The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett

A Novel

By: Annie Lyons

Narrated by: Nicolette McKenzie

USA Today Best Seller!

"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 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 85, 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 10-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?

©2020 Annie Lyons (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

Story of life

Beautiful story. bit funny and bit of tears. love the writing. I love ready books where you can read and place yourself in the story. Walking along as its happening.

a good listen

appropriate for me as an elder! always love learning more about life...even an ending! thanks.

Touching story with incredible narration!

I don't often leave reviews, especially for contemporary books, but had to for this one. I went in with low expectations thinking it's yet another cliche book about an old person and an intergenerational friendship. The story itself was moving despite a plot that has been used many times before. What made this so incredible was the amazing narration! I'm not sure I would have liked the book nearly as much without this narrator. I am very picky with narrators, as they can make or break a book, and in this case the narrator took the book to another level. I felt like I was listening to a well done play and at times forgot it was being narrated by a single person. As someone who also often thinks about death and quality of life, and also cares about mental illness and how it impacts a family, the story held much interest for me. Maybe not for everybody but I think it's definitely worth a listen for anyone remotely interested!

Eudora is a depressing character that delivers a loving message

The story line is slow & Eudora can be aggravating because of her self sabotage choices. However, one grows to love Eudora because her beauty is seen through the eyes of 10-year old, Rose. A good book if one wants to pass time & consider their mortality.

Love The Character

Eudora Honeysett is a great character. The book is funny, as well as having its heartfelt moments. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The ending was a bit predictable, but still a good read.

Different premise

Great narrator for a theme not often addressed. Loved the characters and Eudora’s growth, even at 85.

a pure gem! a must read for everyone.

This amazing story about, friendship, family, hurt, love and death is poignant and resounding. Any and everyone can benefit from a dose of Eudora and Rose.

Highly recommend

This story is full of rich characters who will take up residence in your heart if you let them. It’s a gem.

Sweet and I recommend it but not earth shattering

I enjoyed this book very much. I’d like my mom to read it because its about old age and end of life stuff. A bit predictable with babies and kittens, the lovable 10 year old with happy family in tow and a new friend who gives life meaning to a tired old woman. Flashbacks to Eudora’s early life gives insight to her current beliefs. Good if you’re in the mood for this sort of book

Eudira

This was a really good look at how a new friend can make so much difference in a persons life,and perspective on life.I have listened to this book 3times niw.I lived the atmosphere,the characters and the storyline.