Hi all:
Today I bring you the review of a book that I had been looking forward to for a while. Some of you might remember my review of the first book but…
On the Bright Side by Hendrik Groen
‘A funny but also touching diary praised for its wit and realism’ BBC Radio 4 Front Row
The Old-But-Not-Dead Club return, in the sequel to the INTERNATIONALLY BESTSELLING The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 ¼ Years Old, bringing with them some life-affirming lawlessness.
Chaos will ensue as 85-year-old Hendrik Groen is determined to grow old with dignity: to rise up against the care home director. NO more bingo. NO more over- boiled vegetables. NO more health and safety.
85-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 85, but Hendrik Groen has no intention of slowing up – or going down without a fight.
Praise for Hendrik Groen
‘A story with a great deal of heart, it pulled me in with its self-deprecating humour, finely drawn characters and important themes. Anyone who hopes to grow old with dignity will have much to reflect on’ Graeme Simsion
‘There are many laughs in this book but it’s so much more than just a comedy. It’s a story about how friendship, selflessness and dignity lie at the heart of the human experience. When I’m an old man, I want to be Hendrik Groen’ John Boyne
‘I laughed until I cried and then laughed and cried some more’ David Suchet
‘Thoughtful, anxious and gruff… Laced with humour’ The Best New Fiction Mail on Sunday
‘Amusing [and] wickedly accurate’ ***** FIVE STARS Sunday Express
‘Highly entertaining … a fiction so closely based on the observation of real life that it is utterly convincing’ Daily Express
‘Full of off-beat charm and quirky characters’ Cathy Rentzenbrink, Stylist
‘Hendrik pens an exposé of his care home. This geriatric Adrian Mole made me laugh and think. Terrific’ Fanny Blake, Woman and Home
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bright-Side-Hendrik-Groen-ebook/dp/B074R9K8Q1/
https://www.amazon.com/Bright-Side-Hendrik-Groen-ebook/dp/B074R9K8Q1/
Editorial review:
Review
Amusing [and] wickedly accurate … I was constantly put in mind of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, another comi-tragedy concerning the tyranny of institutions of the unwanted. Enjoy Groen’s light touch but do not be fooled by it. We live in an ageing society. The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen is a handbook of resistance for our time (***** FIVE STARS Sunday Express)
A story with a great deal of heart, it pulled me in with its self-deprecating humour, finely drawn characters and important themes. Anyone who hopes to grow old with dignity will have much to reflect on (Graeme Simsion)
There are many laughs in this book but it’s so much more than just a comedy. It’s a story about how friendship, selflessness and dignity lie at the heart of the human experience. When I’m an old man, I want to be Hendrik Groen (John Boyne)
I laughed until I cried and then laughed and cried some more (David Suchet)
Thoughtful, anxious and gruff… Laced with humour (Best New Fiction Mail on Sunday)
Highly entertaining … a delightful and touching saga of one man’s way of coping with old age … we may assume that Hendrik Groen is a character of fiction. But it is a fiction so closely based on the observation of real life that it is utterly convincing (Daily Express)
A joy to read, as much concerned with friendship and dignity as it is with the debilitating effects of aging … An entertaining and uplifting story of a man in the winter of his days, stoic in the face of bureaucratic nonsense and an unabashed need to wear a nappy. Imagined or not, this is the diary of someone who wants nothing more than to be allowed see out his days with dignity and respect. It’s not too much to ask, really, is it? (John Boyne Irish Times)
Full of off-beat charm and quirky characters (Cathy Rentzenbrink Stylist)
Praise for The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83¼ Years Old (–)
Very funny (Jeremy Paxman Financial Times)
From the Inside Flap
85-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 85, but Hendrik Groen has no intention of slowing up – or going down without a fight.
My review:
Thanks to Net Galley and to Penguin UK-Michael Joseph for providing me an ARC copy of this book that I freely chose to review.
A while back I read The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 ¼ Years Old (check my review here) and loved it. I was on the lookout for the next one, and when I saw the next one was available for download at NetGalley I did not hesitate. It has now been published and I could not pass the chance to share my review.
