REVIEW: Eudora Honeysett Is Quite Well, Thank You

Eudora Honeysett Is Quite Well, Thank You by Annie Lyons published by Harper Collins/One More Chapter

85 year old Eudora feels that she has lived her life, she’s not depressed, she just wants to control her own death and decides to take things into her own hands and makes a call to a clinic in Switzerland.

With the arrival of new next door neighbours, ten-year-old Rose knocks on Eudora’s door in a riot of colour and with the prospect of friendship. As Rose takes Eudora on adventures she remembers the past and soon finds herself wondering if she’s squeezed everything out of life?

I will admit, initially I wasn’t sure if I would like this book because of the subject, but death isn’t the main focus of this story…in fact I think it’s all about living and not dying – it’s not at all morbid, and I absolutely loved it.

It is a gorgeously written story of cross generational friendships which are completely believable – my favourite character was Stanley – I so wanted him to be my grandad! I thought Rose was going to drive me insane, but she’s so endearing and a real pocket rocket that you can’t help smile at her, and the energy she injects into everyday situations.

I also had so many connections with this book…it is set in South East London where I live, and I always find that exciting as I try and figure out what streets the characters are walking and I can imagine they are living in my road!!! Also I used to work at Radio 2, so squealed with delight when Stanley, Eudora and Rose took part in Pop Master in the car and finally, I have a elderly dog called Stanley so it just felt as if this book was written just for me!!!!

On average it takes me a week to read a book, but this one I read in two days, even staying up to 1.30am to finish it – I absolutely loved it.

Comments

REVIEW: Moonlight Over Studland Bay by Della Galton

Moonlight Over Studland Bay – Della Galton published by Boldwood Books Samantha Jones works as an audio typist for a local company in Dorset. However, it’s not her dreams job. She wanted to devote, and expand, Purbeck Pooches, her pet sitting service. When best friend (and housemate) Abby has a baby boy Sam’s priorities change and she realises she wants more from her life. Does she want life to continue as it is or does she want to look for the perfect sperm donor – on a drunken evening Abby and Sam draw up the perfect "daddy" list. Sam’s world is soon rocked when her boss Rex accuses her of moonlighting and her parents who have run a B&B locally for years make a shock revelation. I’m going to say it from the start…I loved this book! Sam is a relatable character who knows what she wants from life, but she doesn’t want to upset, hurt or trample on people to get it. She’s just an all-round good egg!! There were times in the book when Abby made me laugh but a

Review: One Enchanted Evening

One Enchanted Evening by Anton du Beke My rating: 4 of 5 stars Anton Du Beke has his finger in many pies, professional dancer, singer, entertainer and now he can add novelist to the list. One Enchanted Evening is set in the ballroom of a London hotel in the 1930s and tells the story of Raymond De Guise, the principle dancer, chambermaid Nancy, and porter Billy who all work downstairs, behind the scenes of the hotel. As you would expect dancing is a big feature in this book, but also surprisingly was the politics of the time, which I found added another dimension to the story. If you like Downton Abbey or The Halcyon (the ITV drama set in a hotel) or Upstairs Downstairs, you will love this book. An enjoyable debut novel from Mr Du Beke. View all my reviews

Diva written by Daisy Goodwin and published by Aria and Aries

Opera singer Maria Callas known as “ la divina” with her fabulous voice was born with note only a gift of singing, but also the drama and beauty needed to succeed on the worldwide operatic stages. Sadly, liked a bird in a gilded cage, Maria’s life is lonely, and although surrounded by people and her husband she feels isolated. When she meets the fabulously rich shipping magnate, Aristotle Onassis, her isolation melts away. For the first time in her life, she believes she's found a man who sees the woman rather than the legendary soprano. Desperately in love, Onassis introduces her to a life of unbelievable luxury, mixing with celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. And then, suddenly, it's over. The international press announce that Onassis will marry the most famous woman in the world, former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, leaving Maria to pick up the pieces. This is a fictional account based on true events, think of The

Book-Mad-Mum

Search This Blog