Not Meant to be Alone

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like Eleanor Oliphant.

She is so used to be alone, minding her own business. Doing the daily grind in the same workplace for more than eight years and yet instead of being angsty about it, she feels content. She felt safe in stability and in routine. She drinks vodka to get through the weekends away; she is very cognizant in dealing with loneliness. She has her quirks and her blunt remarks with people, but when she found company in the things that came unexpectedly, she welcomed it.

At first, she is not good with company. Yet, she welcome it at its first unexpected instance. She welcomed the warmth if felt to her heart. She felt alien at first, because she is afraid to be seen as vulnerable. Who isn't? With warmth comes openness and revealing the truest sense of ourselves; she knew that the act of revealing alone is tough. Throughout her childhood, showing the true feelings and sentiments will hurt you. Some, will be used against you.

Eleanor is very much endearing. I still remember her feeling the warmth of one's embrace; or her remembering the weight of one's hand on her shoulder. The act of touch that made you feel comfort, of solace. After all, isn't that we are looking for (in people)?

We all desired for a safe haven. And as I ended the novel, I was glad that Eleanor found one.

View all my reviews