Book Review: On the Bright Side by Hendrik Groen

On the Bright Side: The New Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 85 Years Old
by Hendrik Groen (Groen)

This book features a year in the life of Hendrik Groen. He is a dapper gent who tells it like it is, and doesn’t pull his punches. He’s not “vulgar” like his friend Evert, but they’re both ornery and living large in an old folks home in Holland. His favorite activities include going on outings with his buddies in a parade of motor scooters, traveling in a pack with the Old But Not Dead Club, and taking naps. Hendrik shares with us a friendly window into life as it really is in a care facility. Among the topics discussed are euthanasia, adult diapers, dementia, kids-these-days, and the petty squabbles of any group of humans living in close quarters. All done with a droll sense of humor.

Reading Hendrik’s diary-style entries, reminds me of sitting on the porch swing with my grandpa on a summer night, listening to him talk to the neighbors while we all waited for it to get late enough to go to bed. I felt like a kid again, listening to the grown-ups and trying to keep quiet so I could overhear their secret talk.

A book that reminds you of summer nights and a very special grandpa just can’t be beat.

[If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen 83 1/4 years old, by Hendrik Groen, or No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, by Alexander McCall-Smith (for a similar cozy theme).]

[ publisher Penguin UK’s official Hendrik Groen web page ]

Recommended by Carrie K.
Bennett Martin Public Library

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