The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett

A Novel

By: Annie Lyons

Narrated by: Nicolette McKenzie

Length: 10 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's Summary

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

Just what I Needed

As an audible addict, I have a library of other 1,000 audiobooks and many years of listening under my belt. I have rarely left a written review. This book deserves a standing ovation!

It’s written beautifully and delves straight to the heart of how it feels to be useless and powerless as an elderly person. When a little girl moves next door, Eudora discovers each new day STILL has a purpose, even at the age of 85.

This is a story that will forever hover close in memory.

A stunning book

This story will pull all your heartstrings. It's about an ordinary, introvert, self reliant, lonely woman who found a reason to live at the moment she decided to end life on her own terms. It's a first time a book made me cry. If you are an introvert or a loner, you'll recognize yourself in the incredibly developed character of Eudora. Absolutely a must read!

Heartwarming story for the invisible elderly

Life is filled with a great deal of pain and disappointment. Eudora Honeysett has had her share of that. She is 85 and is done with life. She's ready to give herself a "good death" in Switzerland.

But life has other plans. Neighbors begin to interrupt her hermit-like life. Against her best wishes, she opens the door to her life and great things happen. There is a great deal of inter-generational friendship going on in the story - something we'd all wish for ourselves as we get older. We also get glimpses back into Eudora's earlier life, events that caused her to become withdrawn from the world. At the same time, Eudora's emphasis on courtesy and manners - refreshing for our culture - becomes the catalyst for the good changes that begin to happen. I personally like the emphasis on courtesy and manners. I hope I will be able to exercise those habits as I age.

I also have to say that the narrator did a wonderful job of not only acting but also of portraying both male and female voices. That's not easy to pull off.

It's not a Christian book, but I appreciate the life-affirming theme that this book provides. It may not have been intended this way, but I believe the book has a very pro-life message for those considering the end of their life.

Great story!

Heart-rending and Uplifting

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.

Wonderful

I’ve already started it over again. I wasn’t ready to let go!
Please! Enjoy for yourself !

Sweet story

You will fall in love with Eudora . Sometimes it’s your friends who become family. This book shows just that .

Excellent

The story is fun and engaging. You become part of you Eudora’s thought process in life. And, adorable little rose will steal your heart. The audio version is especially delightful. I loved it. Hope you do too.

Both laughter and tears

What a precious moment in life as a prickly woman softens from the love and candor of those around her.

Best Book Ever

I have never loved a book more. It’s moving, funny, and inspiring. I am so happy that I listened. The performance was fantastic! I wish I could listen to it, for the first time, all over again!

Would love to meet all the characters

Such a lovely and amazing book. The narration was truly amazing and I loved every part of this book.