Scars are stories. They capture attention and make people curious. “How did you get that? Where’s it from? What happened?” It is an unspoken rule that scars indicate that something bad and traumatic has happened to a person – an accident, a surgery, a sickness. And while these are true statements, there is goodness in a scar that often goes overlooked. It is forgotten that, in spite of the events that happened to acquire a scar, it is also a representation that healing was able to take place afterwards. It doesn’t happen all at once, and it’s definitely not a straight path. But it does come, slowly, with small, careful steps, and the courage to keep going even when it hurts.
Healing begins with a breakthrough – that moment where you decide that your past will no longer hold you hostage; you take that first important step toward something new. Breakthroughs don’t just fall into your lap, though; they come on the heels of deep struggle. When you recognize that your life needs a shift and you choose to reach for help, that is your first step to setting your breakthrough in motion. That’s when the healing starts. Don’t just wait for change to happen – rise up and claim it. And in this week’s book, author Gail Honeyman takes us on this healing journey in her hilarious, heartfelt debut novel.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine (EOICF) follows Eleanor, a social shut-in and routine-driven woman who seems outwardly “fine” but secretly struggles with loneliness and the scars of a traumatic past. After she and Raymond, her coworker, help save an elderly man, unexpected friendships are formed and her carefully controlled life starts to change. As Eleanor slowly opens up, confronts her past, and allows herself to experience life beyond her rigid routines, she discovers the power of friendship, compassion, and personal growth. It is a moving story about breaking out of comfort zones and the warmth of human connection.
One of the first things I noticed about Eleanor is that she has an endless supply of unintentionally humorous and snippy comments. She often notices and comments on the odd or peculiar behaviors of those around her – from her coworkers’ office habits to the casual way Raymond eats his lunch. At one point, she even questions the very purpose of small talk. Her observations, delivered with blunt honesty, highlight her tone-deafness to social cues while making the humor in them feel effortless and endearing. Although her lack of social integration and behavior can seem out of touch, it remains very charming and relatable. Without these moments of levity, Eleanor’s story could have felt unbearably heavy. This blend of humor and trauma keeps the novel light and readable, allowing readers to engage with Eleanor’s past without feeling depressed or drowned in the heaviness of her circumstances.
Stories of healing and growth are always compelling, but in EOICF the focus on kindness, human connection, and stepping out of comfort zones gives the story a rather enjoyable plot. Throughout the novel, each new interaction Eleanor has puts her in the position to do something out of her comfort zone. When she and Raymond help the elderly Sammy, she holds his hand as she talks to him. While this first gesture may have been motivated by obligation, it sparks opportunities for many other similar interactions later in the story. From here, Eleanor becomes more accustomed to attending get-togethers, visiting friends’ homes, and even dancing in public. With every step she takes, she begins to recognize that she enjoys being a comfort for others. And although she initially recoils at being touched, she learns that she finds comfort and reassurance in physical contact – like when Raymond’s hand touches hers, which she describes as “the ideal weight and warmth for human contact.” It is these small, meaningful interactions that build her trust and courage, ultimately giving her the strength to accept help when Raymond finds her in her broken, drunken state – leading to her breakthrough and the start of her healing journey.
As far as first impressions go, I will say that the story took its time to build interest, but as Eleanor’s world opened up, I was completely invested in her journey. The beginning was mainly focused on Eleanor’s routines and quirks, so it was certainly a slow burn, which appears to be a common reaction. When the story started paying attention to the relationships she was unknowingly forming, it became much easier to read. After that, I was hooked and very satisfied with the progression of events in the story. In addition, the balance of humor and darkness was very appreciated, keeping the book from feeling like just another sad story as the details of Eleanor’s traumatic past were slowly revealed. And since we already learned that scars are stories we know by the end of the book when we witness Eleanor’s breakthrough that we are also witnessing the beginning of her healing – and we must remember to not overlook the goodness that came from all she suffered through.
May you find strength in exploring the world outside your routines!
Paige Turner
This book is good for:
Readers who enjoy character-driven stories
Fans of “slow burn” novels
Anyone interested in mental health and healing journeys
Those who enjoy contemporary women’s fiction
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