The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons (Review by Lisa Albright)
Rating: 5 stars
Wow. This book packs a powerful punch and makes you think about life, your thoughts on life, how you’re living your own life, what you want most for your own life, and what you can contribute to other’s lives. These philosophical thoughts come from the beautiful emotions that are conjured throughout Eudora’s story. It could be anyone’s story, it could be your story.
Eudora Honeysett is really one of the most fascinating characters I’ve ever met. She comes across as a bit of a cantankerous woman who is ready to die in the beginning and it would seem that her life doesn’t hold much joy or the hope of any. Until she meets the ten year old girl next door.
Enter Rose. A life force. A beautiful soul. Positivity defined. She brings joy, humor, energy, light, and love to everything she touches including Eudora’s finicky cat. She is sunshine. Her innate ability to see the best in her surroundings and other people is heartwarming and brings the faith the reader needs to see the underlying hopeful tone to the story.
Stanley is a true gentleman that understands sadness and yet still believes in happy moments and enjoying life. His quirky, fun-loving nature is in contrast to Eudora’s, but brings balance and comfort.
I loved the interaction of this odd group of friends. They made me laugh out loud and take a look at my friendships to make sure I had a few like this in my life. The bonds between them were forged so naturally and the journey to friendship was so incredibly sweet. I will remember them for a very long time.
The cast of supporting characters was a delightful mix of well-rounded friends, family, and strangers with a variety of roles to play. I knew them all and I was delighted that they were so well-written. They completed my immersion in this story and made me feel all the feels. They’re all in here. Despair, grief, rage, shame, guilt, fear, trepidation, suspicion, joy, hope, faith, honesty, courage, wonder, and love.
I was a little concerned during the first chapter because I felt the writing style was a little too descriptive and tried a little too hard, however, by the end of chapter two I was so involved I no longer noticed the writing style. That is when I know I’m reading a five star book. When the story grabs me, pulls me in, and I need a moment when I stop reading to come back to my own life. It’s magic. This book is magic.
The topic of death and whether or not a person has the right to choose how and when they die is tough to write about without being depressing. The author has managed to address this subject in a practical yet sensitive manner that was very impressive. I learned so much about not fearing death and what my expectations are, but also how to let it all go and enjoy life. Because we’re all living it and we all deserve to find happiness even in the unlikeliest of places. Most of all, be kind. Everyone has their own journey and everyone deserves kindness.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this amazing book. It is both life-affirming and life-changing.
GBC Reader Reviews
Rating: 5 stars
Wow. This book packs a powerful punch and makes you think about life, your thoughts on life, how you’re living your own life, what you want most for your own life, and what you can contribute to other’s lives. These philosophical thoughts come from the beautiful emotions that are conjured throughout Eudora’s story. It could be anyone’s story, it could be your story.
Eudora Honeysett is really one of the most fascinating characters I’ve ever met. She comes across as a bit of a cantankerous woman who is ready to die in the beginning and it would seem that her life doesn’t hold much joy or the hope of any. Until she meets the ten year old girl next door.
Enter Rose. A life force. A beautiful soul. Positivity defined. She brings joy, humor, energy, light, and love to everything she touches including Eudora’s finicky cat. She is sunshine. Her innate ability to see the best in her surroundings and other people is heartwarming and brings the faith the reader needs to see the underlying hopeful tone to the story.
Stanley is a true gentleman that understands sadness and yet still believes in happy moments and enjoying life. His quirky, fun-loving nature is in contrast to Eudora’s, but brings balance and comfort.
I loved the interaction of this odd group of friends. They made me laugh out loud and take a look at my friendships to make sure I had a few like this in my life. The bonds between them were forged so naturally and the journey to friendship was so incredibly sweet. I will remember them for a very long time.
The cast of supporting characters was a delightful mix of well-rounded friends, family, and strangers with a variety of roles to play. I knew them all and I was delighted that they were so well-written. They completed my immersion in this story and made me feel all the feels. They’re all in here. Despair, grief, rage, shame, guilt, fear, trepidation, suspicion, joy, hope, faith, honesty, courage, wonder, and love.
I was a little concerned during the first chapter because I felt the writing style was a little too descriptive and tried a little too hard, however, by the end of chapter two I was so involved I no longer noticed the writing style. That is when I know I’m reading a five star book. When the story grabs me, pulls me in, and I need a moment when I stop reading to come back to my own life. It’s magic. This book is magic.
The topic of death and whether or not a person has the right to choose how and when they die is tough to write about without being depressing. The author has managed to address this subject in a practical yet sensitive manner that was very impressive. I learned so much about not fearing death and what my expectations are, but also how to let it all go and enjoy life. Because we’re all living it and we all deserve to find happiness even in the unlikeliest of places. Most of all, be kind. Everyone has their own journey and everyone deserves kindness.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this amazing book. It is both life-affirming and life-changing.
GBC Reader Reviews