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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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Sweet story, I want a neighbor like Rose
A truly lovely sweet story. Family isn’t only what you’re born in to it is who you make your own.
An excellent book that touches on humorous and serious topics in an interesting way! I love 10 year old Rose’ audacious and fun personality and Eudora’s choice of facing death changes to embracing life instead!
This was a little different from what I normally read. But it showed how one young person with determination can change the life of someone set in her ways. I wouldn’t have called Eudora’s life brilliant, but it was certainly interesting.
This was an enjoyable read that, despite the sad ending, was overall uplifting. Love and relationships are what make the world go around and this story of an unlikely friendship between an old woman and young girl who doesn’t fit in reminds us of that!
Amazing characters. Didn’t wNt this to end.
The characters were great! A wonderful story about how we affect the lives around us.
Obviously, as the title says, this book is about Eudora. She is an 85-year-old lady who is tired of living. She is has led a difficult life, she is ageing, she does not feel well, she has no friends. She hopes to end life on her terms.
Enter Rose, an 11-year-old neighbour, who moves in next door to Eudora. She is the polar opposite of Eudora. She is a bright and friendly child, a passion for brightly coloured clothes, full of life. She quickly declares Eudora as her new best friend, much to Eudora’s reluctance.
Enter Stanley, a recent widower who misses his recently deceased wife a lot. Stanley assigns himself to watch out for Eudora.
Eudora does not want a new best friend. Eudora does not want anyone to watch out for her.
Among many themes, this is a story of friendship. It crosses generations. It is an emotional and poignant story. Funny at times, also sad. It is very emotional.
The characters shine in this story. Annie Lyons draws us into the lives of her characters quickly. I liked the fact that she gives us Eudora’s backstory. Most of the chapters have a section going back in time. We learn about the life events that bring Eudora to where we meet her.
There is much more that could be said about this book but it would involve spoilers. It is a book that has made me reflect. It has made me smile. And, I admit that I also shed a tear or two.
This is the first book that I have read by Annie Lyons. I will soon be looking for another one.
The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons is such a delightful read about choosing to celebrate your life and death on your own terms. Eighty-six year old Eudora is perfectly content to be left alone. She is not depressed or lonely or sad in any way. She is simply old and increasingly affected by this. She has already made her plans so she takes no interest in meeting her new neighbors until 10 year old Rose comes banging on her door. To her dismay, she finds Rose is not one to be ignored. Rose is outgoing, bubbly, with a love of all things fashion, glitter and unicorns. Eudora is more practical, dependable, and predictable and prefers that people do not make a lot of fuss. Even though they could not be more different, they soon become best friends and have grand adventures along with another elderly neighbor named Stanley. I love the way Rose is so persistent and precocious. Eudora is also feisty when she wants to be with no tolerance for things like tardiness or bullies. Together Rose and Stanley manage to gently nudge Eudora to open up about her past and try new things. It is so touching how everyone embraces Eudora even though she never knew she needed to be loved. While this book did make me cry at one point (I will not spoil it for you), I loved it. This book absolutely begs to be made into a movie! Thank you to #netgalley for a chance to review this book. #TheBrilliantLifeofEudroraHoneysett
My Review of The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons; published by William Morrow, an Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers
The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons is a beautiful read, especially for fans of Tuesday’s Socks by Alison Ragsdale and A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. Annie Lyons creates an enriching heartfelt story that’ll have you grinning ear-to-ear and shedding tears of both sorrow and happiness, all within one sitting. Although this story revolves around the inevitability of death we all face as we age, Annie is able to ensure your heart is always full through the indelible characters of Eudora, Stanley, and Rose. I highly recommend The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons as you’re guaranteed to feel enlivened.
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway; however, all thoughts and comments are of my own fruition.
#WilliamMorrow
#harpercollins
This novel is a clever and uplifting tale of life, and the healing powers of friendship. Eudora is both wry and endearing as she contemplates her future and comes to terms with the past. It is only through an unlikely friendship that she begins to enjoy the present.
Beautifully written, this novel explores a sensitive subject with humor and honesty. And shows that good friends make life worth living.
Eudora is a rather staid woman who decides she’s had enough of life and wants end it on her own terms. As her story unfolds, we get glimpses into the unfortunate events of her past life. The more we learn about her, the more we want her to find happiness and choose to live on.
THE BRILLIANT LIFE OF EUDORA HONEYSETT by Annie Lyons is to me, in a word, brilliant. The characters, the story, and the writing went straight to my heart and settled there. Despite the tears I shed, this book was just what I needed. It made me feel good while making me think. Eudora, Rose, and Stanley looked, from the outside, to be an odd trio, but the more you saw them together, the more you realized how well they fit.
Eudora has seen a lot in her 85 years, including how undignified getting old seems to be. Watching her mother slowly dies was enough for her, she wants to die on her own terms, not wasting away. Since she has no one else to discuss it with, she puts her plan in motion and marks her calendar. Of course, life always throws a curve ball. A new family moves in next door, and suddenly Eudora’s boring, predictable life is turned on it’s ear. Rose enters her life in a burst of color and worms her way in. Then she brings recently widowed Stanley into the fold, and Eudora’s life is suddenly so much fuller.
