Top 10 Books Like Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman is an incredible story of self-discovery, healing, and human connection. For readers who were captivated by Eleanor's unique voice and her journey from loneliness to personal growth, there are plenty of similar books like Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine that offer the same kind of emotional depth, quirky characters, and heartwarming themes. Let's dive into the details! 

1. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman 

If you loved Eleanor's socially awkward personality and her slow journey toward connection, you'll find a kindred spirit in Ove. A Man Called Ove tells the story of a curmudgeonly old man who, much like Eleanor, prefers solitude and routines.  

His world is turned upside down when a lively family moves in next door, and slowly, Ove starts to reconnect with the people around him. The book is a perfect balance of humor and heartbreak, with moments that will make you laugh out loud, followed by scenes that might bring tears to your eyes. 

Why you'll love it: 

• Complex, relatable characters 
• Themes of community and loneliness 
• Humor blended with emotional depth 

2. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion 

For those who enjoyed Eleanor’s unique perspective on life, The Rosie Project offers a similar experience. The story follows Don Tillman, a genetics professor with Asperger’s syndrome, as he embarks on "The Wife Project" to find a suitable partner. Like Eleanor, Don has trouble understanding social norms, but his meticulous methods and awkward behavior lead to hilarity and heartwarming moments. This book is both funny and touching, a perfect mix for fans of Eleanor’s offbeat charm. 

Why you'll love it: 

• A quirky, lovable protagonist 
• Hilarious misunderstandings of social norms 
• A heartwarming love story 

3. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce 

Harold Fry’s journey is both literal and emotional. After receiving a letter from an old friend, Harold, a retired man, decides to walk across England to visit her. What starts as a simple walk turns into a transformative experience.  

Like Eleanor, Harold struggles with loneliness, regret, and emotional scars from his past, but as he meets new people and faces his own demons, he begins to heal. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a gentle yet powerful story about personal redemption. 

Why you'll love it: 

• A journey of self-discovery and reflection 
• Focus on emotional healing 
• Beautifully written with profound insights 

4. The Cactus by Sarah Haywood 

Susan Green is often compared to Eleanor Oliphant for her cold, no-nonsense approach to life. In The Cactus, Susan has everything planned out, but when an unexpected pregnancy and her mother's death throw her life into chaos, she’s forced to reexamine her rigid ways.  

Like Eleanor, Susan must confront her emotional baggage and open herself up to new relationships and experiences. The novel offers humor, emotional growth, and a satisfying conclusion that will resonate with fans of Gail Honeyman’s book. 

Why you'll love it: 

• A strong, independent female protagonist 
• A mix of humor and heartfelt moments 
• Themes of personal growth and change 

5. Anxious People by Fredrik Backman 

Fredrik Backman, the author of A Man Called Ove, returns with Anxious People, a novel full of eccentric characters and emotional depth. The story revolves around a failed bank robbery that turns into a hostage situation, but the book is less about the crime and more about the people involved.  

Each character is dealing with their own issues, much like Eleanor, and through their interactions, they begin to confront their fears and insecurities. With its mix of humor, heart, and insight into human behavior, Anxious People is a must-read for fans of Eleanor Oliphant. 

Why you'll love it: 

• Ensemble cast of quirky, relatable characters 
• Themes of human connection and empathy 
• A clever mix of comedy and drama 

6. Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple 

If you appreciated Eleanor's quirks, you'll love Where’d You Go, Bernadette. The novel follows Bernadette Fox, a brilliant but troubled architect who mysteriously disappears. Her teenage daughter, Bee, pieces together emails, documents, and conversations to find her mother.  

Much like Eleanor, Bernadette is socially awkward, struggling with her mental health, and misunderstood by those around her. The book is a humorous and touching exploration of family, identity, and what it means to be "normal." 

Why you'll love it: 

• Eccentric, memorable characters 
• Sharp, witty writing 
• Themes of family and self-discovery 

7. The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan 

Anthony Peardew has spent his life collecting lost objects, and in his final days, he enlists his assistant Laura to return them to their rightful owners. The Keeper of Lost Things is a magical, heartwarming story that touches on themes of loss, loneliness, and the healing power of connection. 

Like Eleanor’s journey, Laura’s task helps her to come to terms with her own emotional wounds. Hogan’s novel is a beautifully crafted story with a dash of whimsy and charm, perfect for those looking for something uplifting. 

Why you'll love it: 

• Heartwarming and gentle narrative 
• Themes of connection and healing 
• Quirky characters and a touch of magic 

8. Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore 

What if you could live your life out of order? Oona Out of Order follows Oona Lockhart, who, on her 19th birthday, begins to experience her life in random, unpredictable years. Like Eleanor, Oona is on a journey of self-discovery and must confront her past while making sense of the present. This novel is imaginative, thought-provoking, and emotionally rich, offering a fresh take on the idea of second chances and learning to live in the moment. 

Why you'll love it: 

• A unique and engaging premise 
• Emotional depth with themes of self-discovery 
• Thought-provoking and heartwarming 

9. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig 

For readers who were moved by Eleanor’s personal growth, The Midnight Library offers another powerful narrative of self-reflection. Nora Seed, the protagonist, finds herself in a magical library between life and death, where she can explore all the different lives she could have lived.  

As Nora navigates through her regrets and choices, she gains a new perspective on what truly matters. This book, like Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, is an exploration of mental health, loneliness, and finding hope in the most unexpected places. 

Why you'll love it: 

• A profound exploration of life's choices and regrets 
• Themes of mental health and healing 
• A thought-provoking, uplifting story 

10. The Lido by Libby Page 

The Lido is a beautiful tale about unlikely friendships, much like Eleanor’s eventual connection with Raymond. The novel follows 26-year-old Kate, a lonely journalist, and 86-year-old Rosemary, as they team up to save their local swimming pool.  

Through their friendship, Kate starts to reconnect with the world around her, much like Eleanor does throughout her story. This book offers a heartwarming narrative of community, hope, and personal growth, with a focus on the power of human connection. 

Why you'll love it: 

• An uplifting story of friendship 
• Themes of community and personal growth 
• Gentle and heartwarming narrative 

Conclusion 

In short, these 10 books like Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine offer the same blend of emotional depth, quirky characters, and life-affirming messages. From stories about personal growth and healing to tales of second chances and unlikely friendships, each of these books shares the same heartwarming qualities that made Eleanor's story so unforgettable. Happy reading!