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mabechel's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Definitely worth reading because it explores the process of aging and dying in a refreshingly straightforward way. The characters are a bit 2D sometimes and the plot a bit predictable/fanciful in spots.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Abandonment, War, Death of parent, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Infidelity, Domestic abuse, Bullying, Pregnancy, Chronic illness, and Murder
Minor: Alcohol, Medical trauma, and Miscarriage
laheath's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Easily 4.5 stars. Although the characters are the heart of this story, the title character is initially not so loveable. Eudora is 85 and lives alone with her cat, who is also not so loveable. Eudora has no family or friends and has decided she is done with life, so she makes arrangements with a clinic in Switzerland where they will help her end her life on her terms, with dignity. As she is awaiting a decision from the clinic, she begins to encounter people in her neighborhood that stretch her beyond her comfort zone, in a good way. At the end of each chapter, there are flashbacks to various years in her past which tell of key moments in her history and help to explain how she turned into the woman she is today. Naturally, the cast of characters changes as it would in any life. As the reader begins to sympathize with Eudora, there's also a transformation beginning in her that gives some hope that she will reconsider her decision with the clinic. Unfortunately, Eudora has put too many walls up around her heart over the years, but maybe her 10 year-old neighbor, Rose, or the widower, Stanley, can help her see that life is still worth living.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Pregnancy and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Bullying, Car accident, Infidelity, Alcohol, Miscarriage, Child death, and Animal death
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