Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine | Women's Prize 2018 Review

My thoughts on the debut comic novel Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman (longlisted for this year's Women's Prize for Fiction)
Find me on Twitter: / insertlitpun
Find me on Goodreads: / jennifer
This is not a sponsored video, and unless otherwise stated, I bought these books myself.

[@docnat09]

I loved this book and as a doctor I early on found Eleanor very believable as a person with Aspergers syndrome. She was one of my favorite characters in a long time.

[@stephmorgan286]

docnat09 This book is on my TBR and I haven’t read it yet, however a lot of her descriptions also reminded me of someone with Aspergers (Mom of Aspie here).

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

It's interesting because I've gotten both responses in the comments - people saying she feels true to someone with Asperger's, and people saying they're glad that so much of her character was tied to PTSD because they didn't like this portrayal of someone on the spectrum. For me, aspects of her character reminded me of people I know, but I also think those people are far more multifaceted than Eleanor. And they understand what McDonald's is, what a high five is, etc. But I'm glad you had a great experience with this book xx

[@sharo8760]

I feel like that wasn't the author's intention, though (for what it's worth) and even if it was, it would make the way she was portrayed kind of cruel - I do think the writing encourages the reader to laugh at her and her habits to some extent. I'm more inclined to think that the author's idea was that Eleanor's way of thinking is result of trauma and "fixable" and it seems like she'll be a completely different person in a couple years' time. I don't know if I'm explaining this right, but I'm just trying to find words for my distaste of the book 🤔

[@sofiakanan7955]

I think you missed the whole point. Eleonor is a victim of terrible childhood distress, and she is on the road to recovery. All the psychologiacal implications are of course, something that you ignore, to the point that you didn´t even mention her acceptance to atend psychologial treatment with Dr Temple. It´s an amazing book

[@nilanjandey8760]

A very very intelligent review- i am so impressed by how you dissect the writing so clinically. This review taught me so much about writing as well. Thank you! Keep 'em coming- i hardly look forward to things with the kind of enthusiasm that i do to your videos!

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Thank you, this comment is lovely!

[@HarrietRosie13]

I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed this review considering how much I completely loved this book! In terms of the believability of the character, I think believability is something that depends on the experience of the reader. So my family were foster carers and I lived with multiple people with attachment disorder which is clearly what Eleanor has, and they behaved incredibly similarly to Eleanor, even to the point of disbelief where I would wonder if they were putting it on sometimes, so I felt like the character was spot on, but again, I think believability depends on reader experience. I do see what you mean that it could be a bit heavy handed at time, and I did feel the author's presence in that she was playing with the character to elicit a certainr esponse from the reader, but overall I just adored the book!

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Thank you Harriet, I appreciate this comment so much because I know you loved this book!

[@djsboy96]

I'm sorry that the book wasn't what you were hoping for. Having just finished reading it, I have to say I really enjoyed it. I do agree with some of your points though. For example it does seem a little unrealistic that she wouldn't have a grasp of certain aspects of life (e.g. getting a manicure, fast food, etc.) However, the impression I got was that she understands what these things are and how they work, but being so deprived of social contact and deep meaningful relationships, she struggles with the subtleties of the social interaction involved. I don't think it's inconceivable that, based on the upbringing she had and her routine of lonely life, she would struggle in these situations and the miscommunication could be somewhat comical. Then again, humour is subjective. As for Eleanor's character, I think you raise some really interesting points. My approach was to take the information the author gave us about her life without trying to analyse the credibility too much. She'd had this traumatic and unique upbringing, and had since shut herself off (or maybe it was more a passive process of being shut off?) in later life. With this in mind it was almost redundant trying to relate her to anyone I know, because if such an individual was a recluse like Eleanor, then I probably wouldn't know them. I stopped trying to anchor this character in my reality, and started taking the information I was given about her at face value. I came across an interesting paradox while doing this, in that the more I let go of my preconceptions about what was realistic or credible for Eleanor, the more I could see parts of myself in her, and the more I grew to understand and like her. This didn't feel like manipulation, just my natural reaction to the information I had amassed about this character. Being from Glasgow myself, I think Raymond is a very generic, although not inaccurate, caricature of Glaswegian guy. That being said, he isn't the main focus of the story and any experience the reader has of him is coloured by Eleanor's perspective, so it's difficult to comment on his character specifically. I think his role was primarily to show how healing that meaningful social connection can be, and we see that slowly play out throughout the novel. I realise I'm a little late to the party here, but it was really interesting to hear your thoughts, and while I don't totally agree, these have definitely given me some food for thought. I didn't get the chance to properly reflect on some the ideas you put forward, but I thought I would share some of my own.

[@JillianMatchett]

There was so much about Eleanor's character that I found completely unbelievable, so much so that I spent a lot of the book rolling my eyes. I also dislike being manipulated by the author - if something needs to be inferred I think I'm capable of working it out myself, but much of this book felt as subtle as a sledgehammer.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Exactly. It felt uncomfortable to be put in a position where I was rolling my eyes at a traumatized person, but I really couldn't help it - there wasn't an ounce of subtlety in this book!

[@stephenfisher3554]

I had fewer problems with Eleanor’s character. I viewed Eleanor (Mother issues aside) as an extreme introvert, taught from birth to look down on others, her verbal “honestly” a learned mechanism for avoiding social contact. I wasn’t bothered by her contradictions. I know an introvert who finds conversation physically painful, but when it comes to movies and literature likes stories about human connection they don’t feel they can access. Their defense mechanism tends toward sullenness and flight vs Eleanor’s “honestly” but the purpose is the same--escape or drive others away. I also bought into the fantasy element (Mr. Rock and Roll) that causes Eleanor to step out of her comfort zone. An extension of the books and movies theme, for many introverts the allure of finding a “savior” who will “see” them if they reach a little is powerful, but perilous if rejected as in EOICF. Did I feel manipulated by the author? Yes, but not significantly more than by most first time nolvelists who tend to tell more than reveal. Is EOICF a lit prize caliber novel? No. Like you I also don’t understand why it was nominated for the Women’s Prize. A fun beachy read? Yes. And for me a good one.

