitely helpful and should be recommended but it is also hard work. 

tmiles's review against another edition

dark funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

srbender1's review against another edition

funny mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

lanibeans's review against another edition

emotional funny sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

One of my top books of this year; definitely my favorite one that I've read in a while. I feel like the big reveal came all at the end and it feels like I got smacked in the face really hard but I liked it. It might not be for everyone, but as someone who also enjoys thrillers, it reminded me of one with the way it got real wild real quick. I really fell in love with Eleanor and Raymond. I'll definitely think about this book for a long time.

mackenzie_cl's review against another edition

dark emotional funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

bethaniekay's review against another edition

3.0

This is both a heartwarming and sad tale, and I'm not going to stay I completely loved it, but I liked it. I read it all in less than 48 hours, so I guess that says something about how well the story was able to suck me in :) I enjoyed watching Eleanor's transformation and realizations, but the big reveal took too long to happen, IMO. I would've preferred learning some of the revelations earlier, but oh well. The story is written pretty well, but Eleanor's extremely proper grammar just doesn't lend to easy dialogue. I get that it's part of who she is, but it reads more like a textbook from the 1950's than a 30 year-old in 2017. Considering the book is set in Glasgow, I had hoped that there would be a little more of the local dialect.

Overall, a good read.

ertaylo2's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring

4.25

bevgrey's review against another edition

3.0

I'm glad I didn't give up

I found Eleanor almost intolerable in the beginning and almost stopped reading several times. Something kept me going, however, and I am glad I did. The story is touching and I started rooting for Eleanor's life to change and get better. Parts of it are difficult to read, and I think there are some readers who might find those disturbing.

One note: Reese Witherspoon has a note on the cover that describes the book as "incredibly funny". While there are some funny lines and witty quips, there is absolutely no way I would ever call the book itself funny.
My sense of humor isn't compatible with descriptions of child abuse.

dristiverma's review against another edition

5.0

I’d give more stars if I could. Honestly, one of the best books I’ve ever read. 🙌🏼✨

maryvirginia_'s review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0