I’m a psychologist >!and I didn’t see the twist coming at the end!!< I really loved this book.
What do you make of what’s happening in the background when Mummy calls every Wednesday? People are talking. “They” watch Shawshank Redemption repeatedly and Mummy wants to watch Sex in the City. Based on the titles alone, we could interpret it as a redemption is possible but Mummy only wants sex. Or, looking at the content of the SR movie, that people in Mummy’s world would enjoy the idea of escaping from prison. Eleanor probably would never have seen either of those movies but they are lodged in her unconscious. The author specifies the movies so I don’t think they’re random. Why those 2 movies?
by Old_but_New
21 Comments
I loved reading it, too, but then I listened to the audiobook with an actor doing Scottish accents and loved it even more.
I started reading it on an airplane and soon women all around me were commenting how much they loved the book and shushing each other not to spoil it for me. Lol. I too enjoyed it.
I listened to the audiobook recently, and loved it so much I bought the physical book. I still think of Eleanor time to time and wonder what she is up to. I would love a short story set in couple years later.
I thought the “background conversation” is what Eleanor probably heard her co-workers say to each other and she was mimicking it.
BTW I recommend Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander. Set in Glasgow, about a woman going through mental health issue due to past trauma, abusive parent, supportive friend, hopeful ending. To me, it’s perfect double feature with Eleanor Olyphant.
I’ve been looking for a new book to read and when I find one, it’s got a waitlist… but this one was available and I just downloaded it! Thanks for sharing!
The part where she >!unwittingly goes to that heavy metal concert!< was unreasonably funny to me
I freaking loved that book!
Someone recommended the book to me. I’m a sci fi guy so I was hesitant. But now, seeing that there is a twist somewhere. I’m in!
I really loved it too. Especially the ending and the slow character evolution. I read it along with Normal People. Hated that, loved this.
Genuinely a great book.
I read the book a couple of years back and quite enjoyed it
Amazing book!
It was a good book but I got more interested about the book “Lonely City” mentioned at its start and will be reading that soon.
Loved the book too! I usually read more serious books but I had soooo much fun with this.
Good question about the shows but I have no good answer. Both popular shows/movie. Sex and the City would be such an opposite life from hers of course and Shawshank is on those top movies ever. ??
I loved that Eleanor was such an unreliable narrator because of her bad social skills. It was so entertaining and emotional.
The audiobook is phenomenal! One of my favourites of all time.
I also loved this book and I always recommend *Sorrow and Bliss* to people who enjoyed it, it has a similar feel. I’m sure you’re right to look for a deeper meaning, but I interpreted the Shawshank/SatC references to just be things Eleanor would have heard a lot of other people talking about–things just sort of floating in her subconscious that her brain tossed in as ‘color’ but not much more than that.
I loved this book so much but I wish it hadn’t been advertised as “hilarious and quirky” it was extremely clear to me from close to the beginning that I was reading the account of an abused person.
I loved this book too.
I found it really relatable as I’m socially awkward with a mother who is unfortunately very similar to Eleanor’s mother.
Me too !!! And unfortunately I don’t end up seeing a lot of love for this book – this thread being an exception.
For books on similar subjects I always see ‘A Man Called Ove’ by Frederik Backman recommended but that was quite underwhelming for me. But I just love, LOVE this book- Eleanor’s characterisation, the humor within the pathos, the sweet friendship she develops with a colleague….SO GOOD. I did realise the ‘truth’ (so to speak) at some point but embarrassingly late !
I just wanted to say I started reading this book because of your post! I finished it yesterday and really enjoyed it so thanks 🙂
I bawled my eyes out through almost this whole book and loved it.