[@rosiesmallshaw]

I truly appreciated your comment, and I concur.

[@drawntostories5940]

'truth universally acknowledged' - she has read her Pride and Prejudice, at least. "Intellect isn't the enemy of emotion" - yes! hear, hear! Your review is completely fine. Literally.

[@Phillybookfairy]

Jere lol

[@DumbBeat]

I admire how articulate you are in pinpointing exactly what irks you about a popular read when some of us know the feeling so well but are tongtied to express just what it is that just doesnt work for us, be it a novel or an inceniary tv show.

[@jenvcampbell]

Great review! When you say that it comes down to what you think a literary prize is for, I think we also have to consider the criteria of each prize. For instance, the Costa is for the best accessible books (accessible underlined), ie the book you would recommend to the most people, and that's something the judges have to bear in mind. Man Booker is simply 'finest fiction', and I would assume the Women's Prize is along the same lines as it was set up - in part - as an answer to the former whilst also addressing gender imbalance. As I judge literary prizes myself there are so many specific things I wish I could say about my own experience of the process but - obviously - I can't and, damn, I would love to know what's been said in the Women's Prize judging room this year. Looking forward to your other reviews xx

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Thank you :) It's funny with people like you and Simon and Anna watching my channel occasionally, because you all judge prizes, and you must know so much about the process that the average reader doesn't guess. I can't help speculating (that's one of the reasons I love reading prize lists, trying to figure out what it was about each book that stood out to the judges), even if that speculation is probably way off the mark! Now that I'm halfway through the list, I still wish I had a clearer idea of what this year's judges were aiming for

[@Jennikreads]

THIS IS GOLD. I love the way you break down and really get into books in your reviews. This was so thoughtful and had me chuckling too. I’ve never been interested in reading this book and I’ll definitely be passing on it now.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Thanks Jenni! As you can tell, I think that's probably a good idea ;)

[@paperbacklaura8967]

This was a great review, although I did disagree with a lot of it :) Personally, I didn't feel sorry for Eleanor, and I don't think that reaction was intended by the author. I also didn't feel force-fed. Above all, I think we need more books about vulnerable adults, as it's a topic that can be ignored in today's literature.

[@allefaloc]

I felt the same exact way, and agree with that we do need more books about vulnerable adults, and less adults living their best lives ever.

[@WhatKamilReads]

Obviously you know that it was the goal to make this ‘completely fine’ element paper thin otherwise we would not have this book’s title disclosing she is NOT fine. I think Honeyman aimed to create the emotional equivalent of an adult version of Wonder by Palacio. Im puzzled as you are, and probably the writer also is, about the fact this book pops up, now and again on various awards lists. I would never put it in any awards category as it’s not literary or interesting in any way, it’s an emotional, sympathetic and underdog-finally-getting-it-right type of story. I enjoyed it for what it was but it stands next to Wonder on my shelf. The flip at the end was bad too. Love those reviews of yours.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Thanks Kamil, that means a lot from someone whose reviews I admire!

[@jessicawatson7360]

A lot of ppl say she’s unlikable, I love her she’s so refreshingly honest and it’s used to thinking about others so, hasn’t been taught to be.

[@cuppa.books.]

I completely disagree with all your criticisms but I really appreciate how fair and balanced your review was ☺

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

I appreciate this comment very much xx

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I saved watching this till I'd read the novel myself and got out my feelings about it in a blog post, but this is such a fantastic, measured and clever review! I totally agree that the believability of Eleanor's character was often sacrificed for cheap gags the author wanted to make. But something I did find effective and engaging was Eleanor's anxiety over money and acknowledgement that if she became broke she'd have no one to turn to which felt real world believable and something to appreciate when this was so absent in the novel Sight.

[@Nyledam89]

'Intellect isn't the enemy of Emotion." Yes, completely agree! Just finished this book and had to rewatch your review of it because you summed it up so well.

[@OlgaSPN]

Interesting review, as always. You raised some original points that I haven't seen talked about really. With this one I felt like it was designed to be raved about by YA readers/BookTubers who make their first attempts to branch out into adult fiction - different enough to count as a "valid adult book experience", but easy and familiar enough for them to feel kinda at home with it.

[@Annafan-zg4zy]

I understand and agree with all of your comments other than the fact that I personally need to turn my brain off occasionally. :) This book was perfect for just such a time. Enjoyed it!

[@nocturnus009]

Thank you for taking the time to pedantically cogitate on this novel & it's place on the long list. I'm glad the KZbin algorithm has [finally] recommended your channel. Good luck in your efforts to induce change in the publishing world however that may occur.

[@katejarmstrong]

Blowing my own trumpet briefly, Juliet Ann did a video comparing this to my novel - and it made me very happy indeed. (Trumpet now going back under the bed for a few years.)

