I've split this review into two parts to avoid spoilers. It's very much a book of two halves, both of them incredible, but the second sinister and dark.

Part 1

💜 Watching Eleanor piece together the puzzle of social interactions and flourishing breathed joy into my deadened soul. Each one of her observations displayed a mix of child-like innocence, experience and a literal outlook.

💚 This book is Oscar Wilde level quotable. Seriously, every other line is genius distilled into words. Everything from "I do exist, don't I?' to:

“Was this how it worked, then, successful social integration? Was it really that simple? Wear some lipstick, go to the hairdressers and alternate the clothes you wear?”

🧡 Beyond Eleanor, there are so many brilliant, eclectic, quirky characters. To me, they represented the big impact of small gestures. The shop assistant who goes above and beyond, Raymond's mother and her intrinsic goodness and Sam's indefatigable cheer. It shows the very best of humanity and what love means.

❤️️ Having had extensive experience with those on the autism spectrum, Eleanor was so familiar. I was surprised to learn that Honeyman didn't imagine her as autistic.

💛 This has distinct echoes of The Rosie Project and A Man Called Ove, both of which I recommend if you enjoy this.