The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett: A Novel

Written 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? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Sep 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9780063026094

Annie Lyons

After a career in bookselling and publishing, Annie Lyons published numerous books in the U.K. and The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett in the U.S. When not working on her novels, she teaches creative writing. She lives in south-east London with her husband and two children.

Reviews for The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett

[boundtogetherforgood · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I passed this up a few times. I knew the main them was about dying in old age. I just didn't feel up to it. But I saw so many recommendations for it that I finally decided to grab the audiobook on Libby. I enjoyed the characters immensely. I enjoyed the story. It is very life-affirming.

[Wendy Turner · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a terrific book from start to finish. I cannot wait to read more from Annie Lyons.

[Luetta Garman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Perfect! Nothing over the top - just enough to bring you into their story!

[Jessica Williams · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book will stay with me for a long time. Beautifully written, witty, warm and thought provoking. 5 stars and then some.

[Karen Zundel · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Audio voices wonderful!
Uplifting story for all ages.
Dialogue is especially delightful

[MA BAn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow, just wow. What an I redo my heartwarming story with so much humor. I loved it but wished it would have gone on a couple more hours. Oh, and the narrator was amazing and talented.

[Elaine Fendt · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely wonderful - it has a great message and the reader made the characters come to life. I highly recommend this book!

[Brenda Pickering · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the storyline , the ending I wanted more from ! Although a good read !!

[Iz Tee · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

That was so delightful! Made me teary in some parts ? the relationships in the book are amazing

[LMW · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Just a lovely, warm book full of memorable characters, especially Rose. I put off listening to the last few chapters because I didn’t want to leave their world. Need a nice winter read? This is your treat.

[Prince Maquited · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4.3 Stars!
This is almost the same as A Man Called Ove. But still great!
The main character has experienced a different tragic past.

I enjoyed it!

[Fawziya · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The narrator brought it to life. Eudora is such a gem, Rose the star and everyone else the amazing friends and community we all need in our lives. With a lesson on how the simplest of ways to show up for people can be life saving.

[Maria Silveria Grassi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So sweet and calming. Respectful and honest. 4.5 rounded up. Lovely characters and an amazing narrator. Took me out of my slump.

[Dayna Bennett · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a sweet story with a satisfying, full circle ending. It managed not to be overly sentimental or manipulative and was similar to A Man Called Ove in some ways. Narration spot on.

[Saiyara · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I don’t read this genre often. I’m glad I decided to read this one. A simple, yet absolutely beautiful, heart touching story. These are the kind of books I call ‘comfort books’. I felt joy reading this book. Much needed joy.

[sarah Oneill · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I absolutely loved this book
The characters are all fabulous and relatable. I laughed and cried and will diffidently will be listening to more books by Annie Lyons

[Jemillie Martinez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such a good book! I fell in love with Eudora and Rose! Loved the narrator's voice too.

[Marta Em · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a lovely, cute, fairytale-like book. Eleanor Oliphant at 85!

[EmmaSakura · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Got me right in the feels. The audio book was so well done, great job on the voices

[Katie McGovern · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Surprisingly delightful. A good read for an elder dealing with similar life experience. It’s a hopeful story.

[Praise · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such an incredible heart warming book. As soon as i started, I was hooked. I ended up finishing this book in one day!

[Carrie Arnold · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book so much. Before I was even halfway through, I bought it for my mom.
Great story, and all the characters are wonderfully written. My only advice, have some tissues ready.

[Larissa Vin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful, life-affirming story and audiobook. Beautifully performed by the narrator. Highly recommend.

[Maneet · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Totally totally loved it with all its humour and wit. A very refreshing read and entertaining

[Lisa · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved this easy read, feel good book, that speaks to the importance of kindness.

[Lori Ireland Mills · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A lovely story and a brilliant audio performance! I loved it!

[heatherlinc · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a delightful read this novel turned out to be. It reminded me a little of the novel "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman, with the same warmth and humour. "The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett "was filled with wonderful characters including Montgomery, the cat.While I adored Eudora, it was ten-year-old Rose who stole my heart with her crazy fashion sense, her exuberance for life and her ageless wisdom. The relationship that grew between Eudora and Rose was just perfection and I often found myself laughing at the things the two of them said, especially Rose. However, by the last page, I was in tears.Set mainly in the present, at the end of every chapter there were flashbacks allowing the reader to watch Eurdora grow from child to adult and discover the events that shaped her. Her family life was not a pleasant one and her mother and sister were horribly needy and, unfortunately, Eudora believed it was her duty to put their needs before her own. I wanted to slap them both for the way they shackled Eudora. My heart ached for her."The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett" was a gem and definitely my favourite novel for 2022.

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Eudora is 85 years old, and fears dying like her mother did - alone and ill in a hospital. She wants to take charge of her death, while she still can, just as she has taken charge of her life. She is done with life, one that really has taken more from her than it ever gave to her. But then she meets Rose, a ten year old full of joie de vivre, and Stanley, who recently became a widower. These unlikely three people, each dealing with their own set of sorrows and problems, (yes, Rose has had her share, too), become the best of friends. And now, Eudora realizes that she is not only loved, she is needed. It’s a tender story, with sad parts and yet hopeful ones. With the help of others who care about her, Eudora realizes she may not need the people in Switzerland after all. Well written with likable characters with astounding personalities, this amazing story says it all.

[sjgirl-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Be in the mood to shed some tears with this one, though it’s also plenty heartwarming.I adored the present day characters so much, particularly ten year old Rose with her eccentricities heartbreakingly shunned by some of her peers, her curiosity about everything, and her fondness for elderly neighbors Eudora and Stanley.I actually felt a little resentment whenever the book shifted to flashback mode only because of how invested I was in that present day story of found family. The flashbacks were in fact well-written, too, and necessary in conveying what Eudora’s been through, how she ended up alone, and what it means for her to finally have people who care about her again.This book does talk extensively about end of life options, its definitely emotionally challenging subject matter though ultimately that aspect of the story was handled as beautifully as it could be.

[lrobe190 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Eudora Honeysett is 85 years old and has had more than enough of this life. A chance meeting at a hospital appointment sets her on the course of voluntary euthanasia and the prospect excites her as much as anything else that is currently going on in her life. She feels strongly that her end should be on her own terms and not in an old people's home, full of indignities and life prolonging treatments. Then new neighbours move in, a young couple with a vivacious daughter, Rose, who immediately decides that Eudora is her new best friend. Along with Rose and a fellow pensioner, Stanley, who helps Eudora when she falls, Eudora starts to experience life in a whole new way. (DubaiReader Desc.)When I first started reading this, it reminded me so much of "A Man Called Ove" because the theme is so similar. Something I enjoyed about "Eudora Honeysett" was the look-back at her life from 1940 on. Her life and family relationships were difficult and ultimately colored her view of life. Rose and Stanley help her to realize that families come in different shapes and sizes and these people really do love and care for her. A beautiful story.