The British public have voted for the UK’s favourite book of 2018 - do you agree?
Throughout 2018, female authors have scooped prizes, won big awards and given us incredible stories. Case in point: author Anna Burns became the 17th woman to win in the Man Booker’s 49-year history, and the first-ever Northern Irish writer to scoop the accolade, too, last month.
Now, at this year’s Books Are My Bags Reader Awards – the only awards curated by booksellers and voted for by the public – picked their favourite book of 2018.
Enter: Gail Honeyman’s best-selling Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.
This year there were over 55,000 votes across all categories, with the public picking Honeyman’s incredible tale of Eleanor Oliphant.
Set in Glasgow, the story follows the life of Oliphant. She struggles with appropriate social skills and tends to say exactly what she’s thinking. But everything changes when she meets Raymond, the sweet IT guy from her office. Ultimately, it’s Raymond’s kind nature that helps Oliphant to repair her self.
It’s a fantastic debut book from Honeyman – one that is difficult to put down.
“From first time authors to literary giants, this year’s Books Are My Bag Readers Awards winners give an insight into bookseller’s and the public’s top books of the year,” said Emma Bradshaw, head of campaigns at the Booksellers Association.
“It’s hugely exciting to see such a large proportion of new writers on the list, showing just how much brilliant new writing talent readers have to enjoy.”
Earlier this year, actress Reese Witherspoon showed her appreciation for the book by recommending it on social media. And Witherspoon is set to produce the film title, too.
“Beautifully written and INCREDIBLY funny, Eleanor Oliphant by Gail Honeyman is about the importance of friendship and human connection,” Witherspoon wrote on Instagram.
“I fell in LOVE with Eleanor, an eccentric and regimented loner whose life beautifully unfolds after a chance encounter with a stranger; I think you will fall in love too!”
You can read our edit of November’s best books here.
Images: Unsplash / Courtesy of publisher
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