The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen
By Hendrik Groen & Hester Velmans
- Release Date: 2017-07-11
- Genre: Literary Fiction
Description
A #1 international bestseller in the vein of Fredrik Backman's A Man Called Ove: a funny and tender-hearted tale about friendship, love, and an old man who is young at heart.
Technically speaking, Hendrik Groen is....elderly. But at age 83 1/4, this feisty, indomitable curmudgeon has no plans to go out quietly. Bored of weak tea and potted geraniums, exasperated by the indignities of aging, Hendrik has decided to rebel - on his own terms. He begins writing an exposé: secretly recording the antics of day-to-day life in his retirement home, where he refuses to take himself, or his fellow "inmates," too seriously.
With an eccentric group of friends, he founds the wickedly anarchic Old-But-Not-Dead Club, and he and his best friend, Evert, gleefully stir up trouble, enraging the home's humorless director and turning themselves into unlikely heroes. And when a sweet and sassy widow moves in next door, he polishes his shoes, grooms what's left of his hair, and determines to savor every ounce of joy in the time he has left, with hilarious and tender consequences.
A bestselling phenomenon that has captured imaginations around the world, The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen is inspiring, charming, and laugh-out-loud funny with a deep and poignant core: a page-turning delight for readers of any age.
Reviews
I am 80 and 3/4
5By DtsvtI don’t plan on living forever but will continue to try with a smile on my face know ing that my infirmities are normal and funny, at least to me. Hendrix is right when he says the OBNDY club has a young heart that cherishes friendship and seeing the brighter side of life. I hope to become a member if only in abstemious.Hendrick Groen
5By FanoftheKingsWhat a marvelous book.Senior perspective
5By Mikaele91I enjoyed the view point of the participating observer, Hendrick, and his sense of humor 😆😆😆Delightful
5By Ken_Askew-1I laughed out loud several times.The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 1/4 years old
4By baja janeI started reading this book some time ago, and put it down to follow a series. It got lost in my shuffle of reading. When I picked it up again I found it to be quite charming in its range of emotions over the shared experiences of Hendrik and his small group of friends. They share the pain of losses, both small and deeply profound. You also get to feel the joy they share, being together dabbling in new activities in then”old but not dead” group. They’re involved on a bit of a radical move to try to uncover the “rules and regulations” of their care home, which gives you a fun glimpse into the politics of an elder care home. Significant losses; physical, mental, and emotional are presented in a real life feel. One time, in his sadness, Hendrik simply writes, I cannot write today. Another great sources of fun is Hendricks descriptions of his adventures on his mobility scooter - I felt happy for him as he described being out and able to go anywhere. Although there are definitely sad parts to the aging process, Hendrik also gives you glimpses of great joy. A very fun read.Secret diary of Hendrik Groen
5By K BookerI loved this book. I wanted the story to go on and on. It makes me feel better about growing old.Thank you for writing this.
5By DavenportFlashAs 90 yr old resident of a “retirement home” I can relate to so many incidents and interactions portrayed here. Especially the humor without which life here would be depressing. I am recommending it to everyone.
