On the Bright Side
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  • Published: 30 July 2018
  • ISBN: 9781405930307
  • Imprint: Michael Joseph
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 416
  • RRP: $26.00
Categories:

On the Bright Side

The new secret diary of Hendrik Groen

Formats & editions
Paperback
30 Jul 2018
EBook
11 Jan 2018
Audiobook
11 Jan 2018
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The new life-affirming, hilarious and heart-warming fictional diary from the beloved octogenarian and internationally bestselling author

Eighty-five-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 eighty-five, but Hendrik Groen has no intention of slowing up - or going down without a fight.
  • Published: 30 July 2018
  • ISBN: 9781405930307
  • Imprint: Michael Joseph
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 416
  • RRP: $26.00
Categories:

Also by Hendrik Groen

The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83¼ Years Old
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Praise for On the Bright Side

Praise for The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83¼ Years Old

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Very funny

Jeremy Paxman, Financial Times

Terrific. This geriatric Adrian Mole made me laugh

Fanny Blake, Woman and Home

I laughed until I cried and then laughed and cried some more

David Suchet

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

'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

A funny but also touching diary praised for its wit and realism

BBC Radio 4 Front Row

Hendrik pens an exposé of his care home, sets up the Old-But-Not-Dead club and relishes the arrival of a new female resident. This geriatric Adrian Mole made me laugh and think. Terrific

Fanny Blake, Woman and Home

Very funny

Financial Times

Discover more

Article
How to achieve a bright 2018

Anonymous author Hendrik Groen talks about the importance of bringing old age to people's attention, and how to achieve a bright 2018.