Annie Lyons returns to the blog with a story of isolation, friendship, choices and self-determination with
Eudora Honeysett is Quite Well, Thank You
I initially grabbed this book for the author: Annie Lyons has a way of creating a character that is so viable and palpable that you instantly want to see what’s going to happen. At eighty-five, Eudora has a ‘way of doing things’ that is comfortable, if not more than a bit isolating. She’s reluctant to ask for help, doesn’t understand the ‘new’ trend of friendliness, and prefers to keep herself to herself. But having dealt with a difficult mother in the last years of her life and knowing that she’s not interested in that sort of death is determined to make her own choices.
Of course, everything that she has studiously avoided in the past few years: friendships, emotions, entanglements with people, even a change to her routine is tossed in the air with the new next-door neighbors, particularly in the form of an exuberant ten year old girl with a passion for fashion (or clashing colors), an endless curiosity and a determination to make friends.
Slowly but surely, little Rose with her endless chatter, vivacious personality and bold colors is bringing Eudora into her circle – making her interact, swimming, snacks and making new friends. It’s gradual as Eudora, with several contacts from the agency she contacted to ‘arrange’ her end, she’s finding a new reason for the next day…..
Lyons treated both Eudora’s determination for a ‘good death’ and her gradual revealing of her story and the small changes that Rose had wrought to adjust her attitude and find new adventures, and even family and friends. Far from a sad story, while Eudora’s quest is a sad one, the changes and heart that are displayed and palpable – from friends, neighbors and her new status as Rose’s “friend” bring the heart and some tears with a smile – for the end couldn’t be better. Grab this for a thoughtful and quiet, surprisingly uplifting story to take you away for a bit.
Title: Eudora Honeysett is Quite Well, Thank You:
Author: Annie Lyons
Genre: British, Contemporary Woman's Fiction, Depression, Friendship, Grief, Setting: Britain
Published by: One More Chapter
ISBN: 9780008405373
Published on: 17 September, 2020
Format:eARC
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Pages: 328
Audio Length: 10 Hours: 42 minutes
Rated:
Get Your Copy: Amazon ♦ iTunes ♦ Kobo
Eudora Honeysett is done – with all of it. Having seen first-hand what a prolonged illness can create, the eighty-five-year-old has no intention of leaving things to chance. With one call to a clinic in Switzerland she takes her life into her own hands.
But then ten-year-old Rose arrives in a riot of colour on her doorstep. Now, as precocious Rose takes Eudora on adventures she’d never imagined she reflects on the trying times of her past and soon finds herself wondering – is she ready for death when she’s only just experienced what it’s like to truly live?
A heartfelt story of life, death, friendship and family perfect for fans of Gail Honeyman
A copy of this title was provided via Publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