[@bookishsabrina]

I toyed with the idea of reading this one, I even put myself on hold for the audiobook at the library. But I soon after canceled it because I felt like I was just interested because of the buzz, and it wasn't a book I would be interested on its own merits. I'm glad that I decided to let it go. Your critique was sufficient. It did make me think though about how inconsistent and inherently flawed rating books is. I value emotional resonance above pretty much everything else. If a book moves me profoundly, I am very generous with my 5 star ratings, and am able to forgive any other flaws. I like to think I'm generally a balanced and critical reader, but if something rips my heart out, that fades away, at least a bit. That's probably the case for a lot of readers, because it feels like a rare treat for me to feel that passionately about a book. Not sure if this book would have done that for me, but I think I've watched too many reviews to have a fresh perspective on it.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

I think there's a tendency to treat emotional resonance as though it's some nebulous thing that just appears for certain people with certain books. And that's true to some extent (I've felt personally connected in various ways to mediocre books). But often emotional resonance is directly tied to the author's skill, and I don't see that acknowledged too much - that an author can create emotion not by mixing some mystical concoction that appeals to certain readers, but just by writing well

[@bookishsabrina]

I'm sometimes in the camp of emotion as a nebulous thing, but you are right, it takes skill to get emotion out of a reader. It's probably not randomness or luck.

[@MrNsena]

You should read the book.

[@dawnarmstrong-baird3071]

It's a debut novel and very entertaining. I believe Eleanor's conflicting parts partly speak of her traumatic back story but I agree that its inclusion on a long list for literature is surprising and a bit disheartening.

[@MyBookishEmpire]

Jen, I absolutely agree with all of your analysis for this novel; however I loved the book. This book had me choking with laughter throughout, and it surprised me how much I related with Eleanor. To be clear, not with anything regarding her alcoholism and self doubt, but her interactions and awkward encounters with those around her. Yes, her interactions are onesided and blunt at times but I for one surely know people like that. In the end, I must say I gave this book five stars, and I gave War and Peace five stars; clearly for different reasons though I love them both with all their flaws just the same. I am glad that you found this tolerable at the least. :)

[@Monica-rr7ko]

This is such a great review! Can't wait for your other ones on this years women's prize selection--especially 'Sight' by Jessie Greengrass; I haven't picked it up yet, but it sounds fascinating!

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Thank you! And Sight will be my next full review :)

[@faatimahfarhad1523]

OMGOMGOMGOMG I have seen a couple of your videos and admired the preciseness and accurate targetedness of your critiques but oh My this was par par par excellence. I loved it. Not only do you have great points laden with well-chosen evidence but also your expressions and reactions showing your exasperation, WOW! I'm so glad to have seen this, because I myself picked up the book because I heard it dealt with loneliness and then read the quotes in the prologue and was totally sold but the character is so fake and the second part so cliche and awful. Ukh. All the character building done in the 'bad days' is broken down in the second part. Like Eleanor was just expecting it, she was play acting the whole time.

[@newbooksmell9221]

I'm astonished at how well the five parts you pointed out apply to describe this story. I've read up to 15% of the book and can attest to all of them being (annoyingly) present through this brief experience that I had - I didn't get to the 6th point though it was painfully obvious it would be the grand message of it all. I think the worst part for me was the manipulation. You described it so well with the book peeking at us and asking "ooh, didn't that line just break your heart?". And honestly, it wasn't breaking my heart, because I didn't connect with this character in the first place. It was only making me very conscious that the author meant it to be such a hard hitting sad story. I truly felt nauseated by the ugliness and cheapness of it - I don't think I had ever had a physical response to a book before, so that's something new that I got from this experience, hahaha Anyway, glad you did find some bits to shine a light on and still managed to wonderfully articulate the terrible bits on it. Thanks for sharing such a thoughtful and entertaining review (as you always do)!

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Thank you! I'm sorry you've had a similarly rough experience, but it also makes me feel less crazy? If that makes sense haha

[@newbooksmell9221]

Absolutely! I always turn to comments sections and booktube in general to get the "right, so I'm not completely by myself here, right?" feeling. By the way, I get this a lot with your reviews, which is such a joy - I was so glad and relieved when I watched your review for "Do Not Say We Have Nothing" last year. I don't understand how we can live in a world where that book didn't win the Bailey's...

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Ugh STILL not over it

[@Robert.Sheard]

Thank you for reminding me that I meant to grab The Gustav Sonata! I think for a debut novel, Eleanor Oliphant was enjoyable enough. I don't think it warrants major literary prize kudos, but I would likely pick up the next one from Honeyman.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

I'm definitely interested to see what Honeyman does with her next book - this one was way too gimmicky to get a good sense of her talent

[@risschortinghuis3632]

I did have the connection you lacked, but I completely understand your thoughts - if the connection isn't there, there isn't really that much holding it up. Even though it broke my heart and made me feel all the feels, I don't particularly want to see it on the shortlist.

[@Amaz0nica]

"Intelect isn't the enemy of emotion" so true. I love your reviews!

[@beth7886]

you articulated what i've been feeling perfectly towards this book!

[@InfiniteText]

*watches 20 seconds....pauses... makes popcorn.....comes back. "Tear this book a new one Jen, leggo!"

[@gemma2275]

She's back again! It's always a joy to listen to you talk books. Here's to thinking more and overanalyzing everything ^_^ If a book can't stand a question of whether it was structured and executed the best it could then it is not a readers job to lower the bar for herself just so they can enjoy the ride. We all have different standards and things that make us tick (in books or other media - the number of movies so bad that eyes hurt until that one pretty actor shows up... it's a big number). You see? That's why we could never become friend cuz I would have to care about you and your life and your... bleh... feelings.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Ah but you DO care about my feelings :D

[@gemma2275]

I don't know what you're talking about. Stop it. Someone could read it and think I'm decent or worse... lovely. As a non-friend, you should at least care about my bruting antagonistic appalling image. It's all I have!

