A Educação de Eleanor

This book caught my attention, precisely because it was recommended by a friend of mine and for its premise of talking about mental illness - in addition, it had won an award in the area of literature, and so, i was curious.

I didn't find the book bad, but I didn't think it was awesome either. With a narrative that sometimes becomes somewhat pedantic, Eleanor, by herself, is an exhausting main character, although somewhat funny in her interpretations of everyday life. The secondaries, Sammy and Raymond, seem to be present only for the elucidation of Eleanor's problems, although they are charismatic. Finally, the narrative often leaves something to be desired, having a long start and a very hasty end.

The questions about Eleanor's problems are treated so quickly and superficially that a sense of discomfort and confusion are formed when the book is over - certainly, many of the points raised by the author during the book could have been better addressed. It's frustrating, to say the least, to get to the final pages and have such a summarised conclusion.

Other than that, the book is somehow fun in many parts and has important discussions (although somewhat superficial and careless) about mental health and the support of friends in difficult times in life. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is not a masterpiece, certainly, but it is also not a book that should be thrown away.