Hendrik explains what has happened since his last diary (yes, he is older now) and decides to write his diary for another year, as a way to keep his brain going. He is now 85 and he needed some time to get over some of the sad events of the last book. But the Old-But-Not-Dead Club is still going strong, with new members and plans, including regularly exploring international cuisine (more or less), a short holiday abroad, and an attempt at local (extremely local) politics. Hendrik’s voice is as witty and observant as it was in the first book, although there is perhaps a grittier and darker note (he is feeling low, everything is getting tougher and unfortunately, life gets harder as the year goes along). But not all is doom and gloom and there are very funny moments, as well as some very sad ones. His comments about politics and world events, always seen from an elderly population’s perspective, are sharp and clear-sighted and will give readers pause. Some of them are local and I suspect I was not the only one who did not know who many of the people where or what anecdotes he referred to at times (I must admit that although I know a bit about Dutch painters, I know little about their politics or music, for example), but even if we cannot follow all the references in detail, unfortunately, they are easily translatable to social and political concerns we are likely to recognize, wherever we live. Funding cuts, social problems, concerns about health and social care, crime, terrorism, global warming feature prominently, although sometimes with a very peculiar twist.
The secondary characters are as wonderful and varied as in the previous book. Some of them have moved on (physically, mentally, or both), and we get to know better some of the ones that only briefly appeared in the previous volume. We also have new arrivals at the nursing home, and a more direct involvement in the home’s politics (with anxiety-provoking news present as well. Is the nursing home going to close?). I loved some of the proposed and adopted rules (a complaint-free zone to avoid wallowing in conversations about ailments and illnesses, a high-tea facilitated by the residents, an art exhibition, even if the artist is not the most sympathetic of characters…) and the sayings of the residents. Of course, life at a nursing home comes with its share of loss and although I don’t want to reveal too much, I can say the subject of death is treated in a realistic, respectful, and moving way.
I shed some of the quotes I highlighted, to give you a taster (although I recommend checking a sample and seeing what you think. And, although it is not necessary to read the first book first, I think it works better knowing the characters and their journey so far):
The idea of using care homes to look after the comfort, control and companionship of the elderly is fine in principle. It just fails in the execution. What old age homes actually stand for is infantilizing, dependence, and laziness.
One in four old people who break one or more hips die within the year. That number seems high to me, but it’s in the newspaper, so there is room for doubt.
It’s always astonished me to see the wide support clowns and crooks are able to muster. Watching old newsreels of that loudmouth Mussolini, you’d think now there’s a bloke only his mother could love. But no, millions of Italians loved him.(Yes, I’m sure this can make us all think of a few people).
Difficult new terms that tend to obscure rather than clarify, especially when uttered by policy-makers. It often has to do with hiding something —either a budget cut, or hot air, or both at once.
Managerial skills alone don’t make for better care, it only makes for cheaper one.
And, a great ending (and one we should all take up this year):
A new year —how you get through it is up to you, Groen; life doesn’t come with training wheels. Get this show on the road. As long as there’s life.
The tone of the book is bitter-sweet, and, as mentioned, it feels darker than the previous one, perhaps because Hendrik is even more aware of his limitations and those of his friends, and is increasingly faced with the problem of loneliness, and with thoughts about the future. But, overall, this is a book that makes us think about the zest for life, about living life to the full, and about making the best out of our capabilities. As I said on my previous review, I hope I can meet a Hendrik if I get to that age, and I’ll also make sure to join the Old-But-Not-Dead Club and be an agitator and enjoy life to the end. Don’t ever settle for the easy way out.
A great book for those interested in the subject of growing old, in great characters, and in an out-of-the-ordinary setting. It has plenty of adventures and events (even trips abroad and international cuisine), although it is not a book I’d recommend to people who love fast action and high-octane thrillers. If you enjoy first-person narrations, love older characters, and don’t mind thinking about the long-term (ish) future, I recommend this very inspiring book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for the book, thanks to all of you for reading and remember to like, share, comment, click and REVIEW!
It does sound a fun series.
