Please or to access all these features

What we're reading

Find your new favourite book or recommend one on our Book forum.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

33 replies

supersalmon1 · 08/05/2018 21:20

I've just finished it in 2 days - really couldn't put it down. Does anybody have any suggestions for similar books I can use to fill the Eleanor-shaped hole?

OP posts:
SatsukiKusakabe · 09/05/2018 09:29

You might like Where’d You Ho Bernadette by Maria Semple. I think it’s better than Eleanor, but has an eccentric female at the heart of it and is funny and moving without being sentimental or a romance, in much the same way.

SatsukiKusakabe · 09/05/2018 09:29

*Go! Where’d you GO Bernadette Blush

MyOtherHusbandIsTomHardy · 09/05/2018 09:31

I loved Eleanor- the only other book I've enjoyed as much this year is The Hearts Invisible Furies, it's a beautiful book.

Sammilouwho · 09/05/2018 09:33

After reading it I read ‘Turtles all the way down’ by John green, it’s a young adults book but a lovely read

supersalmon1 · 09/05/2018 10:55

Thank you for all the suggestions! I will definitely check them out.

OP posts:
EnthusiasmIsDisturbed · 10/05/2018 21:04

I felt the same after finding Eleanor so went for something very different They Dry by Jane Harper it’s a thriller very good

I also loved The Heart’s Invisable Furies not quite as much but it had me both crying with sadness and laughter (and the audio book is fantastic)

YouStacey · 11/05/2018 10:31

I'm reading Eleanor now - I love it. You may enjoy Elizabeth is Missing by, I think, Emma Healey which I also enjoyed recently.

Jonbb · 11/05/2018 10:38

Also enjoyed Eleanor, and just finished The Woman in the Window which was rather good.

supersalmon1 · 11/05/2018 17:56

Sounds like I need to investigate the John Boyne one! Youstacey, I read Elizabeth is Missing a couple of years ago and felt the same connection. Both books are just wonderful.

OP posts:
Magpie1976 · 11/05/2018 18:02

The Rosie project. Very similar book

Kbear · 11/05/2018 18:05

I've started both Eleanor Oliphant and Elizabeth is Missing - couldn't finish either - not my cup of tea and the dementia link in Elizabeth is Missing was too close to home for me.

JannerBird · 11/05/2018 18:05

A Man Called Ove is very good.

LooseyInTheSky · 11/05/2018 18:06

I'm reading Nina Is Not Okay by Shappi Korsandi at the moment. Don't be put off by Nina being only 17, it's not a young adult book. It's dark and charming and lovely in the same way as Eleanor.

YouStacey · 11/05/2018 19:53

OP - I'm guessing you've already tried Kate Atkinson?

Lovelydovey · 11/05/2018 20:01

Another vote for Elizabeth is Missing. I read it shortly after Eleanor Oliphant and thought they were very similar in style.

supersalmon1 · 11/05/2018 20:09

YouStacey, I've read Life after Life and many years ago when doing my degree, Human Croquet and Behind the Scenes at the Museum. I really enjoyed all of them but know I've missed a huge chunk in the middle. Are you a fan and if so what would you recommend based on what I've already read by her (thank you!)

OP posts:
ichbineinstasumer · 11/05/2018 20:13

Zadie Smith, White Teeth maybe?

supersalmon1 · 11/05/2018 20:21

Zadie Smith is an excellent suggestion, thank you. I read On Beauty a few years ago but I always forget about White Teeth. Will download now before I forget.

OP posts:
YouStacey · 11/05/2018 20:26

Super Behind The Scenes is my favourite book ever, and I've avoided Human Croquet and Emotionally Weird because I was scared they wouldn't match up to my expectations. But I've read all the Jackson Brodie series, he's a private detective but they're crime fiction in a very Atkinson way, and I've also read the sequel to Life after Life (can't remember name). I recommend them all, and Behind the Scenes, for me, always stands up to rereading.
I'm nearing the end of Eleanor Oliphant but not sure I want it to end!

YouStacey · 11/05/2018 20:27

Thought of another, Brick Lane by Monica Ali

changeroorooroo · 11/05/2018 20:27

I adored her

supersalmon1 · 11/05/2018 20:31

Is it A God in Ruins? I might have to write that on my (ever growing) holiday reading list. Thank you for all the suggestions, really pleased to hear Eleanor has so many fans.

OP posts:
YouStacey · 12/05/2018 08:17

Yes, that's the one Super

TheHatOfDoom · 13/05/2018 09:07

Three Things About Elsie by Joanna Cannon, different subject but very similar in feel/power to Eleanor Oliphant.

RosaDeZoett · 13/05/2018 13:34

Placemarking for when I have time to make a list!!

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

This thread is closed and is no longer accepting replies. Click here to start a new thread.

Swipe left for the next trending thread