On the Bright Side

Name: On the Bright Side
Brand: Penguin Random House NZ
SKU: 9781405930307
Price: 24.0 NZD
Availability: InStock

The new secret diary of Hendrik Groen

By Hendrik Groen

0.0 (0 reviews)

4.14

( 7,887 ratings, 890 reviews)

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.
Read More

Format: Paperback / softback

$24⁰⁰

Elsewhere:

~~$26⁰⁰~~

AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

On the Bright Side

$24⁰⁰

Elsewhere:

~~$26⁰⁰~~

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.

AUTHOR SIGNING 26 Sep 2026

Jon Toogood visits Book Hero

We were so honoured to have Aotearoa's own royal rock legend Jon Toogood visit Book...

NEW HERO ALERT 25 Sep 2026

New Hero Alert! Meet Liam - our new Bookstore Hero

We’re thrilled to welcome Liam to the Book Hero team! You’ll find him in our...

LIZZY'S CORNER 25 Sep 2026

Celebrating Bird of the Year 2026 with Bird Books

Today I've got a couple of INCREDIBLE bird books as well as a reading list...

AMELIA'S CORNER 24 Sep 2026

Amelia's Favourite Puzzle Vibe: What Makes a Puzzle Cosy?

What makes a puzzle feel cosy? Amelia shares her favourite puzzle vibe, from bookshops and...

THE BOOK BRIEFING 24 Sep 2026

The Book Briefing: 23rd September

Another busy day in the reading world with new book announcements and reveals, events happening...

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.

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.

Also by Hendrik Groen

View all

The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen

In this #1 international bestseller, an old man who is young at heart proves that life doesn't stop once you enter a nursing home, perfect for fans of A Man Called Ove. Technically speaking, Hendrik Groen is elderly. But at age 83 and one quarter, this feisty curmudgeon has no plans to go out quietly. Bored of weak tea and...

By Hendrik Groen

Paperback

$52⁰⁰

Available
Ships in 2-3 weeks
The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83¼ Years Old

An international bestselling novel, The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83¼ Years Old captures a year in the life of an elderly man writing an exposé from an old-people's home in Amsterdam. Hendrik Groen may be old, but he is far from dead and isn't planning to be buried any time soon. So he sets out to write an exposé—a...

By Hendrik Groen

Paperback

Sold Out

More from General Fiction

View all

Lizzy's Pick

Yesteryear

A BOLD AND BITING SATIRE. WILL HAVE YOU GASPING TO THE FINAL PAGE — Nita Prose WICKEDLY FUNNY, BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN AND FRIGHTENINGLY PERCEPTIVE — Abigail Dean INVENTIVE, ADDICTIVE, A WILD RIDE — Ashley Audrain SHOT THROUGH WITH HUMOUR AND LACED WITH DARKNESS — Clare Mackintosh The Stepford Wives meets The Handmaid's Tale — Hannah Deitch My name was Natalie Heller...

By Caro Claire Burke

Paperback

$29⁹⁹
Elsewhere:
~~$36⁹⁹~~

(3)

In Stock
Ships today
Dylan's Pick

Theo of Golden

THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING PHENOMENON'For anything to be truly good, there must be love in it. Nothing is what it's supposed to be if love is not at the core.' One morning, a stranger arrives in the town of Golden. No one knows who he is or where he came from…His name is Theo and he's arrived there by chance –...

By Allen Levi

Paperback

$28⁹⁹
Elsewhere:
~~$34⁹⁹~~

(6)

In Stock
Ships today
The Wedding People

'BEST READ OF THE YEAR SO FAR' THE TIMES 'BOOKS AS FUN AS THIS ONE ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN' GUARDIAN Phoebe Stone arrives at a grand beachside hotel in Rhode Island wearing her best dress and least comfortable shoes. Immediately she is mistaken for one of the wedding people — but she's actually the only guest at the Cornwall...

