Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

Despite its widespread acclaim, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine may not resonate with every reader. The novel explores isolation, trauma, and healing through the inner monologue of Eleanor—a socially awkward and emotionally closed-off woman navigating the aftermath of deep childhood wounds. While the book clearly attempts to unpack grief and self-discovery, the heavy use of introspection and slow pacing can make it feel emotionally distant or stagnant. The story leans into a “rebuilding from rock bottom” structure, but Eleanor’s climb out of darkness feels more like a crawl—with only a glimmer of hope at the very end.  

I wanted to love Eleanor’s journey of healing, but it felt like the book kept me at arm’s length the whole time.