The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett audiobook

“I am eighty-five years old. I am old and tired and alone. I have nothing I want to do and no one I want to see. I am not depressed, merely done with life. I don’t want to end up dribbling in an old-people’s home, wearing adult nappies in front of a shouting television. I want to leave this world with dignity and respect. Now, can you help me out?” -------------------------------------- Life is precious and as long as we have a reason to continue, we should follow that path. Eudora Honeycutt does not seem to have much reason to go on. She is quite the curmudgeon. Maybe not the broomstick-wielding (or shotgun-toting) crank, screaming “get off my lawn, you damn kids!” Eudora is far too proper for such behavior. But the inner resentment is there. She is uninterested in having the sort of death her mother endured when, a husk of her former self, she died, a frequent flyer (often. needlessly) in the ER, she was kept going by a medical system that cared less about the quality of one’s life than extending it at all costs. Sick of the world, fed up with its rampant and growing narcissism, and seeing no meaningful future ahead, she gets in touch with a clinic in Switzerland that might be able to help her end her life with the dignity she wants. Annie Lyons - image from her site – shot by Harriet Buckingham everyone is selfish and caught up with themselves these days. They have no time to notice her or others like her. They consume news or food as if they are trying to eat the whole world; they watch and judge and spit out their opinions as if they’re the only ones worth listening to. Eudora is invisible to these people, but she has stopped noticing them, too. They’re welcome to their “post-Brexit, Donald Trump, condemn everyone, be kind to no one” world. There is no helping them now. Soon enough she won’t be around to witness their continuous decline into moral torpor. Good riddance and good night. But that is not all there is to Eudora. She has seen little kindness in the world, has endured more than her share of its opposite, and yet there is, inexplicably, still a lode of the stuff buried inside her. And she has stumbled across a crew of miners, happy to bring it to the light of day. Dame Maggie Smith - image from Jewish News There are new occupants in the house next door, primarily a ten-year-old girl. Rose is the bubbles in a bottle of champagne, the chirping birds that welcome dawn, sunshine after days of rain, an iced drink on a hot day, a huge jolt of distilled wonderfulness, rain after a drought, and a rainbow after a shower. The rainbow part of that is not much of an exaggeration, as Rose always seems to be dressed in a garish array of colors that may or may not go with any of the other eye-popping hues she is wearing. One typical ensemble is made up of buttercup yellow, ecclesiastical purple, and neon orange. Rose is exuberantly neighborly, and decides that Eudora is going to be her new best friend. Rose may have the wearying positivity of a jack-in-the-box, but she is kindness personified. The next new addition to Eudora’s life is Stanley, a widower, a gentleman of a certain age. It was Stanley who had come to her aid when he’d seen her fall recently. Made sure she was seen to. She remembers him not at all, finds him irritating even. But Stanley persists with Eudora, offering her interest, engagement, and kindness, with a persistence not unlike Rose’s, but without the flamboyance. Haribo Cherries – image from Amazon – Eudora buys some for RoseLike a wrestling tag-team, Rose and Stanley both engage Eudora individually (and sometimes together), seeing something in her that she does not see in herself. Rose’s exuberance is as delightful as it is persistent and overwhelming. It seems that when it comes to Rose, resistance really is futile. As Eudora, bit by bit, is drawn back into the world, she encounters even more people who offer kindness and understanding. She meets Hannah, a death doula, who gives a talk at a local community center, and has made a career of helping people near the end of their lives. But not all the kindness is delivered to Eudora by local folks reaching out to her. In her dealings with the Swiss clinic that provides help for people choosing a decent death, she engages with Petra, her contact there, who is also welcoming and supportive to Eudora.Dame Judy Dench - image from The Hamilton SpectatorThroughout the novel we get looks back at Eudora’s life, (18 by my count) beginning in 1940, when she was five years old. Her beloved father took her out for a birthday treat, a memory that has lasted a lifetime. He is heading off to war, and mom is pregnant. What happens with her father impacts the rest of Eudora’s life and the lives of those around her. One inspiration