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On the Bright Side

The new secret diary of Hendrik Groen
By Hendrik Groen
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
On the Bright Side by Hendrik Groen offers a humorous and poignant glimpse into the life of an octogenarian as he navigates the everyday challenges of aging while maintaining his sense of adventure and mischief. The story follows Hendrik and his group of friends in a retirement home where they form the "Old But Not Dead Club," embarking on a series of rebellious escapades. Through its charming narrative, the book explores themes of friendship, resilience, and finding joy in the later stages of life.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy humorous and heartwarming tales about friendship and aging. Set in a senior care centre, it provides a witty and touching perspective on life, filled with mischief and the vibrancy of community spirit. If you appreciate stories that mix poignancy with a dash of rebellion, you may find this an engaging read.

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On the Bright Side

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The new life-affirming, hilarious and heart-warming fictional diary from the beloved octogenarian and internationally bestselling author.

Eighty-five-year-old Hendrik Groen is fed up to his false teeth with coffee mornings and bingo. He dreams of escaping the confines of his care home and practising hairpin turns on his mobility scooter. Inspired by his fellow members of the recently formed Old-But-Not-Dead Club, he vows to put down his custard cream and commit to a spot of octogenarian anarchy.

But the care home's director will not stand for drunken bar crawls, illicit fireworks and geriatric romance on her watch. The Old-But-Not-Dead Club must stick together if they're not to go gently into that good night. Things turn more serious, however, when rumours surface that the home is set for demolition. It's up to Hendrik and the gang to stop it - or drop dead trying...

He may be the wrong side of eighty-five, but Hendrik Groen has no intention of slowing up - or going down without a fight.

On the Bright Side is a spirited and engaging journey into the delights and challenges of life at any age.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

On the Bright Side by Hendrik Groen is widely praised for its humorous and heartwarming exploration of ageing, filled with self-deprecating humour and quirky characters. Critics highlight its charm, wit, and poignant themes of friendship, dignity, and selflessness. The book is noted for its realistic portrayal of life in a care home and is frequently compared to a "geriatric Adrian Mole," offering laughs and a thoughtful reflection on life and ageing.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781405930307

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 23 August 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Contributors:

  • Translated by Hester Velmans

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 284g

Pages: 416

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Hendrik Groen Literary Fiction Penguin Books

About the Author

Hendrik Groen started his diaries on the literary website of Torpedo magazine. His first diary, The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 Years Old, has been translated into over thirty languages and On The Bright Side went straight to Number One in its native Netherlands. Hester Velmans is the author of two popular children's novels and an award-winning translator specializing in modern fiction. Her translation of Renate Dorrestein's A Heart of Stone won the Vondel Prize for Translation.

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