Title: The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen Pdf
For fans of A Man Called Ove comes a funny, big-hearted tale about an old man who is young at heart.
Hendrik Groen may be old, but he is far from dead and isn't planning to be buried any time soon. Granted, his daily strolls are getting shorter because his legs are no longer willing, and he has to visit his doctor more than he'd like. Technically speaking he is...elderly. But surely there is more to life at his age than weak tea and potted geraniums?
Hendrik sets out to write an exposé: a year in the life of his care home in Amsterdam, revealing all its ups and downs - not least his new endeavor, the anarchic Old-but-Not-Dead Club. And when Eefje moves in - the woman Hendrik has always longed for - he polishes his shoes (and his teeth), grooms what's left of his hair, and attempts to make something of the life he has left, with hilarious, tender, and devastating consequences.
The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen will not only delight older listeners with its wit and relevance but charm and inspire those who have years to go before their own expiry dates.
A sweet and thoughtful novel Mr. Hendrik Groen, resident of an old age home in Amsterdam, decides to keep a journal over the course of 2013. He intends to write a scathing and honest look at life in the home, but it turns into a charming meditation on life, love, and aging. It is interesting to see the character move from snarky and unhappy to trying to make the most of his life.Mr. Groen begins by commenting on the other residents of the facility and their irritating habits. His best friend is a heavy drinker with no filter and a love of mischief. Mr. Groen’s life begins to change when an intelligent and pleasant woman moves in. Together they decide to learn more about the rules and regulations of the home, suspecting that the rules are made for the convenience of administration. Along with his closest friends, they form the Old But Not Yet Dead Club. Each member takes a turn planning a secret event for the group. This angers the residents, who are essentially jealous at being left out. Over the year, members of the group suffer various illnesses and you see them pull together to help each other. The journal also contains commentary on recent events, financial affairs, and conditions for the elderly throughout the world. There are also a lot of reflections on assisted suicide, which Mr. Groen fully supports and wishes for himself. Pro or con, it will make you think.This is a very enjoyable novel with a delightful protagonist. I found it interesting that the author decided to reveal very little about Mr. Groen’s life prior to being in the old age home. You find out just enough to know that his life has not been easy. The lack of backstory works here, as it keeps you focused on the present. This book has been compared to A Man Called Ove. There are some similarities, but Mr. Groen lacks the bite and bitterness of Ove. However, they both discover that it takes a village to make a life happy and full.The only reason why I did not give it 5 stars is that the fine nuances and cultural details of Holland and Amsterdam or ... Hilarious. I read it in Dutch, and bought this for an English speaking friend. The only reason why I did not give it 5 stars is that the fine nuances and cultural details of Holland and Amsterdam or the Dutch jokes he makes do not come across as well in English....I loved it, and really makes you think about your own aging process in general. It is an easy read, written as a diary for each day of the year. In short, it is sweet, sad, funny, touching human story about growing old in a retirement home.A funny, compassionate look at where we're all headed, someday, if we're lucky. At 83-1/4 years old Hendrick decides to quit being so easy to get along with and tell the world exactly what he thinks ... in his diary at least. Full of funny, quaint and poignant tales of living in a nursing home, he describes his fellow "inmates" in hilarious and heart-felt ways, facing life and death on a permanent basis, but always with compassion, understanding, and not a small sense of humor.It will make you laugh out loud, it may even make you cry ... but no matter what, you'll enjoy the ride. As any good book should do. A definite winner.
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