for the character of Eudora was: …my mum, who also lived through the second world war and had that sort of resilience and stoicism, but also that stubbornness and that refusal to ask for help, and I’m just going to get on with it, and I’m ok, and I don’t want to talk about it. My mum was a real sweetie. She was not as difficult as Eudora. But it’s part of that generation I think. To write her story, but then to juxtapose it with Rose was just…I love to read books about inter-generation friendships…It was my way of looking at it in an uplifting way. - from the Better at Home interviewDame Helen Mirren - image from The Mayor's Fund for LondonOne of the inspirations for the book was Lyons reaching middle-age (no numbers have been offered), and realizing that half her life was over. It sparked a concern about (an interest in) death and how people view it. [The book] explores our denial and inability to face death as a reality. However, through Eudora’s honesty and Rose’s curiosity, it also shows different ways to view death – whether it’s through Eudora’s discussions with Petra at the clinic in Switzerland or Hannah, the death doula’s talk on what it is to have a good death or Rose’s enthusiasm for the Mexican Day of the Dead. - from the Book Q&As interviewIn alternating past and present, Lyons does an excellent job of linking todays realities to Eudora’s history. We get to see how life’s many disappointments shaped Eudora into the grouch she has become, with each section about her past explaining one of Eudora’s present-day reactions. We see, also, how Rose, Stanley, and others offer Eudora something far greater than resignation.Michael Gambon - image from The Irish ExaminerIn the Book Club Girl interview Lyons offered a few dame names for dream actresses to play Eudora. I have peppered the review with images of those. She offered a suggestion or two for Stanley. So, ditto.This is a beautifully written, heart-warming novel, not just about death, our experiences with it, and thoughts on it, but about the value of kindness, of our connection to others, and what is important in life. Lyons has written characters we not only care about, but love. Trust me. Tears will be shed, more than a few. Jim Broadbent - image from The Indian ExpressBy the time my father was my age he’d been dead for over a year. Not that I think about that much, not me, no. So, maybe it is easy to imagine that a book about a woman contemplating her personal end times might be of some interest. But, if I go with my maternal DNA instead of my paternal for projecting my likely mortality, it looks like I may have a few good years left. I hope I can fill them reading books as wonderful, as entertaining, hopeful, and uplifting as The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeycutt. It is a brilliant book and an absolute must-read. For beauty lives with kindness. Review posted – July 16, 2021Publication dates (USA)----------September 8, 1920 – (USA)----------October 19, 2021 – Paperback – Morrow It was published in the UK on September 8, 2020 under the title Eudora Honeysett is Quite Well, Thank You=============================EXTRA STUFFLinks to the author’s personal, FB, Instagram, and Twitter pagesInterviews-----Library Love Fest - An Interview with Annie Lyons, author of THE BRILLIANT LIFE OF EUDORA HONEYSETT – with Virginia Stanley - audio 28:24 – begin at about 1:00-----Blblio Happy Hour - Talking with Annie Lyons + a dive into the week's new releases - by Victoria Wood - audio – 29 minutes - begin at the 6 minute mark-----Better At Home - Annie Lyons-----Book Club Girl - Discussion with Annie Lyons - Includes her US editor Emily Krump – video - 47:11-----Book Q&As with Deborah Kalb Q&A with Annie Lyons-----Library Love Fest - An Interview with Annie Lyons, author of THE BRILLIANT LIFE OF EUDORA HONEYSETT - audio – 28:24 – by Virginia StanleySongs/Music-----Oscar Seagle - Pack Up Your Troubles In Your Old Kit Bag (And Smile, Smile, Smile) - chapter 1-----Dame Vera Lynn - We’ll Meet Again - chapter 3-----This is Me - the greatest song from The Greatest Showman, Rose’s favorite film - It really should have won the Oscar for best song.Items of Interest from the author-----Writing and Wellness - Featured Writer on Wellness: Annie Lyons-----Female First - Seven things I learned in lockdown by Annie LyonsItems of Interest-----Wiki for It’s a Wonderful Life - mentioned in chapter 4 (and my personal all time favorite film) -----Wiki on the British TV Quiz show Pointless - referenced in chapter 7-----Wiki on the film Coco - mentioned in chapter 7-----BBC - Babycham - a popular drink of the time – Eudora orders one at a dance with her bff Silvie-----A brochure from lifecircle - a Swiss organization that helps people with end-of-life decision-making. The author references this org