The Seven Imperfect Rules of Elvira Carr

By: Frances Maynard

Narrated by: Erin Mallon

Length: 10 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Elvira Carr believes in rules. She also strongly believes in crisp schedules, clear guidelines, and taking people at face value. Not that the 27-year-old sees many people. After several unfortunate incidents, her overbearing mother keeps her at home.

But when her mother has a stroke, Elvira is suddenly on her own. To help her navigate a world that is often puzzling, she draws up seven ironclad rules. Armed with these, a notebook full of questions, and guidance from a helpful neighbor, she takes charge of herself - and realizes that something isn't quite right about the life she thought she knew.

She'll need all the courage, perseverance, and curious charm she can muster to unravel the mystery of what happened to her family and to manage her own life, her way.

Cover design by Connie Gabbert. Cover image by Tiffany L. Lausen/Red Owl Photography.

©2017 Frances Maynard (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The inevitable comparisons to Graeme Simsion's The Rosie Project (2013) and Julia Claiborne Johnson's Be Frank with Me (2016) are natural, but Ellie's authentic voice offers a fresh perspective on being different." (Booklist)

One I’ll recommend

This book was so different than a lot that I’ve read, but so enjoyable. Erin did a great job as Elvira too.

Sweet

Love the story .. nice to see other perspectives in life with a different point of view… make you more compassionate…

Couldn't stop listening.

Great POV story that drew me in from the very beginning, and kept my attention the whole time. Good narrator who I have enjoyed on other books too. I would definitely recommend :)

Beautiful story!

I enjoyed this story. It was sad and sweet. It was easy to listen to.

Wonderful narration

I really enjoyed this book. I felt like a fly on the wall observing Elvira’s life and growth.

Wonderful characters & engaging read

I almost didn’t buy this book, but am so glad I did. Even though this is a story about a woman with Aspergers, I connected with the protagonist, Elvira (Ellie), as she is warm, relatable and charming. It felt like I was right along with her as she forged her path in the world. She faced obstacles with honesty, grace and intelligence. Wow! What a fantastic story. I can absolutely see a movie being made. The only thing I wish was different is that, although the narrator did well, it was read in an American accent, while the book was set in the UK. It was disconcertingly strange to read about English life, culture and all the English characters in an American accent.

Performance

Why on earth didn’t they hire a narrator with a British accent? I think it would have added a lot to the performance. Aside from that it’s a great story and well worth your time to read it. I’ve never had an inside view of the world of a person with autism and it was fascinating. By all means, put this book on your reading list.

Loved it.

The performance was phenomenal. If you have any interest in Autism, this is a delightful novel and I could hardly stop listening.

Great Story, Not a Great Reader

This was a well-written story taking place in the UK. For some reason, the reader is American, and the juxtaposition of the UK-specific dialect read in an American accent was jarring and distracting. She mispronounced some words repeatedly and it just took me out of the story too much. I'd skip this audio and read it instead if it sounds interesting to you.

Enduring and educational

I enjoyed this story and learning about autism through Elvira. She is lovely. A well written story.