Eleanor Olliphant

[cleofatra]

Does it get better? I am constantly fighting an urge not to throw it across the room
Up to chapter 7

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

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

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

I really liked it too although it was v unbelievable!

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 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

What did you think that, mycat?

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

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.

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

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 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.

Yes, I agree with southeast

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

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

Ok up to chapter 11 now.....feel it has become a bit more interesting but still struggling through .
bradleypooper I keep visualising her as Reese Witherspoon now

Thanks Emma will continue to avoid!

Really didn't like this. I can see what the author was aiming for but it just wasn't executed very well.

heavily discounted at supermarkets. Yes! I threw it in the trolley in Morrisons because it was three quid

Still wasn't worth it, though...

Loved this book. Cried reading it. Cried because it came to an end. Couldn't put it diwn and wish there was more if Eleanor to come.

One of the best books I have read.

I felt her loneliness because of her childhood abuse throughout. I identify with this and how my abusers voice still whispers in my ear. Makes life socially awkward.

I loved it and thought it was very well written. No other author has ever made me laugh and cry in single sentences.I do know several qwerky characters myself. It made me think about loneliness and kindness. I think there are a lot of Eleanor's out there in varying degrees.

I loved this book
I read it in one day and you will definitely warm to Eleanor as the story unfolds for me that was when she went to the hospital to see an elderly man (not a spoiler!) and from that point on I was rooting for her
It was sad, funny and harrowing in places but it's the best book I've read in ages

I absolutely loved it.

I think you either have a chime of recognition with her voice or you don’t; and if you don’t she seems wildly implausible!