as a source for her research on Eudora’s planning. -----PopMaster - referenced in chapter 11Recipe-----Chapter 2 - Cornish fairingsReminds me of-----Benediction by Kent Haruf - Dad Lewis is nearing the end of his life when he encounters eight-year-old Alice-----Should We Stay or Should We Go by Lionel Shriver – a couple deciding whether to end it all when they hit 80 – review pending-----News of the World by Paulette Giles – a 70-something escorts a difficult 10-year-old back to her family-----Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton – A 78-year-old astrophysicist may be the last man on Earth until he meets a young girl, alone in the Arctic -----Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney – An older woman takes a walk on New Year’s Eve, the stops along her way recalling her life

All the stars for this book that states, “It’s never too late to start living.”Eudora Honeysett is an 85-year old who is alone in life, with the exception of her seemingly grumpy cat, Montgomery. 🐱 She wants to embrace death on her terms, and is looking into an assisted death via a clinic in Switzerland. Then, 10-year old Rose Trewidney and her family move in next door, and Rose barges into her life. Rose, along with recently widowed Stanley, push Eudora way outside of her comfort zone. As they all become close, Eudora can’t help but think about events in her past and all of the people who came and went. Will the whirlwind adventures and new friendships in Eudora’s life be enough to make her reconsider her decision regarding her death?I wasn’t expecting to love this gem as much as I did, but I absolutely adored Eudora, Rose, Stanley, and many other characters. It’s a very sweet and emotional story that had me smiling, laughing, and bawling at different times. It also made me think about my own life. I asked myself, “Self, are you living life to the fullest?” I don’t think I am, and I would love to change that (maybe if COVID ever ends). 😷 If you love a great cast of characters and charming scenarios, plus emotional depth, I recommend this to you.

The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett is a lovely addition to what I like to call the “cozy coot canon,” which is the trending genre of fiction centered around an aging main character who’s had it with life until something (or more often, someone) shows there’s still beauty left in the world. A broader newish term for it is Up Lit - life-affirming stories that can kick you in the feels while also tickling your funny bone.Welcoming Eudora into the club are characters like Britt-Marie, Arthur Pepper, Harold Fry, and of course King of the Coots - Ove.We pick up with her at the age of 85 just as she's decided she doesn’t need to see 86. She’s putting a plan in motion to end her life in a manner of her choosing rather than waiting to die naturally and potentially painfully. Meanwhile, a family moves in nearby bringing unique and colorful 10-year-old Rose to the neighborhood. Rose is a breath of fresh air who causes Eudora to both get out of the house more and reflect back on her life starting in WWII when her father went off to war.True to the genre, Eudora’s life has been quite sad. So sad, in fact, that her suffering has been almost Job-like. She never can catch a break, and tragedy abounds. While I was reading I kept thinking of all the people I WOULDN’T recommend this book to. If you’re sensitive to themes of suicidal thoughts, abuse, or encroaching spinsterhood, this probably isn’t one you’ll want to read. But if you enjoy books with quirky characters and quests for silver linings, The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett would do quite well.3.5 stars rounded up since I'm looking forward to reading more from author Annie Lyons.This review and other bookish content can be found on my blog: www.confettibookshelf.com and Bookstagram: @confettibookshelf

I can’t begin to tell you how much I loved The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons! If you are looking for a feel good book with lots of valuable lessons you should definitely read this book. It was a character driven book with several very likable characters. I fell in love with Eudora, 10 year old Rose and recently widowed Stanley. The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett will put a smile on your face. This book focused on the ideas of friendship, family, keeping promises, dealing with death, love and connections with others.Eudora Honeysett was eighty five years old when she first appeared in The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett. She was adamant about taking charge of when and how she would die. After watching her mother die in a hospital connected to all kinds of machines surrounded by strangers and seeing older people in her neighborhood transported