Book review written by Treena Ruwhiu, Assistant Head of English

This heart-warming novel is about Eleanor Oliphant, a lonely social outcast who forms an unlikely friendship with a new co-worker, Raymond, when their shared kindness serves to save an elderly man who has had an accident. Both of these odd yet lovable characters are on a journey to find themselves and to forge a new path, leaving behind the hardships that they have experienced in their past.

I thoroughly enjoyed Gail Honeyman’s clever, honest and humorous style of writing. Her characters are entirely authentic and believable. I particularly enjoyed how weird Eleanor was, possibly because I could relate to her idiosyncrasies myself!

This is a witty, heart-wrenching novel that I just couldn’t put down. You will laugh and cry with Eleanor’s tragic tale and it will force you to consider your own life and how kind you are to others, both people you know as well as strangers.

Anyone who enjoys a riveting story and an empathy for other people would benefit from reading this book.