[@dannigreen7126]

Your review of this book has given ferocity to the uestuon I've had in my head for about two days: does literary fiction have two tiers (i.e highbrow and middle brow), or is it the case that there exists a general adult fiction and a literary fiction? I've come to define literary fiction as fiction that aspires to literary greatness by achieving excellence in form, prose, and overall storytelling. In the past four years of so I have noticed a rise in novels being called literary fiction, but lacking the aspirations of works such as Jazz by Tonight Morrison or Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace. So many recently published works seem to want to explore highbrow themes but in a way that is approachable and requires not much intellectual rigor. This trend has made me reconsider what I call literary fiction. Are books like this one terrible literary fiction? Or are they something else? Are we seeing the rise of the middle brow/general adult fiction?

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

I've been mulling over these kinds of questions, too. For me, "literary" fiction doesn't mean superior fiction necessarily - I define it as fiction where the WAY the story is told (the language, the structure, etc.) is just as important as the story itself. This book could be told in many ways and achieve the same effect, so for me it's not literary. But I would agree that a lot of books that are categorized as literary today aren't ambitious or intellectually rigorous. And they don't all need to be, but I would love to see a higher percentage that are

[@twiddledeeable]

I loved this book, but this is a very intelligent, thoughtful review. I disagreed with some aspects, but you made your points well and defended them well, also. You make many great points about literature in general and reading. Never let anybody stop you from thinking hard about books or analyzing them! That's part of the fun of reading.

[@TheEOcean]

I’ve been thinking about whether to read this, and my impression was that it maybe could be two-dimensional or gratuitous and cheesy (even from all the reviews I saw being positive), so I appreciate that you took the time to really think about it and let us know. It was helpful to me, and to your point about enjoyability, I think we each read books for different reasons at different times - and there are times for different things! Would love more discussions like these

[@findAplaceToCallHome]

I haven't read the book, but I cringed at the passages you read out. Your review is well argumented. I randomly found you on goodreads and now I am binge watching your videos. I am so sick of booktubers who recommend a book just because it was "amazing" without actually articulating why this was. A lot of the books they recommend are substandard at best and have had a detrimental effect on my reading, because I would read 20 books before I found a good one. Your chanel is a breath of fresh air and will gladly trust your recommendations.

[@MarcNash]

the way you describe this makes me think of the female protagonist of Clarice Lispector's "The Hour Of the Star" though that is far more metafictional.

[@CharlesHeathcote]

I do enjoy watching your reviews. Whilst I enjoyed this book I don’t understand why it has been longlisted for the Women’s Prize. I thought it was more suitable for a summer read, something that folk don’t necessarily need to think much about when reading.

[@drawyourbook876]

I did enjoy this book, I liked the uncomplicated but not oversimplistic language, and I had a fun time with the jokes and the story, a bit like watching sheldon from the big bang theory. But I do agree with you that the character was too two dimensional, and that a book running for a literary price might need more than this. I hope you start reading some books from the price that you like!

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Thank you! And I hope I get to some that I really like soon - maybe I'll have a string of really great ones :)

[@megreads824]

I really enjoyed this book until the "twist" at the end which I thought was cheap and silly and left a bad taste in my mouth. Actually, that's not true, I cringed my way through the first few chapters because I thought it was going to be another "Oh, look at the Aspie who doesn't understand feelings trying to find love" patronizing bullshit tome (I'm looking at you The Rosie Project), and when it was revealed that she was emotionally shut-down because of trauma, I breathed a sigh of relief (my son is autistic and I HATE those kinds of books). I actually found her denial/non-denial approach to her trauma fairly believable because I had halfway suppressed a childhood trauma until it reared its ugly head in my late twenties. I knew it was there. Sometimes, I acknowledged its effect on my behavior, but most of the time I mentally waved it away and told myself it had nothing to do with the present me. It also did cause me to turn off some of my emotions as a protective measure. Anyway, I digress, but I only mean to say that I found that aspect of her character relatable. Overall, I agree with your take on the book, though. It was a fun read for me, and I thought it was genuinely great at points, but by the time I got to the end and saw what the author had been doing the whole time, I definitely would not have considered it worthy of a literary prize.

[@TheEOcean]

Meg Reads Thank you!!!! I also hated The Rosie Project because of the same thing but everyone else seems to love it!

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

It's interesting, because I'm getting lots of comments to the effect that "I know people with autism/Asperger's and Eleanor was a great portrayal of that," but I'm completely with you. I was relieved when it seemed like PTSD was a major component of her character, because this didn't seem like great representation otherwise - the people I know on the spectrum are WAY more multifaceted than this

[@KendraWinchester]

I loved Eleanor. I know people similar to Eleanor in so many ways. But I agree, I don't understand why this book is on the Women's Prize longlist. I don't view it as a literary book. It's just fun. On the flip side, there are other more "literary" books on the longlist, and I'm not sure how they got there either. Sometimes I feel like they wanted a wide range in titles on the longlist, both accessible and more difficult, and didn't consider the merit of each book on its own.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

I completely agree - the "literary" ones on the list aren't doing much for me either, and I think variety was the priority this year, not quality

[@seonarella]

I enjoyed Eleanor and I enjoyed it in a fluffy way! Everything you said was spot on! I wish I was as eloquent as you! Thanks for entertaining me as usual 💚

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Haha thank you, glad you had a good time with this book xx

[@samantha.irenes]

This book has never really appealed to me and I actually thought of A Little Life, like you mentioned, when I read the synopsis. It doesn't seem as extreme as A Little Life but it seems to have that same flavor of "care about this character! please care!!!!" that I don't appreciate. But it can be hard to stick to your guns when everyone and their mother likes something, so thank you for this review! I will happily read other things.