by ambulance to hospitals only to die in the back of the ambulances she was determined to choose for herself when and how she would leave this world. She would leave this world on her own terms. Eudora was not afraid of dying. At eighty five, her body was starting to break downbut she felt like she lived long enough. There was a clinic in Switzerland that helped people end their lives. With no family or friends, Eudora felt that this would be the perfect solution for her. She contacted the clinic and started the process.Then a new family moved next door to Eudora. Before Eudora knew what was happening, inquisitive, fashion diva, ten year old Rose Trewidney entered her life in a big way. Eudora came across as a grumpy old lady. She detested loud noises and had no use for friendships or happiness. As much as Eudora wanted to be left alone so she could proceed to get the business of ending her life in order, she could not ignore or deny the irresistible charm of Rose. “There’s something about her tenacious character that she admires.” One day, Rose accompanied Eudora to the post office where they ran into Stanley Marcham. Stanley was a widower that lived down the street from Eudora and Rose. The three were soon inseparable and together they embarked on a series of adventures. Rose would soon come to consider Eudora and Stanley her best friends. Would these new friends come to influence Eudora’s decision to end her life?Glimpses of Eudora’s earlier life were revealed near the end of each chapter. Without realizing how much responsibility Eudora’s father placed on Eudora’s shoulders before he went to fight in World War II, the words her father spoke to her that day would come to shape the rest of her life. Eudora’s life revolved around looking out for her mother and sister. That was the promise Eudora made to her father before he departed. Eudora would sacrifice her own wants, needs and desires because she would always put her mother’s and sister’s well being before her own well being. The hardships Eudora endured helped to shape her into the old, cranky, and lonely woman she became.The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett reminded me a little of the book Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine. I found myself laughing out loud at times. My heart ached for Eudora at other times. The characters in this book were so brilliantly developed that it was easy to fall in love with them. Annie Lyons masterfully told a touching story that involved friendships that crossed generations. It was a very special book and I highly recommend it.

Every once in awhile I fall in love with a fictional character and that's definitely the case with Eudora Honeysett. She's at the twilight of her life and as the reader you get to see some of the events that shaped her as a person. If you liked Maurice Hannigan from When All Is Said by Anne Griffin, I definitely recommend getting to know Eudora as well.Fair warning, the story explores the topic of assisted suicide so it might not be the right read for everyone. In this case, Eudora Honeysett is 85 years old and is able to get around as well as just about anyone that age. She hasn't received a terminal illness diagnosis but she wants to plan her death so she can go out on her terms rather than potentially spend her final days wasting away in a hospital. So she calls a clinic in Switzerland that specializes in assisted suicide and is told she will need to go through a screening process to determine if she meets the criteria to be put on the patient list.There are many words to describe Eudora and one that comes to mind is curmudgeon. She likes to swim and do crossword puzzles and is basically alone in this world. But then she meets her new neighbor, ten-year-old Rose Trewidney. Rose is a bundle of energy and sure seems fond of Eudora. It usually requires a bit of begging but Rose is successful in getting Eudora to hang out with her and Stanley, a widower who also lives in the neighborhood. Being around a young girl brings back memories of Eudora's childhood.In the hands of a less talented writer, the characters of Eudora and Rose might not have worked but I think this author managed to make them interesting without venturing into annoying territory. Rose has oodles of energy and a vibrant personality and it came across as sweet rather than irritating. And of course Eudora easily could be considered grumpy but with all of the background history, you understand her personality better. The characters by far are the strength of the story and after I finished reading the book, it almost felt like a privilege to be a part of their fictional world for a bit. A wonderful read that touched my heart.I received a free copy of this book from William Morrow. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.

