I am a sucker for the multi-generational characters in books! Loved The Switch and A Man Called Ove, and this reminded me of those favorites. Thoroughly enjoyed this story!

I received this book through the Early Reads program and Net Galley ARC. This in no way influences my review. It is a touching book about an elderly lady who is befriended by her new neighbor, Rose. Rose is a child but takes a great interest in Eudora and they form a sweet bond. Ultimately it is a story of kindness and unlikely friendships. I highly recommend that you check out this wonderful book.

This was such a delightful novel and I loved the characters so much! Eudora, while such a curmudgeonly woman, was hard not to adore, and I adored both Stanley and Rose a ton. Eudora’s backstory of her childhood was really heartfelt and the ending had me with all the feels. I sure loved this book!!

The characters in this book were wonderful. Eudora Honeysett who at the beginning of the story seems like a grumpy and reclusive old women becomes more and more sympathetic as the story unfolds and we learn about her past and as she is drawn in to new friendships with Rose, a little girl who moves in next door, Rose's mother Maddy, and Stanley, an elderly neighbor. Rose is irresistible and irrepressible. The books examination of life, death, and relationships is fascinating.

Thank you to HarperCollins Publishers for providing me with a copy of Annie Lyons’ novel, The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett, in exchange for an honest review.

Eudora Honeysett is eight-five years old and done with life. She decides that the most dignified death would be to pursue assisted suicide through a company in Switzerland. The process is not simple. It requires doctors appointments and months of thought, during which Eudora’s otherwise predictable life changes with the addition of new friends, including an unusual little girl named Rose and a fellow senior named Stanley. As Eudora discovers that there might be more to her life than she imagined, she is forced to confront difficult issues in her past.

I loved The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett. It’s an emotional journey that had me in tears for the last quarter of the story. I had to put the book down many times, because I became overcome with emotion. The best, most memorable books are ones that shake me to the core, and Lyons’ characters are sure to stay with me for a long time.

The story alternates between the present and Eudora’s younger years. We learn that trauma from Eudora’s early years has led her to put up walls, to protect herself. Octogenarian Eudora is tough, and even has a difficult time softening towards her cat, Montgomery. Lyons carefully balances the difficult senior Eudora, with the hurt child Eudora, giving us a well-rounded, relatable character.

I was struck by how much Eudora reminded me of my mother-in-law. This is not to say that they had similar situations, but more in the general way that senior Eudora has firm ideas about how a person should behave and tends to discredit activities that others use for joy. I also found my niece, Charis, in the character of Rose. Like my niece, Rose is an absolute force of nature, who gathers other people in her orbit. It’s a wonderful quality in a person, but it also means facing criticism by those less comfortable in their own skin. Eudora tries to resist Rose, but Rose simply won’t let her.

The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett is the perfect story to remind us to be compassionate towards others and to remember that we don’t always know the trials that other people face. It’s also a story about the importance of building our own tribe and that blood relatives are not our only family. Lyons has written an absolutely beautiful story with unforgettable characters. She is a new author discovery for me and I was thrilled to learn that she has written many other novels. I look forward to reading them all.

Delightful....Many "feel" moments to laugh and cry. Enjoyed the enduring relationships between Rose, Stanley and Eudora. So many life lessons to remind us to enjoy every moment. Friendships, love... that's what we cherish most at the end of our life.

Just finished this ebook, and it was a nice departure from historical fiction that I usually read. The story centers around Eudora Honeysett, an 85 year old single lady who is trying to "take charge" of the rest of her life by ending her life early, by using an assisted death program in Switzerland. She is resolute that this is the best option for her, determined that she won't end her life by wearing diapers in a nursing home, unaware of her surroundings. But life somehow never turns out as one plans. A family with a young daughter named Rose moves in next door, and Eudora forms a close bond with the 10 year old. Her relationship with Rose grows as the book progresses, and causes Eudora to rethink her decision, as she realizes that Rose truly needs her. Although Eudora has no biological family living (and there is a whole other storyline there that creates a load of guilt that Eudora has carried since childhood), Rose becomes the granddaughter she never had. A very sweet story, which is just what we need right now in 2020! Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this one, as it's not one that I would have normally picked out on my own!

Loved it! It took some time to adore Eudora, despit her outward grumpiness, she is a gem! I have a blog dedicated to 'Senior Lit" and I am always looking for books that focus on vibrant, interesting older women.
I thought this book drove the point home!
And Rose, a sparkle of effervescent cheer that will not go away! She and grieving widow Stanley and Eudora are quite the unlikely trio, but they make an interesting threesome that makes for an enjoyable, light hearted read.
As we age, it is easy to isolate and live independently, and self relaint till we aren't. This book is a reminder of the value of relationships and friendships as a way to transform our lives, and make it much more interesting.
I enjoyed the 'throwback' years that provided a gentle reminder that its "never too late to start living."
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read and review this delightful book!
jb
https://seniorbooklounge.blogspot.com/

When I began this book, I thought I wouldn't like it. The main character Eudora was more abrasive to me than endearing. Eudora just wants to plan when and how she will die, without thinking of how her death may affect those who love her. I saw her as a bitter, jaded, and selfish person at first though I did enjoy the memories she shared with us. But I decided I would give it a chance and read it till the end. I'm so glad I did! I really loved ending and how Eudora changes. Another of the most favorite characters has to be Eudora's young friend Rose, what a great personality she has and she's funny too. Thank you to the author, the publisher and net galley for giving the chance to read this book as an early read.

Heartwarming story with likable characters. Tugs on your heartstrings. Will recommend to all Fredrick Backman and Elizabeth Berg fans.