[@argentbeard5583]

The author drops plenty of hints about what Eleanor Oliphant is. Recall when she reads a book about marketing, Eleanor remarks that it's written for " a psychopath with no common sense." That describes Eleanor. She is a monster who killed her mother and sister. She is an unreliable narrator, so we should question much of her self-proclaimed history. THAT is the big secret Gail Honeyman has floated past her readership. Recall Eleanor's idea to feed her remains to zoo animals. Then recall her plan to hold the company Xmas luncheon at a local safari park. The sequel, if there is one, should be very interesting to read!

[@upslopeaunty9453]

Great review. The key criteria for the Women's Prize are accessibility, originality and excellence. I think it can be a challenge for judges to find books that meet all three criteria. So for this prize, and I think too the Costa where 'readibility' stands in for 'accessibility', it sometimes seems that books with a high 'mass likeability' quotient get on the list, even when the originality or excellence scores are low. I suppose some of the women's prize long list may equally be considered very original but not accessible. I look forward to your reviews of those!

[@Phillybookfairy]

Hi....i just finished this book today and i have some mixed feelings about it. I really enjoyed the quirky aspects of Eleanor's character. I also loved Raymonds character and his relationship with Eleanor. What i didnt.like, and im surprised that you didnt.mention it, although, maybe cause this is a spoiler....but, i think the author tied up the ending too quickly. I think that her breakdown made no sense. Like, in her state of delusion she RECOGNIZES that her fantasy is asinine? Reeeeeeallly?? Cause she was pretty damn deep into that delusion to just suddenly realize it was pointless and delusional. ?? If her whole breakdown however, had been duringgggg her therapy ----- which wouldve triggered her realizations - i mightve bought it. Or how did she realize that delusion but not the more prevalent one that bordered on flat out psychotic? I dunno.... that stuff seemed a bit unrealistic. I mean, personally, if i came to.realize that i never had conversations that i thought i had had for yearssssss THATS what wouldve driven me to wanna drink myself to death. THATS what eouldve made me feel.like yep, im done. Lol anyhow, we were spared one trope which is the fairytale ending. Thank freakin god for that. I soooooooo loved that Eleanor and Raymond were close without being sexual. That wouldve wrecked the book. As far as your comments on the duality of her nature (im tough) then (imlonely) and all those contradictions .... i disagree a bit. I think i saw her character unfold like a many layered thing....gradually changing and.emerging from that self-inflicted isolation. I enjoyed and rallied for her because i did see her changing and emerging into really becoming a real active participant in her life, whereas prior to she was a mere shadow. For those reasons i think the book.worked enoughhh to let the author slide on the other issues. That being said, although id say the book was completely enjoyable, it should not win nor be listed for any literary award.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Yes, I also thought it was poor plotting (and another unbelievable moment) to have her suddenly realize she didn't care about the musician - I just didn't have time to bring up everything that didn't work for me in this video ;)

[@Phillybookfairy]

Insert Literary Pun Here i hear ya!

[@maeve-k5n]

I couldn't quite explain why I had a strong feeling of hatred when reading this book, and this review described it perfectly. your analysis of Honeyman's writing is very good

[@sarahwylie8464]

I think your criticism of Eleanor's rigidity and excessive obliviousness lacks insight into how all encompassing trauma can be. No she's not a martian she just never thought about using air quotes or McDonalds because she was in such a terrible state of anxiety and depression for so long. That's how I read it anyway. I saw it as someone newly branching out from a deep freeze. And yes there was humor in sharing these observations but I thought it was a creative way to show how limited her worldview was and didn't see those moments of insight as so incredulous.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Thanks for sharing your take on this! I do hear what you're saying, but I'm also wary of authors using trauma as a get-out-of-jail-free card when it comes to characterization - you can defend literally every choice by saying "well he/she was traumatized and many readers just don't understand the implications of that," when often it's just super lazy and uninspired writing. Obviously plenty of people didn't experience the book that way, but plenty of others have, and it's not because all of them lack insight. (I've also found it interesting that a lot of the comments I've gotten defending this book have made the baseline assumption that I personally haven't experienced trauma, and although not to Eleanor's extent, I have)

[@sarahwylie8464]

@@InsertLiteraryPunHere Yeah, I can see this book simultaneously speaking to some people's trauma experience and also completely not clicking with others. I loved that the book managed to address trauma and still be as lighthearted which is why I appreciated those trifling descriptions that seemed more like detached criticism rather than your typical character development. I just found your blog today and was excited to hear more of your reviews - very sad to see your goodbye video! So far your reviews have been the most thoughtful I've found in the booktube world, though I have only discovered this scene very recently, but still good for you! I think you're headed in the right direction career wise. Looking forward to what more you do in the field.

[@yomismo74]

I'm reading it right now. I was going to pass but it was published in paperback and decided to give it a try. The truth is i'm liking it more than expected (maybe due to my low expectations). Of course i only read 2/3 of the book so there's plenty of time for a big dissapointment

[@JasmineReads]

This is one I’m feeling quite ‘meh’ about reading... I’ve heard a lot of luke warm positive reviews about it, people generally seeming to either enjoy or really enjoy it, but not love it. Really enjoyed hearing your thoughts here, as always!(although it didn’t quite make me decide whether I’ll get round to it or not😂)

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Thanks xx And let me know if you decide to pick it up!

[@clarissebalejasaidi1630]

I think you went easy on this one. Good if you. Merciful.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

I could've been harsher on the delivery, but I wanted to be fair ;) But if it makes the shortlist, I don't know how much of that mercy will last...

[@OjaswiShxrma]

Surprisingly theatrical bits, Hahaha. Good review as always though. But honestly, I'm a bit confused about the book after this. Specifically the part where you talk about the clashing emotions Eleanor presents. Doesn't that add to her 'troubled' or emotionally insecure state? Could you please elucidate on that a bit?