Totally irresistible — emotionally rich- filled with heart & warmth—heartbreaking- ultimately, uplifting — gentle humor- “I want death to find me tending my cabbages”.

"Life is precious and as long as we have a reason to continue, we should follow that path"Do you know how there are some books that while you're reading them you immediately know are gonna stay with you for a very long time? Well, "Eudora Honeysett is quite well, thank you" was that kind of book for me. Although it deals with some deep issues, it does it in a such a natural way that it was a delight reading it. Eudora is 85 years old and done with this world. After many sufferings and with her health starting to fail she's decided she wants to end things on her own terms. Rose is her new neighbor, a 10 years old with an outgoing nature and a peculiar fashion sense. Along with Stanley, a recent widower, they make Eudora reflect about her past, her life and what lies ahead.If this review contains some typos it's because my eyes are still blurry after finishing this. It's not usual for me to cry with a book, but I'm not ashamed to say that in this case I had to keep some tissues at hand while reading cause there were several moments were I found big fat tears rolling down my face and a lump in my throat. It is such a moving story.Eudora, Rose and Stanley might be some of the most lovable characters I've had the pleasure to read. Ever. They were quirky, funny, well drawn out, managing to move you from laughs to tears in a matter of seconds. I specially loved Rose's character, such an insightful 10 yo, so full of life and at the same time with such an adult take in some issues, as her vision of death as something not to be afraid of. I would definitely want her as a friend and as a fashion guru!I felt for Eudora so much during the whole story. Loved those glimpses into her past that showed us how she came to be the person she is now. It was so despairing seeing how she put the weight of the world on her shoulders, caring all the time about other people's needs, but what about her needs? I would have liked so much to be able to tell her to live her life for herself and not for others.A moving story about friendship, death, and most of all life and how it pass you by in a blink, hencefore the importance of living it to the fullest, not letting you be held back by your own history.Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I guarantee Eudora Honeysett is Quite Well, Thank You, will brighten any day – as rewarding and uplifting as it was touching and affecting.Neither sick, depressed, nor fearful, eighty-five year old Eudora Honeysett is ready for her end of life. But, rather than waiting for it, she has made the decision to arrange her death on her own terms, at a time and place she chooses.Then, like the whirlwind that she is, Rose moves in next door – a ten-year-old lively ball of energy, who never stops talking, and loves all things bright and shiny. At first Eudora is resistant to the little girl’s attempts to befriend her, just wants to be left alone, but Rose’s determination and positive nature is infectious, and little-by-little Eudora’s life is changing, whether she wants it to or not. I delighted in reading this book – every page, every chapter was inspirational, without being sappy or fluffy. Keep those tissues nearby though for some sad, poignant moments. The friendships depicted in this book (in particular those that bridged the generational gap) were natural, real, reciprocal, amusing and heart-melting. All the characters were simply amazing, especially adorable Rose. Everyone needs a Rose in their life.It dealt with some pretty heavy topics – WW2, the London blitz, depression, loneliness, bullying, domestic violence, grief and loss, not to mention some pretty frank discussion regarding death and assisted dying. The entire book was narrated by Eudora in the third person with every chapter ending with a snapshot of her childhood, early adult life.The audio was spectacular. Nicolette McKenzie was magnificent as Eudora Honeysett – it felt like Eudora was sitting in my living room speaking directly to me. And she did a brilliant job of the various British, Canadian, and Swiss accents, and her child voices, and even her baby one, were all fantastic.If you haven’t already, I invite you to read Eudora Honeysett’s story. I’m just sorry I waited so long. I’ll definitely be looking at other books Annie Lyons has written.Published in the US under the title, The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett, which I personally think isn’t as catchy. The cover art for both editions is equally gorgeous though.I’d like to thank Netgalley, Harper Collins Audio UK One More Chapter, and Annie Lyons for the audio-ARC.