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The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen

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The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen

Written by: Hendrik Groen, Hester Velmans - translator
Narrated by: Derek Jacobi
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About this listen

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.

©2017 Hester Velmans (P)2017 Hachette Audio Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Romance Romantic Comedy World Literature Comedy Scandinavia Funny Heartfelt Witty

What the critics say

"Funny and frank - a story with a great deal of heart." (Graeme Simsion, New York Times best-selling author of The Rosie Project)

"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, internationally best-selling author of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas)

"The humble diary of a gentleman who is fighting depression in the twilight of his life is masterfully brought to life by Derek Jacobi's outstanding narration. It's a treat to listen to Jacobi's rich voice and musical intonation... A delightful and richly rewarding listening experience." (AudioFile)
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It was a bit close to the bone for me at my she. But it was realistic. As I say, depressing. The message, live til you die was inspiring, though.

Funny, adorable, mildly depressing

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I suppose this is supposed to be cute and funny. Not so much.
Life in an old folks home is typically not hilarious.

🙈

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