I first read this book a couple of years ago and thought it was very good. I have just finished reading it again in preparation for a book group meeting. Reading it this time was a much more emotional experience. I had forgotten the skill in which the author writes about Eleanor starting with describing her, which left me feeling a bit uncomfortable about describing a bit of a social misfit and her not being able to fully understand the social mores and culture around her. The author then begins to add bits of detail leading the reader to begin to understand more about the why Eleanor has built her own safe little world. As she begins to understand more and begins to appreciate the small human kindnesses shown to her, it is like a flower opening. It really made me sob in places . I found the writing about Eleanor discovering, and liking, the new parts of her life, written about so gently and positively. It felt good to read about Eleanor, with the help of the lovely Raymond and the therapist, begin to welcome a 'new' life and to celebrate the small stepping stones enabling her to look forward to each day rather than just existing.