Take some literary fiction (a whole bunch of realistic characters in deep emotional pain), add in the kind of magical realism you might find in a Neil Gaiman book, then bake it up with amazing writing, and you still probably won't have Eleanor...but you might get as close as it comes.I can't say that I am perfectly in love with this book. There were times when I was pulled out of the narrative by an abrupt transition or odd image. But the quality of the word craft alone pulls this work up to the 5 star level for me.Well done, Mr. Gurley. I read many positive reviews about this book. And ever since I read this book myself I feel kind of strange. On the one hand I loved reading this book, the writing is beautiful, the emotions you feel by reading this book are raw and honest and Eleanor is such a strong young girl. On the other hand I found myself having trouble really getting into this story and I was really mad while reading how Eleanor’s parents didn’t take care of her like they are supposed to. So I can definitely conclude I have mixed feelings about this book.The thing that made me find this book a little confusing sometimes were the ‘Mea’ and ‘Keeper’ chapters. I just really didn’t quite get those chapters. It made the story at times a little vague to me.Are my mixed feelings saying I didn’t like or would recommend this book to others? Definitely not. ‘Eleanor’ is the kind of book you need to read for yourself to really get what it’s all about. This book ended with me feeling so many different things that I really can’t do anything else than say this is a very good written book. If an author can make me feel so many different things at the same time, it just is a very good book. It’s not my usual genre but I really enjoyed reading it.
What do You think about Eleanor (2000)?
This book was okay. I liked it. But I was expecting to be blown away, and that just wasn't the case.
—BookWormette
Interesting story that was very well written. I look forward to reading other works from Mr. Gurley.
—princess122
Beautifully written! A haunting story of tragedy and loss. Highly recommend.
—hi2318