By Alison Espach

Paperback

$23⁹⁹
Elsewhere:
~~$27⁹⁹~~

(3)

In Stock
Ships today
A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set (5 books)

All five of the Court of Thorns and Roses paperbacks packaged together in a gorgeous box set. "Passionate, violent, sexy and daring." —USA TODAY on A Court of Thorns and Roses Feyre is a huntress. The skin of a wolf would bring enough gold to feed her sisters for a month. But the life of a magical creature comes at...

By Sarah J. Maas

Set

$99⁹⁹
Elsewhere:
~~$124⁹⁵~~

(4)

In Stock
Ships today
A Court of Wings and Ruin

The third instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON, romantic fantasy epic and TikTok sensation, ACOTAR. From multi-million and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas. In A Court of Wings and Ruin, the gripping third book of the ACOTAR series, Feyre Archeron faces the ultimate battle for her world. Having returned to the Spring Court, she is determined to gather...

By Sarah J. Maas

Paperback

$21⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$22⁹⁹~~

In Stock
Ships today
A Court of Thorns and Roses

The first instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON and TikTok sensation, from multi-million selling and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas. Maas has established herself as a fantasy fiction titan – Time Harry Potter magic, Taylor Swift sass, Fifty Shades-level athleticism – The Sunday Times With bits of Buffy, Game of Thrones and Outlander, this is a glorious series...

By Sarah J. Maas

Paperback

$21⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$22⁹⁹~~

(2)

In Stock
Ships today
A Court of Mist and Fury

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas continues Feyre Archeron's epic journey in the world of the High Fae. Having survived the brutal trials under the Mountain, Feyre returns to the Spring Court. Though she now possesses the immortal powers of the High Fae, the traumatic experiences have left scars on her human heart. Haunted by the...

By Sarah J. Maas

Paperback

$21⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$22⁹⁹~~

In Stock
Ships today
A Court of Frost and Starlight

In A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas, readers are invited to revisit the enchanting world of Prythian in a heartwarming and introspective narrative. Set against the backdrop of the Winter Solstice, Feyre Archeron and her mate Rhysand return to centre stage as they strive to restore the Night Court after the devastating conflicts of A Court...

By Sarah J. Maas

Paperback

$21⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$22⁹⁹~~

In Stock
Ships today
Limited Edition

A Court of Frost and Starlight - Night Court Edition

The magic and beauty of the Night Court is captured in these LIMITED EDITIONS of the Court of Thorns and Roses series! This Night Court Edition features the Night Court symbol on a striking black and silver foiled cover and includes black sprayed edges. An unmissable companion tale to the GLOBAL PHENOMENON, romantic fantasy epic and TikTok sensation, ACOTAR. From...

By Sarah J. Maas

Paperback

$23⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$27⁹⁹~~

In Stock
Ships today
Limited Edition

A Court of Silver Flames - Night Court Edition

The magic and beauty of the Night Court is captured in these LIMITED EDITIONS of the Court of Thorns and Roses series! This Night Court Edition features the Night Court symbol on a striking black and silver foiled cover and includes black sprayed edges. The latest instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON, romantic fantasy epic and TikTok sensation, ACOTAR. From multi-million...

By Sarah J. Maas

Paperback

$25⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$27⁹⁹~~

In Stock
Ships today
A Court of Silver Flames

The latest instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON, romantic fantasy epic and TikTok sensation, ACOTAR. From multi-million and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas. Maas has established herself as a fantasy fiction titan - Time Think Game of Thrones meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer with a drizzle of E.L. James – Telegraph Spiced with slick plotting and atmospheric world-building...

By Sarah J. Maas

Paperback

$21⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$24⁹⁹~~

(1)

In Stock
Ships today
Limited Edition

A Court of Wings and Ruin - Night Court Edition

The magic and beauty of the Night Court is captured in these LIMITED EDITIONS of the Court of Thorns and Roses series! This Night Court Edition features the Night Court symbol on a striking black and silver foiled cover and includes black sprayed edges. The third installment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON, romantic fantasy epic and TikTok sensation, ACOTAR. From multi-million...

By Sarah J. Maas

Paperback

$24⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$27⁹⁹~~

In Stock
Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.