I'm completely fine...

It is what you are supposed to say when someone asks. But Eleanor has been telling herself for all her thirty years that she is fine all by herself - no family, no friends and no real life. Until one day Eleanor meets Raymond and learns the true meaning of connection with other people, and starts to come to terms with the trauma of her past.

I picked this book up one day on a whim. When I started reading I was hooked. A little bit of humour, romance and a lot of insight into the human condition. Even if we haven't had Eleanor's terrible traumatic childhood, we can all relate to the insecurities, the need to have someone to trust and rely on, the love of a furry friend and the respect and collegiality of our work mates.

And the vocabulary! I am a total English grammar geek so I was delighted by Eleanor's observations and word choice. My favourites include sybarite, dipsomaniac and "cacophonous din of hell". I have never read a book that touched me enough to make me cry, however I will admit that for the first time ever I shed a few tears while reading this book. I loved it and I wouldn't be surprised if it turned out to be my favourite read of the year.