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“One adorably British odd couple . . . Charming.” — People
“An exquisitely poignant tale of life, friendship and facing death . . . heart-breaking yet ultimately uplifting . . Everyone should read this book.” — Ruth Hogan, author of Queenie Malone’s Paradise Hotel
Infused with the emotional power of Me Before You and the irresistible charm of Eleanor Oliphant Is … Hotel
Infused with the emotional power of Me Before You and the irresistible charm of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and Be Frank with Me, a moving and joyous novel about an elderly woman ready to embrace death and the little girl who reminds her what it means to live.
It’s never too late to start living.
Eudora Honeysett is done with this noisy, moronic world—all of it. She has witnessed the indignities and suffering of old age and has lived a full life. At eighty-five, she isn’t going to leave things to chance. Her end will be on her terms. With one call to a clinic in Switzerland, a plan is set in motion.
Then she meets ten-year-old Rose Trewidney, a whirling, pint-sized rainbow of sparkling cheer. All Eudora wants is to be left alone to set her affairs in order. Instead, she finds herself embarking on a series of adventures with the irrepressible Rose and their affable neighbor, the recently widowed Stanley—afternoon tea, shopping sprees, trips to the beach, birthday celebrations, pizza parties.
While the trio of unlikely BFFs grow closer and anxiously await the arrival of Rose’s new baby sister, Eudora is reminded of her own childhood—of losing her father during World War II and the devastating impact it had on her entire family. In reflecting on her past, Eudora realizes she must come to terms with what lies ahead.
But now that her joy for life has been rekindled, how can she possibly say goodbye?
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4 stars
I really enjoyed The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett. Annie Lyons proves one is never to old to change in life. Eudora is 85 and has lost or been disappointed by almost everyone who has been in her life. She decides she wants to end her life in a Swiss clinic. Enter her new neighbor ten-year-old Rose who needs a friend and Rose decides it is going to be Eudora. Each chapter starts in present day and we find out the story of Eudora and Rose as their relationship grows and ends with part of Eudora’s story starting in 1940 and by the end of the books brings us to present time.
This book brings out all sorts of emotions and many lessons about life can be learned. There are many laughs and tears in this delightful book. I think this book would be an excellent discussion book for bookclubs. We are never too old to learn and change and open our hearts to new relationships. Thank you Harper Collins, Book Club Girls, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is an absolutely delightful book about a woman, Eudora Honeysett, facing the end of her life. She wants to die with dignity and is taking steps to take matters into her own hands.
Enter a 10 year old girl, Rose, and an elderly widower, Stanley. These two become unlikely companions to Eudora to help her appreciate deep friendship and caring in her later years.
This book was reminiscent of another favorite, A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. I loved the effervescence of Rose, the goofiness of Stanley, and the practicality of Eudora.
As the story unfolds, Eudora flashes back to her childhood and young adult years, reminiscing about WWII, her father Albert, her mother Beatrice, and her sister Stella, as well as friendships with Sylvia, Eddie, and Sam. All of these relationships shaped Eudora.
This is a story that implores you to keep living and enjoy life because it is precious. It begs you to live while you are able and to discuss death openly.
I absolutely loved this treasure of a story.
Thanks to The Book Club Girls, Harper Collins, and Net Galley for the ARC.
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