Thanks, Rosie. It is, and quite different to the usual fare. Also, it is very popular in its country of origin, and I can’t say I’ve read many books written by Dutch writers (although a few set there). 🙂
I recall your love for the first book. I can also see the attraction of being a rebellious old man!
This does put me in mind of the Pauline Collins drama though, based on a 1993 book of the same name.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mrs_Caldicot%27s_Cabbage_War
Best wishes, Pete.
Thanks, Pete. I’ve never heard of that one and love Pauline Collins, so I must check it out. In Hendrik’s case, there’s no conspiracy behind his stay at the nursing home. It was his own decision and he has no relatives left. In fact, one of the issues in this novel is that they have changed the criteria for admission to nursing homes in Holland (for those who cannot just pay for them) and now only elderly who are very dependent qualify, and they are quite worried about a possible closure of their nursing home. He is quite wonderful and even the characters who are not as likely sound true to life!
Olga, your exchange here with Pete astonished me. Granted I don’t know everything about what “care” can be gotten for free in the USA, but I’ve never heard of any kind of free nursing home. I watch many people who still haven’t gotten their children out of the nest now having to add the expenses of supporting elderly parents. Very few can afford nursing homes. I’ve always assumed that when I can no longer work, I’ll have to go ahead and die… Free nursing homes? Fascinating. TGIF hugs.
Thanks, Teagan. As you know, there is a National Health Service in the UK (there’s a similar thing in Spain. I don’t know how the system works in Holland, but from the book, I assume it is somewhat similar). It is free “at the point of delivery”, but of course, everybody pays taxes (that depending on one’s earnings can be fairly high) and that is where a big part of the money goes (although, well… not enough). When I worked in old age psychiatry there was always a bit of a struggle to decide if elderly patients had “mental health needs” (in that case the NHS had to pay for the nursing home, for example), or not. If not, but they could not look after themselves, then they had to be funded by social services. But it is means tested. If somebody has a property, for example, they have to sell it and use the money for their care. When they don’t have enough money left to pay for their care, then social services would stop in. But there are people who do not have enough money to begin with and then yes, hopefully they would be looked after, although, as I say, the criteria has been getting more stringent (and usually there are very long waiting lists for the places that offer beds funded by social services, as these nursing homes have to provide the care within the budget given, and it can be very difficult as money is getting tighter and tighter). Time to emigrate, Teagan?
I see, Olga. Thank you for the explanation. Time to emigrate? LOL 😀 I probably would if I thought Crystal could survive the air travel easily.
Have a wonder-filled weekend.
You too! (Perhaps Canada…)
It sounds like a worthwhile book, Olga. I appreciate your mindful review — you touched on an important thing for me. I can’t do bittersweet right now… Okay I rarely can do it. LOL. Still, I enjoyed your review. Hugs!
Thanks, Teagan. It has its very sad moments and some very amusing ones, but I understand perfectly well what you mean. Have a great Tuesday!
Right up my alley Olga. I’ve added it! 🙂
Sorry, Debby. I found your comment lingering in the Spam folder. I wonder if it is related to your recent problems with WordPress. I saw your post on Facebook but have no idea what it could be (other than writing to the happy engineers).
I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Even with the sad parts, it’s still a great read. Have a great week.
Thanks for letting me know Olga. Once again I’m going to spam jail it seems. Thanks for keeping your eye out. <3
Thank you. I try to remember to check but sometimes I forget. I’m sure it’s a temporary thing.
I hope so. 🙂
Definitely one for me. Thanks.
Thanks, Hilary. I think you’ll love it. ♥
I must say Olga, that this sounds like a really interesting read.
It is, Robbie. The first one is a bit lighter (and I’d recommend starting by reading that one) and I have grown very fond of Hendrik and his friends. Have a great weekend.
Sounds interesting, but very different from anything I’ve encountered regarding enjoyment of old age.
Thanks, Shimon. The characters are well portrayed and I am very fond of Hendrick. It is a very interesting take on nursing homes and institutional elderly care, that is for sure. Even with their sad moments, thinking of these books makes me smile.