“Life is precious and as long as we have a reason to continue, we should follow that path.” How could Eudora or Stanley resist Rose? As they spend more time together, the more they become a family. Will Eudora change her mind? There is frank talk about death, even Rose does not shy away from the subject.
The novel was told on somewhat of a dual timeline. Each chapter included a flashback to different times in Eudora’s life that led to a deeper understanding of how she came to where she is in life.
THE BRILLIANT LIFE OF EUDORA HONEYSETT evoked so many emotions. I didn’t want to put it down or see it end. It’s going to stick with me for a long time to come.
Thanks to the Publisher for an advanced copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
#thebrilliantlifeofeudorahoneysett #annielyons #williammorrow #thebookclubgirls
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Audio UK for the complimentary audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett/Eudora Honeysett is Quite Well, Thank You by Annie Lyons is both a delight and yet heart wrenching read. The book tells the story Eudora Honeysett, an eighty-five year old woman who is tired and has decided she wants to set her own terms for her death. Along this journey she discovers her new neighbor, ten year old Rose, and they strike up an unusual friendship.
The story takes place along two timelines, the current timeline, and a secondary timeline presented in flashbacks to Eudora’s life. As you travel the timelines it is this interesting back and forth between amusement and joy to a somewhat sad and depressing secondary timeline.
I loved the multigenerational aspect of this story. It is heartwarming to watch the Rose and Eudora form such a strong bond in such a short period of time. Rose really is an absolute delight.
I highly recommend this story to people who love character driven stories. Fans of Me Before You might enjoy this one. It really is a beautiful story but a box of Kleenex are highly recommended. If you are a reader who like a faster pace or a very plot heavy story, this probably would not be the book for you.
Narration: I listened to the audiobook and think the narrator did an excellent job. She manages to capture the emotion of both Eudora and Rose perfectly, as well as a lot of other secondary characters.
The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett (US)
Eudora Honeysett is Quite Well, Thank You (UK)
By: Annie Lyons
This is one of my best reads this year and will rank as one of my top three books of 2020.
Eudora Honeysett is 85 years old and is so done with the world – the noise, anger, disrespect from others she has found herself having lived a full life and want to exit the world with dignity having no family or friends left. She will not pass away as her own mother did, with multiple hospital visits being poked and prodded only to die alone and miserable. Eudora wants to take control of her own death and exactly when she decides it to happen and has set up with a clinic in Switzerland.
While she is waiting for her affairs to be put in order, a family moves in next door and she meets an incredible ten year old Rose Trewidney, and an unlikely friendship blossomed – and with that, Eudora is opened up to meeting people in her neighborhood including a recently widowed gentleman named Stanley, and having trips to the mall, afternoon teas, shopping sprees and birthday parties.
What I loved about this is the way we learn about Eurdora’s life through flashbacks in each chapter as we glean into what shaped her, her relationship with her family and friends, her love life and the many happy moments along with disappointments and hardships she has lived through.
This was such a tender and heartwarming story I enjoyed for the detailed character development, the brilliant writing, and the beautiful message of the story about life and friends as chosen families.
The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons is a clever book about the last months in the life of an 85 year-old woman who is determined to die on her own terms. Eudora lived a life of service and propriety. The book tells her story from the beginning in snip-its fitted between the narration of her last months. Her father was killed in World War II after leaving a young Eudora in charge of her pregnant mother. Eudora took her responsibility seriously and not only cared for her mother until her death, but raised her baby sister. Her sister and mother were at odds for most of the 18 years Stella lived at home. Eudora tried to be the peacemaker, but often failed. As life wore on, it became obvious to Eudora than she would be a spinster. She accepted it. She had lived in the same house since the day she was born, except for a short stint into the country during the worst of the bombings. Then one day, along came Rose, a small girl with a big personality. Rose changed Eudora’s life, albeit with Eudora kicking and screaming. Rose made her life worth living.
This was an interesting book. The cover of the book doesn’t seem to fit it, however. Eudora was a complex character and we learned why as the book progressed. She made a difference in people’s lives, although she never understood that. The character of Hannah, a death doula, was surprising as she was the second death doula I ran into in the same day, after never hearing of them before. Hannah helped them all be less afraid of death and more able to talk about it, which was new for everyone but Rose. Eudora and Rose rode on a carousel, went to the beach, ate pizza, and delivered a baby. All new in Eudora’s 85 years. This was subtle and enjoyable ode to life. I recommend it.
I was invited to read The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #thebrilliantlifeofeudorahoneysett
Eudora Honeysett Is Quite Well, Thank You by Annie Lyons is the most beautiful novel about love, friendship and life. You will fall in love with all the characters as they take up residence in your heart.
Life is for living. At eighty five years old Eudora Honeysett thinks she’s seen it all but then ten year old Rosie moves in next door and life begins again for Eudora. Rosie opens her eyes to a new world of excitement as Eudora catches her enthusiasm for life. Rosie is a beautiful breath of fresh air that will light up the reader’s life too. Life for Rosie is an adventure with her new found friends Eudora and fellow octogenarian Stanley. I adored their outings, conversations and friendship.
