The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death and death by suicide.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did you respond to the novel’s approach to end-of-life choices and dignity in death, especially as depicted through Eudora’s journey from seeking assisted suicide to eventually choosing a peaceful death at home?

2. How does The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett compare to other works that explore themes of loneliness and unexpected connection, such as Anna Johnston’s The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife or Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine?

3. What was the most memorable scene or moment in the novel for you, and why?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Think about a time when someone showed you unexpected kindness, as Rose did for Eudora—how did it impact your life?

2. Have you ever made a promise to someone that ended up shaping the course of your life, similar to Eudora’s promise to her father?

3. In what ways has your perspective on aging and end-of-life choices evolved over time, and did this book influence your thinking?

4. When have you had to reconcile with choices you’ve made, as Eudora does throughout the novel? Were you similarly able to embrace a second chance? Why or why not?

5. Consider the contrast between Rose’s colorful clothing and Eudora’s drab wardrobe. What does your personal style reveal about your outlook on life (if anything)?

6. The novel portrays several types of family relationships, both biological and chosen—which of these resonated most with your own experience? How do you define family?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The novel juxtaposes the wartime stoicism of Eudora’s generation with the modern openness and expressiveness of Rose’s generation. What implications do these generational differences have for conversations about difficult topics like death and loss?

2. What does the novel’s portrayal of assisted suicide reveal about evolving attitudes toward end-of-life care and dignity?

3. In what ways does the novel address the societal tendency to overlook or dismiss the elderly, and what might be the consequences of this oversight?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Consider the impact of the dual timelines of present-day events and World War II-era flashbacks on your understanding of Eudora’s character development.

2. Examine the symbolism of Montgomery the cat and later Osman the kitten—how do these animals reflect Eudora’s emotional journey throughout the novel?

3. The novel begins and ends with references to Eudora’s father. How does this framing device contribute to the novel’s overall message?

4. How does food function as more than sustenance in the novel?

5. The theme of unlikely friendship between generations appears in other contemporary novels like Fredrik Backman’s A Man Called Ove. What sets Eudora and Rose’s relationship apart from similar literary pairings?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. What songs would you include in a playlist that captures Eudora’s journey from isolation to connection?

2. If you could speak with Eudora about one aspect of modern life that she might find perplexing or fascinating, what would you choose to discuss with her?

3. Imagine you could write an additional chapter set 10 years after the novel ends. How would you portray Rose, Stanley, and the impact of Eudora’s legacy on their lives?

Need more inspiration for your next meeting? Browse all of our Book Club Resources