The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my stars. This book is PRECIOUS, my friends!!

I was a big, blubbery mess of tears by the time I was finished. But my heart was also nourished. If you haven’t read this one yet, I highly recommend it.

“She won’t be defeated by old age; she will defy it, cast it aside like an unwanted skin. The end will be on her terms and her terms alone.”

This story is so similar to A Man Called Ove, which was one of my favorite books from several years ago. I had my husband + son’s read that book. In fact, we jokingly refer to my youngest son as Ove! In this book, you meet the aging Eudora Honeysett. She’s a rough around the edges, crotchety old broad who lives alone with her cat, only leaving the house for her daily swim. She likes her peace and quiet and mostly just wishes everyone would leave her alone.

Eudora also hates how aging makes her feel – the aches, the weekness, the forgetfulness. She decides that she’s done her best and is ready to make peace with her life and wants control of how she goes out. After a little research and an online interview, she makes arrangements to fly to Switzerland to die with dignity.

“People don’t talk about death. Not really. People fear it. Ignore it. Deny it. She welcomes it’s approach like a treasured friend.”

But then her world is turned upside down when a new neighbor moves next door. Little Rose is a 10 year old who’s a spunky, glittery little ball of fire. She thrusts herself onto Eudora and wiggles her way into her heart. She helps her see life with fresh eyes. Suddenly Eudora is going out to dinners and dances and living life a little.

“Life is precious and as long as we have a reason to continue, we should follow that path.”

The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett is a beautiful story that sucks you in from the start. It is full of friendship, hope, and reminders of what makes life worth living. Don’t go in without the hankies, though. This one won’t leave a dry eye!

You can purchase the book here.

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