The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett: A Novel

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“One adorably British odd couple . . . Charming.” —People

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?

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Published Oct 19, 2021

Average rating: 8.02

150 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Mary Pat Holt
Feb 05, 2026
8/10 stars
What a beautiful story of friendship, life and facing death. It was heartwarming and funny and at times sad. Eudora Honeysett is an 85-year-old who is just done with living. She wants the end to be on her terms and with one call to a clinic in Switzerland, her plan is in motion. But then she meets Rose, a spunky 10-year-old who is full of energy and love to share with Eudora. Rose and Eudora find themselves on a series of adventures and soon recently widowed Stanley joins them. This trio form unlikely friendships and grow closer as they all await the arrival of Rose's new baby sister. Eudora is often reminded of her own childhood-losing her father in WWII and the devastating effect that had on her family. Each chapter ended with a flashback into her past and the story unfolded beautifully. You learn of all the tragedy and sadness in Eudora's life. Her past predicted her future. Her memories and guilt weigh so heavily on her. Yes, the story is predictable, but I didn't care. The writing was so well done, and I loved all the characters. Eudora may have started out as a curmudgeon, but she will quickly warm your heart.
Margie Pettersen
Oct 27, 2025
8/10 stars
Delightful book about an old woman and her exuberant young neighbor. There are some great scenes in this book - shopping for a new dress with her young "fashion consultant", Eudora putting another woman in her place at a party when a brazen woman sits on her friend's lap. There are also flashbacks to her earlier life with her mother and sister, Stella, who is always creating mischief and chaos. Eudora has been contemplating ending her life with a program for assisted suicide in Switzerland. All of this is so reminiscent of the book "The Man called Ove."
MaryAnnShack
Jun 10, 2025
8/10 stars
This book was liked by all of our members this time.
Cobbie
Apr 19, 2025
8/10 stars
I bit like A Man called Ova and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. I really enjoyed this book.
Kristin Madaj
Feb 17, 2025
10/10 stars
This book is SEVERELY underrated. I laughed, wept, and was totally engrossed from the first page. Perfect for anyone who struggles with their own mortality or for anyone who wants a beautiful story about the power of found family. I hope the author writes another book with these characters. I loved them so much.

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