The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett

A Novel

By: Annie Lyons

Narrated by: Nicolette McKenzie

USA TODAY BESTSELLER!

""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 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?

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!

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.

Different premise

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