This was an adorable story about making friends when you least expect to or went to but when they’re needed the most.

Eudora Honeysett is a lonely, elderly lady who decides that she is going to take her death in her own hands. She connects with a clinic in Switzerland to start getting a plan in action.

a 10 year old girl named Rose shows up on Eudora's door one day. Eudora just wants to be left alone but slowly Rose is able to get Eudora out on lots of adventures around town. Together they also make friends with an older man names Stanley who joins them on their trips.


Typically I do not gravitate to books about crabby old people but I loved this book. Eudora's back story with her sister and mother is heartbreaking and really gives you so much compassion for this lonely lady. Rose is a ray of sunshine that brings such a change to Eudora's life. I loved watching the change and development of friendships throughout the book. Highly recommend!!!

The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons
(Alternate Title - Eudora Honeysett is Quite Well, Thank You)

Rating 4 / 5 Stars

Publication Date - 9/8/2020

** Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins, and of course, Annie Lyons, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh, how I loved the relationship between Eudora and Rose! As Eudora is aging and starting to accept her fate that death is near, she meets Rose - 10 years old and full of a spunky spirit that cannot be ignored. It is not long before the two embark on adventure after adventure - joined by Stanley, another neighbor. The three become close and memories are brought up as life moves on. We see what made Eudora into the woman she is now - a past of trauma and devastation. In a way, she comes to terms with her future, the worst - she was just finding a pure joy for living.

I felt all the emotions while reading this book. There is only a little theme connection with Me Before You, but it did make me cry both happy and sad tears. I do not think you can read this without shedding any tears. I loved that we got a sliver of Eudora’s life at the end of each chapter - it brought everything full circle. Lyons did an incredible job with such a complex subject, and for that - I applaud her! This is a wonderfully moving book you will not want to put down! Don’t forget your tissues! ;)

I loved this book from the beginning and devoured it. As someone who will grow old without children of my own, I seem very interested in stories of older folks who are alone in the twilight of their life. I also deeply appreciated the subject matter and the choice that Eudora eventually made. Eudora's story from childhood until old age struck a chord with me, personally. Her relationship with her father, her sense of duty, caring for her mother and sister, and feeling betrayed by those she cared deeply for. It sounds like a heavy, dark story, but in reality, it's a beautiful story that had me crying sentimental, happy tears at the end. Would recommend to everyone.

I have just finished this book and enjoyed it. It was well written and I loved the dialogue between Eudora and Rose. The reason I am only giving this book 4 stars is that it is so similar to A Man Called Ove. The storyline is the same ......an elderly person contemplating the end of life, new neighbors with a child and a cat.. Eudora is a much more pleasant character than Ove and the interaction between Rose and Eudora is very sweet. With all that being said, I would still recommend it.

Choosing our own death and grief resonates in this story of an elderly woman charmed by her child neighbor Rose. Told in flashbacks to capture the background of our main character. A feel good story that is thought provoking.

Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley

At first I thought this would be a trite formulaic story. However, it really was quite charming! I’m very glad I stuck with it.

Eudora Honeysett, a set-in-her-ways octogenarian, is understandably done with her life and tired of it all. Then in comes a twirly, exuberant rainbow unicorn in the form of a 10 year old girl, Rose. Both Rose and the reclusive Eudora are challenged by this developing relationship in different ways.

This book is told in dual timelines, the present with Eudora and Rose, and the past with Eudora and her sister, Stella. The past is marked with sadness from which Eudora is ready to escape.

I loved the relationship that blossomed between Eudora and Rose. It’s a wonderful blending of formality and fluidity. The characters were so very well fleshed out and felt real. I did have a little difficulty with Rose being 10, though. She seemed a bit younger. However, I was able to set that aside as kids mature at different paces. Also, Stella was written one-dimensionally, no nuance to her character.

Thank you to Book Club Girls Early Reader and #netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to read this wonderful book!
#TheBrilliantLifeofEudoraHoneysett

This is such a wonderful story of Eudora a lonely older woman and young Rose who basically saves her life. Eudora is lonely and ready to die when 10-year old spunky moves in next door and into Eudora's life. The story is told the present as well as flashbacks to Eudora's difficult life. I loved all of the characters in this book. You'll smile, laugh,, and cry reading the beautiful story. Friends and love can really save a life.

I really enjoyed this story of an elderly woman who finds joy in living just when she needed it the most. Was it a little predictable? Yes. Maybe a bit twee at times? Yes. But did I still read it in 24 hours and fall in love with the characters. Yes, I did, and that's what pushed it from 4 to 5 stars.

Eudora is in her 80s, lives alone with her cat Montgomery, and adheres to her schedule of waking at a reasonable time and leaving the house to go swimming. She has lived a long life and is ready to take control of her death, contacting an end-of-life clinic in Switzerland. She is not depressed, nor is she anxious about ending her life; she feels that she's lived and now wants to make the choice of how and when to end it.

Enter her new neighbor, Rose, a 10-year-old with a big personality who is looking for a friend. And also Stanley, the neighbor who helped Eudora after a fall the previous year. These two make it difficult for Dora to continue her solitary life, and she finds the more she tries, the more things she enjoys. Even Monty turns the corner from grumpy feline to affectionate kitty.

Each chapter ends with a flashback to a time in Eudora's life: from her memories of her father during air raids in the war, to dances and romances, to caring for her mother as she got older. The reader gets a full understanding of Dora and what has made her the woman she is.

My thanks to HarperCollins publisher and NetGalley for the advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.