The story is set in present day and also in the form of flashbacks over Eudora’s life beginning in 1940 when she was seven years old. The reader becomes intimately acquainted with her. Eudora is kind, caring and self-sacrificing. Her heart is always for others. She is her own worst critic as she looks in the mirror and passes the guilty verdict over her life.
Life should be idyllic as a child but it is not always the case. Rosie has experienced unkindness but between them, Eudora and Stanley show Rosie the love, kindness and beauty of friendship. The flip side is – Rosie shows them that you are never too old not to have fun and enjoy life.
For those who have read Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and also Elizabeth Is Missing (I have read both) you will love Eudora Honeysett Is Quite Well, Thank You – it will make you laugh, smile and cry. I adored it and am sad that it has ended. It is a totally beautiful book.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett tells the story of a lonely, cantankerous, octogenarian who worms her way into your heart. Eudora wants to end her life, she hates her current world. She wants to go out on her own terms, not like her mother with her dignity intact, so she contacts a clinic in Switzerland and makes plans to go out her own way in just a few months. She spends her days with her only companion a cat until Rose comes along. Rose is a ten year old, great big sparkling, rainbow unicorn wearing, ray of sunshine and a force of nature. Slowly, she brings Eudora back to the land of the living and shows Eudora that live can still be enjoyed at any age. Through flashbacks and the current events , Eudora’s life is vividly brought to life to pull on your heartstrings with every heartbreak she experiences. The ending was not a surprise but seems the only conclusion to the emotional tale of friendship, love, and a life worth living. One of the best books I have read this year! My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.
Oh, Miss Annie Lyons, you’ve touched and absolutely pulled at my heartstrings with this one! I’ve just recently finished this five-star story on your publication day no less! This was an incredibly heart-warming tale; I was in (happy) tears at times while listening to the audiobook. Eudora, Rose, and Stanley will forever hold a place in my heart.
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I went into this story thinking that it would be a simple, fun read – I admit the cover page pulled me in; there was just something about it. I never expected it would resonate so profoundly with me. Lyons has written a masterpiece, executed perfectly by narrator Nicolette McKenzie.
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Let’s jump right in! Eudora Honeysett’s narrative is a sincere exploration of love, loss, friendship, life, and death. At 85-years-old, she has just about seen it all and is ready to leave this life on her terms. Seeking the assistance of a clinic in Switzerland, Eudora aims to do just that. However, as chance would have it, a little girl named Rose and her family moves in next door. Ten-year-old Rose manages to bring color and excitement back into Eudora’s world in ways she never would’ve imagined; alongside widowed Stanley, the trio unknowingly embarks on a journey they’ll always remember – navigating the ups and downs and in-betweens of life.
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I very much enjoyed Eudora’s character; she’s a no-nonsense, say what needs to be said sort of woman who appreciates the fact that some things are better left unsaid. Her character progression throughout her interactions with Rose, Stanley, and a few others was sweet to witness. Adding to this, the back and forth accounts of elderly Eudora alongside her memories growing up and you have the makings of a full circle, fully rounded book that should be on everyone’s “to-be-read” list!
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While the US version is titled, “The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett,” the UK version has been named “Eudora Honeysett is Quite Well, Thank You.” I had the pleasure of listening to this magnificent title thanks to a read-along I decided to take part in with One More Chapter, a commercial fiction division of Harper Collins.
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Thank you, One More Chapter, NetGalley, and the author, Annie Lyons, for providing me with a complimentary copy of “Eudora Honeysett is Quite Well, Thank You.” I have voluntarily and honestly reviewed this title, rating it five hearts, I mean, stars!
“Eudora Honeysett is invisible, and she doesn’t care one jot. She has lived her life as best she can. She is ready for the next step, the final destination, or whatever half-baked euphemism people insist on using these days.”
At 85, Eudora Honeysett is ready to say goodbye to a world she no longer understands and wants to do it on her own terms. With no family or friends to leave behind, she makes a call to a clinic in Switzerland and is relieved to know the end is near. But when new neighbors move in and their 10-year-old whirlwind of sparkles and cheer, Rose, decides the octogenarian is her new best friend, Eudora’s formerly-orderly world is turned upside down forcing her to consider how her past may be holding her back from enjoying the present.
I adored this book! Annie Lyons writes characters you want to be best friends with. Eudora is an hysterically caustic but ridiculously lovable curmudgeon and Rose is a precocious moppet who’s impossible to resist. Their connection is sweet and believable as is Eudora’s new friendship with Stanley, a recently widowed neighbor. Her relationship with her family is told through flashbacks that reveal how Eudora ended up where she is and makes you love her all the more.
If you loved A Man Called Ove or Brit-Marie Was Here, you’ll also love The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett. It’s quirky and heartwarming and the perfect book for fall – trust me when I tell you you’ll want to curl up under a comfy blanket with a warm cup of tea and not get up until you’ve finished it!
4.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins & the author for an advanced copy to review.