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Thanks! Like I said, the combination of toughness and vulnerability is both interesting and common, but the author's writing is too fumbling to pull it off. Take one of the examples I gave - the "I'm looking at my facial scars in a mirror, allow me now to compare them to the scars on my heart" bit is hardly a compelling moment. It's the kind of stilted set up that reminds me that I'm reading a story that an author typed on a computer somewhere, and unfortunately most of the "vulnerable" moments were like that for me

[@OjaswiShxrma]

Insert Literary Pun Here I watched the review again and now I completely understand your perspective

[@danielleptc]

Urgh, minus 10 points for besmirching that Jane Austen line...

[@SavidgeReads]

So firstly, as always, fascinating thoughts. I found your thoughts on Eleanor’s personality and character really interesting to me because I can see Eleanor in a couple of people I know. My niece who has autism and an ex colleague who had Asperger’s both of them look at people in a very simple way, not bitchy just no barrier and say what they see not realising it can be harsh. That’s what I saw in her when I read it. A little like Saga in The Bridge who I also find fascinating.

[@SavidgeReads]

Ps. As a judge who chose this as their category winner I don’t think it does lack artistic integrity (also we were told to choose a book we would all hand to any reader which is technically the whole idea of the Costa though I’m not sure I felt the whole prize ran to that brief ironically - a small aside) I think to create a book with such mass appeal can be harder than writing something niche and/or lofty. But I have a video about that very thing coming soon. Ha.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Oooh I can't WAIT for that video, especially from your perspective as someone who judged the Costa. Jen commented too and mentioned that one of the main criteria is "a book you'd hand to the most people," and considering Eleanor Oliphant's popularity it's a strong choice. Maybe they're separate skill sets - to write something accessible, and to write something original/artistic/whatever - but I'm not sure, because the most magical books do both. But ironically, I actually enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant more than Sight by Jessie Greengrass, which I thought I'd love but ended up being way too pretentious for me. I couldn't stop thinking as I read it how few readers it would appeal to, and that's not really what I want from a prize book, either. I seem to be in a Goldilocks situation ;)

[@ingertsvard6731]

I agree Simon. Eleanor is on the autism spectrum and how she interact and think about other people is very accurate to how people on the spectrum act and think, at least in my family. I am so tired about people bitching about how "bad" he/she behaving instead of seeing that some humans are just different than others. If you read the book with that perspective it can teach u a little bit more about autism and maybe to be a more tolerant human.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Someone whose son is on the spectrum commented below saying she was relieved that a major part of Eleanor's character was from PTSD, because she's tired of these tropey/lazy portrayals of autistic people. Britta Bohler (a fabulous booktuber) also read the book that way - she originally thought Eleanor was meant to have Asperger's, but ended up interpreting her behavior and thought processes as a product of PTSD. Which is to say that if people have different takes on the book, it doesn't necessarily mean they're less informed or empathetic - more that the author's writing was ambiguous

[@journeythruwords4619]

Eleanor is not on the ASD. She is the way she is due to her experiences on her childhood. As someone who has PTSD from my childhood (AND a son on the ASD-moderate to HF), I relate to Eleanor in many ways. Experiencing childhood trauma messes with your brain development. Eleanor created her own safety net, so to speak. Eleanor is definitely not on the spectrum.

[@ChillDude....]

It's really interesting how some people can't even consider that a person like this main character can exist while others find her very believable and relatable

[@myreadinglife8816]

I think you make very valid points here. I enjoyed this book but certainly saw some flaws. You’ve pointed out more which I can’t disagree with. As always, a fantastic thoughtful review. Keep ‘em coming!

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Thank you!

[@valentinagastaldello7592]

I'm new to your channel and I like your very detailed reviews - I enjoy listening to such deep book analysis and well constructed opinions :) That being said, this is one of the few books from this year's list I was already interested in reading, because the themes of mental health and loneliness are very appealing to me (not the way "A little life" did, possibly) - now I just wish I had already read it to have a discussion here! I hope to get to it soon to see if I fall into the category of readers who fell in love with it or if I find myself in the grey area with you. I'll look forward to your next Women's Prize 2018 Review :)

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Happy to have you here! It'll be interesting to hear your reaction to this one

[@jasonmd1420]

I mostly agree with your view of the novel, I read a few months ago and personally found it enjoyable and to a degree well written - the voice manages to be compelling and easy to read while maintaining Eleanor's slightly more lofty vocabulary - but the more I thought about it after I finished it the more holes or issues I found with it (her life being transformed when she conforms to society and gets a haircut, the twist ending, the character being more akin to an alien than a lonely person). I doubt the multiple readings needed for it to win a literary prize will help it. On a wider note, I've found myself disappointed in the women's prize this years, with inclusions such as this one, flawed books by established author's that missed out other prizes (Manhattan Beach) or works chosen on theme rather than quality (Miss Burma) and a handful of promising if not prizeworthy debuts. It would be nice to see Arhundaty Roy do well as I felt she was unfairly left of the booker shortlist, but even if she wins this year the women's prize feels a bit like a consolation prize to the other awards - which it never was in the past, and absolutely never should be. One thing I wish they had done was include short story collections, it would have changed this longlist from disappointing to exciting. Attrib was one of the best books I read last year and the collections by Sarah Hall, Ottessa Moshfegh and Jenny Zhang are all considerably better than some of the novels here. Aren't short stories "fiction" anyway? I hope it's an overreaction, that I read a few more on the list and am proven wrong, or that this was a dud year which is bound to happen to any prize at some point - but a big part of me thinks that this longlist could easily have been much richer, more daring and exciting with just a little tweak to the rules.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

