"I don't exist. Don't I? It often feels as if I'm not here, that I'm a figment of my imagination. There are days when I feel so lightly connected to the earth that the threads that tether me to the planet are gossamer thin, spun sugar. A strong gust of wind can dislodge me completely, and I'd lift off and blow away, like those seeds in a dandelion clock."

This book is one of the best contemporary fiction that I ever read, to think that I don't always find myself wanting to read these kind of books. But usually when I pick one, I would always find myself surprised how it hits me in a way that I get so engaged with it, love the characters and brings out all the emotions in me . how lucky am I?

Okay so the premise of the story is about a lady, Eleanor,  in her thirties who lives alone. She goes to work everyday and follows a routine. She doesn't have any friends or what she thought and is happy and content living on her own. She goes to her job everyday minding her own business and making sure that she stays away from people in her job which she doesn't get for the most part anyways, she thought. Nothing missing from her completely fine and timetabled life of avoiding social interaction, phone chats with mummy, and two bottles of vodka every weekend. Then she met Raymon an unhygenic, poorly dressed, IT guy from her office.  They met when both were going home from work when suddenly an old man, Sammy, collapsed in front of them. Raymon immediately rushed to help him dragging a hesitant Eleanor behind forcing her to call for help. Not long after, the three of them Raymon, Eleanor and Sammy made an extraordinary friendship where they rescue each other from solitude and loneliness.

" I suppose one of the reasons we're able to continue to exist for our allotted span in this green and blue vale of tears is that there is always, however remote it might seem, the possibility of change." 

This book is so heart warming and funny. Which is why I love this book in a way so different than I ever love other books. It is so simple, so easy to read but the sentiment of it brings out all the tears and joy in me... laughter too (I know it was quiet a difficult scene being in the room with me. LOL!) But I have no regrets staying up all night just so I can get to the other page. 

One thing that I love about this book was the way it addressed loneliness, kindness and friendship. The protagonist was presented in a way that despite her condition she wasn't self-pitying in fact you find her utterly witty, which sort of make you conclude that there is so much brilliance in her. 

I also love how this book depicts loneliness, that it can have a devastating effect on people regardless of age. In one of her interviews, Gail Honeyman stresses that she wants people to be aware that loneliness is an issue and anyone of us may suffer from it. This book also talks about mental health (which still creates stigma among cultures) and the importance of getting help. I also think that one of the reason that I dote on this book is the way it talks about friendship and kindness. It somehow gives us that perspective how people with mental challenges cope with their everyday life and how kindness is very important. All in all I give this book five out of five stars. Definitely a must read!