(Chelsea Update would like to thank Emily Meloche of the Chelsea District Library for this book review.)
Eleanor Rigby by Douglas Coupland
Liz Dunn lives the ultimately lonely existence.
In her mid-thirties, she lives alone, has no friends, and barely tolerates visits from her family. The simplicity of this emptiness is thrown into tumult when Liz receives a call from the hospital, informing her that Jeremy Buck, the twenty-year-old who has listed her as his emergency contact, has been admitted due to complications with multiple sclerosis.
Though Liz doesn’t initially remember Jeremy, she quickly realizes how the two are connected, and he becomes a regular feature in her life. Jeremy’s zest for life (despite his debilitating condition)and persistence start to chip away at Liz’s solitary existence—though caring about others is not always the easiest way to live.
Somehow, despite the seemingly bleak storyline, Douglas Coupland’s novel avoids an overly depressing tone. Who knew a book about sadness could be so funny?
Eleanor Rigby is fast-paced, and though it’s moderately short– clocking in at just under 250 pages– that’s more than enough time to develop a connection with Coupland’s characters.
Plus, as a bonus, you’ll have the Beatles’ song on your mind for the rest of the day. All the lonely people, where do they all belong?