I think including short story collections is an interesting idea. The problem arises that it takes an entirely different skill set to write a good novel than to write a good short story collection, and it's harder to keep judging consistent across various forms. But yeah, this year's list has been filled with duds so far, and I find it difficult to imagine that there weren't much stronger novels to choose from

[@julietocallaghan]

Yes. I too found reading this problematic, although I get why lots of people love it for the heart warming story. I really enjoyed the clarity of your thoughts :)

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Thank you xx

[@isabelleangouleme]

Really loving these in-depth Women’s Prize reviews and detailed breakdowns! I completely agree with your take on the book - inconsistent central character, cheap shots at humour, and a very manipulative book! Sadly, I think this will make the shortlist, if only to tick off the “popular” category.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Yeah, I'd be surprised if it didn't make the shortlist, sadly

[@paulinagonzalez8106]

I really admire your review, it’s honest and accurate. One thing that I do completely disagree with you, it’s when you say she’s to “neatly” done. I don’t think it is like that, she is just a person who can be stubborn with her attitude and routines, but she does change, and she does have other thoughts that can be important, she just exhibits more of her common thoughts. I can disagree in other thinks but to be honest I do understand why you chose to say those type of things of the other things. Really love how you describe and the way you give your opinion. Amazing review and analysis of the character and trama.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Thank you, and thanks for sharing your take on things!

[@FlyingElectra]

I'm not working today so I got to watch to your review earlier ! Well, I was really looking forward to seeing it because my friend I was staying with in Quebec had received the book and was very reluctant to read it. I just watched another booktuber who loved the book (and gave it 5 stars) but I can see why she liked it and why you didn't like it. To me, it's a big "NO" when the author is telling me what to think about a character instead of letting me decide on my own if I should like him or not. You're not the first though to have mixed feelings about it (I've watched another video about a British gal who didn't enjoy it as well) - I haven't read the book but have no regret (though I really like the cover)

[@amandanf5775]

I started reading Eleanor Oliphant this week due to the rave reviews it got on booktube last year. I'm now about 40% of the way through and really disliking it, so I came to see if you'd reviewed it, and thank goodness you had! Thank you for putting into words the exact things I was thinking about Eleanor's character. Your reviews are always fantastic!

[@amaranthineZ]

it seems like this book people just love it or dislike it. I'm wondering if the introverts and extroverts review this book, it might be different. As for me, I think this book is interesting enough to go through what lonely people or introverts are like, to understand them better. There're many parts that show her thoughts that I share the same feelings and I feel like I'm not the only one and feel like being understood. After all, her character shows us that she's just a human.

[@kw4898]

You pretty much perfectly summed up what I did and didn't like about this book. I agree the author intrudes to much just for a cheap chortle, Eleanor's bad social graces make sense, but her weird cluelessness about something like McDonald's feels so false and nonsensical. I do like that she's a truly unlikeable character though and I did think the softening of her character as she makes friends was well portayed. I think it's a pretty forgettable book though, I'm pretty shocked to see it nominated for a literary prize.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

I feel the same way - not a terrible book, but completely unremarkable

[@LauraFreyReadinginBed]

I fucking love Rachel's Holiday. That is all :) Did you ever read This Charming Man? Keyes is great.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Rachel's Holiday is gold. I haven't read TCMan, but I have read 6 of Keyes's books (and all of her narrators blow Eleanor's voice out of the water...) Also, her books were basically how I learned about sex. Thanks, conservative public schooling!

[@jerryspencer2598]

That was an incredible book review! Many times better than any other youtube review I have seen.

[@yomismo74]

Hopefully you'll enjoy the next one more because till now you are only confirming your fears about the longlist

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

I know, I'm still waiting to be pleasantly surprised, but I have 9 more books to go so there are plenty of opportunities

[@lindaleehall]

I found the idea that Eleanor was simply cast adrift after a horrifying childhood and the physical trauma of her burns, with, apparently NO emotional or psychological support system, both terrifying and unbelievable. Most of the humour just seemed very sad to me. I wanted to feel a deep sympathy for this terribly damaged person, but, instead, I was manipulated into seeing her as very clever and articulate in a sarcastic, self-sufficient and superior persona that was obviously deluded. It kept me at a distance and I really couldn't see why Raymond persisted with her.

[@pippavanel4170]

Oh lord yes!! I was feeling alone in my feelings towards this book! Great review I stumbled upon your channel when searching for reviews about three things about Elsie - I hated that book (found it cliche, predictable and ageist) but everyone seems to love it! Wonder what your thoughts on that will be :) off to check out another video!

[@RamblingsOfAnElfpire]

I really appreciate you posting a more negative review on this book. Not only is it great that you're completely honest, but I get a little intimidated or apprehensive going into books that every single person on the planet has loved. I still want to read this book but I'll be going into it with more balanced preconceptions, rather than the raving hype

[@yomismo74]

It's like when you are in the cinema watching a comedy and everybody laughs and you don't find it funny. Anyway, disent from the majority is perfectly ok. Everybody seems to love The curious incident of the dog in the nighttime and Call me by your name and i really disliked both novels

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

I'm exactly the same way! If I know I'm going to read a book and I've only heard rave things about it, I look for a lukewarm or negative review to help manage my expectations. Hope you end up enjoying this book xx

[@imperatrice211]

I liked your review, however I felt most of the problems you had were thoughts from Eleanor I personally attributed to either her trauma or the fact that she seems to be autistic

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Right, I would agree with both of those assessments - I just think that her autism (if that's what she has) and her PTSD were in large part poorly written

[@wernfried2866]

Great review, love it! Admittedly, I haven't read the book and may not do so in future unless it really, well, wins the prize or at least makes the short-list. Love, among many other things, your point about using intellectual faculties at the same time as appreciating stuff emotionally. It appears that on both counts the book has fallen short, which for myself I may never be able to ascertain ;-) Looking forward to your next video!

