Eleanor Olliphant

Plus3 it is very like the Rosie Project. Which I also hated.

Yes, I agree with southeast

She grew up in foster care, but the book depicts her as someone who grew up in the 1840s!

I just thought it was predictable and nothing in it surprised me. However, I’ve worked in mental health so perhaps that’s why. It was a throwaway read to me.

The author overdid the social awkwardness and clunky dialogue in her depiction of Eleanor. I didn't buy that a thirty year old with an OK job and degree was this 'quirky', regardless of her upbringing. Everything was laboured.

I honestly think a big reason why this rubbish sold so much in hardback last year was because it was heavily discounted at supermarkets and on Amazon.

i absolutely loved it, it felt really original to me. i can’t find any other book now that intrigues me as much!

I agree, mycat - I thought it was an extremely accurate portrait of someone whose personality has been shaped by abuse and trauma. You aren’t meant to ‘like’ Eleanor particularly as a character - she’s supposed to be awkward and unlikeable. Her background also isn’t meant to be a surprise; it’s clear from the outset that she understands less about herself than the reader does. I thought it was a wonderful book.

I thought it was very perceptive on loneliness and how a person once stuck in a rut has no way out as their personality becomes odd and increasingly unpalatable to those around them through lack of interaction. It definitely had its flaws, but it did some things very well.

Dolphin I work in mental health and it seemed to me the author had done her research and had really understood how someone with a childhood like that might present as an adult

What did you think that, mycat?

I really liked the first two thirds. I especially liked her prickly character which was more evident in the first half of the book.

I found the final third and end not as well written or thought out and a little cliched

I must be missing something here. It’s one of the best books I’ve read in years. Amazingly accurate and perceptive portrayal of someone who has experienced deep trauma (on lots of levels). Just sorry it wasn’t longer.

I really liked it too although it was v unbelievable!

I loved it, couldn't put it down and cried reading it.

Haven’t read & avoiding it slightly despite good reviews... worried it will be like the Rosie project which I hated.

I absolutely hated it and struggled to finish. Genuinely perplexed at the accolades it's received

Some of the dialogue is clunky, but I think that that is intentional. Eleanor is odd. Without giving too much away she hasn't had a very normal upbringing, loves unusual words and is quite isolated. That shows both in her behaviour and her speech. I liked the book because we all know people a bit like this. The ones who don't quite fit in. Who seem strange, rude, standoffish. Who can be the target of bullies or gossip because they seem a bit weird. I think this book suggests that perhaps we all need to be a bit more understanding and a bit less judgemental of those who don't fit in.

Plot wise - the reader was supposed to put together what her story was before she did - the point was her reaching a position of self awareness and facing up to something she had blocked. It wasn’t meant to be a twist as such.

Totally agree with your assessment OP. You're not alone.

I thought it was awful. Badly written and unbelievable. I only finished it because it was a book group book. Half the book group hated it and half of them loved it.

It gets better when she starts hanging out with the IT guy. I also wasn't getting into at first.

I totally agree with the people that said the dialogue was laboured, it was so bad in parts, it made my teeth itch. I found it kind of predictable apart from the bit about the mum but I was pretty much spot on with everything else. But that is a problem when you read, as a writer. You see plot holes and future events like they are lit with neon.

I loved it. I was intrigued as to the character and was wondering different things that could have led to her personality and quirks. I found the ending unexpected and satisfiying also. I wanted to know more about her life as her journey continues but doubt it lends itself to a sequel, but who knows. Really good read for me.

It definitely polarising - I for one recognised a fellow weirdo and didn’t find her implausible or irritating at all. But the point of the book is a character arc - she learns to consider other people and through that take an interest in herself and generally tighten her grip on life. If she started out with all that in place where is there for her to go?

For me, it just wasn’t remotely believable, and to like and be charmed by a character, they have to be credible.

I loved it right from the start and am recommending it to everyone. DH is on it now - not sure what he'll make of it though.

I thought it was cleverly observed and funny.