Overall the book received rave reviews, 4.75-5.0, with the exception of one 3.0.
We could hardly believe that this is a debut effort. Gail Honeyman created several lovable and relatable characters, particularly Eleanor Oliphant and Raymond Gibbons. It is immediately evident that Eleanor is NOT “completely fine”. Why do we say “fine" when asked how we are, as in the snarky response to a loved one or an answer to a waiter in a restaurant about our substandard meal? The title alone clues the reader into the premise that not everything is as it seems.
Based on her inept social skills, we assume that Eleanor is on the autism spectrum. She has had a traumatic childhood, the extent to which we are unaware until well into the book. Her unfiltered comments, actions and life observations are beyond hilarious, but her lonely existence is quite sad. Eleanor has accepted her life as it is, until she meets Raymond.
Raymond is kind, patient, and genuine. He is so unpretentious and warm, without being sanctimonious or overbearing. He is the kind of friend we should all aspire to be, and the kind of friend we would all be lucky to have.
But this is far beyond a syrupy love story. It is not about how Eleanor just needed a boyfriend to fix all her problems. This book will make you laugh, cry, feel anger towards the cruel world that Eleanor must face, and be deeply touched by the kindness of others. Lastly, it will cause you to take pause in your own preconceived ideas, reminding yourself to not judge a book by its cover.
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