The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83¼ Years Old

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The inhabitants have been informed in a short letter that it is now official: the extensive renovations to this building are to begin in November. “I hope I’ll be dead by then,” said Mrs. Vergeer, and she meant it too. “You should never report an old plant,” said Mr. Apotheker. He must have repeated it at least five times. What an old whiner. If they’re thinking of repotting him, let them plant him head down. Hendrik Groen doesn't like old people. Their zimmer frame shuffle, unreasonable impatience, endless complaints, their tea and biscuits, smells or creaking bodies. Although he himself is 83 years old and lives in a residential care home in the Netherlands. This is a book that resonates with me personally. I spend a good two afternoons a week visiting my stepfather who is in just such a nursing home. I must confess I wish he were a little more like Hendrik... Sadly, his wits are not always about him...

Hendrik Groen - Penguin Books UK Hendrik Groen - Penguin Books UK

I have no hesitation in recommending The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 ¼ Years Old as an uplifting, at times hilarious though heartbreaking read. What I will take away from this book is the funny and the sad. I think this is a better book for me to read at my age (a stone’s throw away from retirement age) to be reminded of what will be in store for me if I make it to 70, 80, or beyond…than if I read a scientific book chapter on “this is what happens as the body ages” and statistics on rate of falls and onset of aging-related maladies. Because it’s all in this book, and I got the sobering message, at the same time not sinking into too deep a funk—because the context of the message was presented in a book that I would say had me laughing or grinning a great deal of the time. Toen Pogingen iets van het leven te maken in 2016 de Publieksprijs voor het Nederlandse Boek won, haalde De Smet de prijs dan ook niet persoonlijk op. In 2018 won ook zijn tweede boek Zolang er leven is de NS Publieksprijs. De prijs werd in ontvangst genomen door de acteur Kees Hulst. I must try to be thankful for every happy day, as Grietje is, and I am trying with all my might, but sometimes I’m just not mighty enough.” Only trivial annoyances still matter. “If Greece goes bankrupt the bingo prizes will probably get smaller,” was Mrs. Schouten’s analysis of the eurozone crisis.”

His old club fell apart but every now and then there is a reunion where the former residents get to enjoy some beer and catch up.

Hendrik Groen Series by Hendrik Groen - Goodreads Hendrik Groen Series by Hendrik Groen - Goodreads

Hendrik discovers that pranks are a lot of fun, and his disposing of some unwanted cake in an aquarium stirs up more than a few dead fish. It's a major incident, and the authorities seek to investigate!The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 ¼ years old' by Hendrik Groen is a year in the life of Hendrik Groen who lives in a nursing home. My only worry when I started this book was whether it could hold my interest for the complete year of the diary. I needn't have worried the book did more than hold my attention it was full of little anecdotes that amused and even laugh out loud at times. There are some wonderful characters in this book and even a love interest. Some of the residents form a club called the 'Old-But-Not Dead Club' and this gives the members new hope and entertainment to help them through their old age. As we move through the day by day diary entries of Hendrik, we learn about the Old But Not Dead Club which he formed – the activities and antics, day trips and support which the members offer each other. There is heartache and tragedy, laughter and fun, all of which makes the days so much better than the usual monotony of sitting gazing out the windows. The envy of the other residents is obvious... Let's clear one thing up: Hendrik Groen is not the author of this book. In fact, no one (outside of his Dutch editor) is aware of the author's identity. Speculation is rife that he or she might in fact be a famous writer working under a pseudonym. It hardly matters, for The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83¼ Years Old is a joy to read, as much concerned with friendship and dignity as it is with the debilitating effects of aging. MyHome.ie (Opens in new window) • Top 1000 • The Gloss (Opens in new window) • Recruit Ireland (Opens in new window) • Irish Times Training (Opens in new window)