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Thank you! xx

[@Matth3w2012]

Is it sad that the cat makes me want to read the book? I have a 5 year old nephew who thinks he is a stand-up comedian, so I enjoyed your cousin analogy.

[@KayAmpersand]

We are moving upward in books, I see, considering your previous reviews :) There is still hope in getting to a good book from this list! I am currently reading When I Hit You and it is quite good so far(although it reads more like a memoir than fiction)

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Oh good, that's my next read and I hope I love it!

[@behemotkowa]

I agree with all what you have said in the video but still, I loved this book and gave it 5*. I love your reviews

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Thank you! And I'm glad you had a great experience with this book xx

[@gracetaylor7351]

I enjoyed reading this book but I agree and disagree on somethings but I like reading something different .i laugh out loud as well with book cause never thought about this like this character as though or been though with Beening with a mum like that or in a fire.

[@thefrancophilereader8943]

I know someone who I suspect is very much like Eleanor. Unfortunately, considering this person's mental health didn't make my interaction with this person any more pleasant. This came to mind when you were describing Eleanor's character. If trauma hadn't been disclosed to the reader, would Eleanor simply be an unsympathetic bitch? Could we get the perspective of Eleanor's coworkers? It would definitely complicate the book.

[@the1zmaja]

7. Is stingy/overly aware of spending money. xD Great review! I think the book sat on a similar level with me but for different reasons. For example, where I thought the author's presence was too obvious was in sections where Eleanor is having 'feminist thoughts' or for example in that love poem to the libraries (while it is also clearly stated on the same page and more logical that Eleanor dislikes used books).

[@ravenpicks]

She reviews this book very intelligent way. Makes good points and backs them up. Reading it for book club.

[@EddieLA78]

Thank you very much for your review, I had to read this for a book club, I had some of the same issues you had, thank you for your honest critique of this book.

[@Phillybookfairy]

On 2nd thought, im almost done the book, ill wait before hearing this so i dont become biased.

[@jessicawatson7360]

My main issue with the trauma is that it’s not dealt with bu the end we get the ‘twist’ then ‘the end’

[@slugabed7]

Fully appreciating this review is the only reason I'm glad I read that Oliphant book, haha

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Ah, despite your criticism, you're quite a bit more generous with the book than I was...

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Much good it did me ;)

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

:-) :-)

[@Cardenio2012]

I think the topic could have turned the book into a very good/onteresting one, but the execution was sadly miscalculated. The parts you read out loud were perfect examples. It's a missed opportunity for the author--I felt as though she tried a little too hard and the book became so artificial and forced.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Yes, that's exactly how I feel - a book that's full of good ideas and gestures, but that's let down by clumsy execution

[@lyddie465]

I have honestly been looking forward to this review so so much. I feel like anytime I watch a review of yours, I can go into it with your thoughts, and mine, and enjoy the book without thinking I'm missing a theme or a concept because you read them so thoroughly and so critically. Sometimes I worry that I'm not intelligent enough or astute enough to pick up on themes from books (my wife is someone who can pick up on themes or elusions like nothing else) but after your reviews, I feel like I'm totally prepared to go into a book because you've been honest and thoughtful. Can't wait for your next review.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

This comment is LOVELY, thank you. I feel the same way about reviewers I trust - that they'll pick up on things I won't, and I'll appreciate a book more if I hear them talk about it first. But it's surreal for someone to feel that way about me :)

[@jessicawatson7360]

Her most commutes relationship is with Polly.

[@victoriahoyle-publichistor6986]

Manipulated is exactly what I felt by the end of this and you make so many great points in this review that had me nodding vigorously. I think people can endlessly argue back and forth about whether Eleanor is a believable character or whether the set pieces and scenarios are realistic, but whichever way you look at it it’s not an ambitious novel, stylistically, emotionally or otherwise. Each year there are books like it on Prize lists that seem more like a recommendation between friends than a true evaluation of merit in the context of the field. I can see what that happens because the ‘I like it!’ response is so powerful and immediate, but it frustrates the heck out of me.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

I feel like you always phrase my thoughts so much better than I could!

[@emilytreads]

This book is on my shelf waiting to be read.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@jonilaberge2059]

I learned a lot from your review, although I enjoyed the book in a straightforward way.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Thank you, I appreciate this!

[@melissadannemiller1179]

I haven’t read this book, but it sounds like the main character could be on the autism spectrum.

[@zulubritchic5943]

You took the words right out of my mouth. Thank you! SUBSCRIBED :)

[@bookingforewordtoit]

This summarised my views on this book so perfectly!

[@hailvincent]

I thought Eleanor’s language and vocabulary were a cheap and lazy way to telegraph her lack of emotional intelligence. It’s a common trope, and it annoys me when authors use it. A person can be super-awkward or introverted without speaking in dictionary definitions! Also, people who’ve been in comas since 1944 know what McDonalds is, for pete’s sake, so I rolled my eyes throughout that entire scene. Like, if you’re trying to show that Eleanor is out of the loop, there’s got to be a less-pervasive cultural touchstone she can be unaware of.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Haha I agree with this whole comment :)

[@virginiahouser1060]

An insightful and fair review, I think. Thank you!

[@ExoticDreams]

You haven't looked happy in the Women's Prize thumbnails yet, lol.

[@ExoticDreams]

*I'm looking forward to one that catches my interest.

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

I know! And the next one won't be too happy, either. But keep your fingers crossed that I'll be smiling in some down the line :)

[@MindfulMommentsForYou]

I absolutely loved this book, but still completely enjoyed your review as well. ❤

[@tfoprincess]

Well the first few seconds were gravely depressing....