Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine was a huge success in the UK, and it was an early frontrunner of what the British publishing industry has come to know as “up lit” – defined by The Guardian as “the new book trend with kindness at its core“. In these dark times, books like those are much needed.

Eleanor is a quirky loner of a character, and very endearing to read about. A core theme of the book is the transformative power of friendship, particularly unexpected friendship. Below are recommendations for books that feature either that theme or a similar character, and often both. (Often, also, a cat!) And, as a bonus, three of them are translations – that’s surely got to be worth a few points on your 2020 reading challenge.