On the Bright Side: The New Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 85 Years Old (Hendrik Groen, 2) - Hardcover

Hendrik Groen started his pseudonymous diary on the literary website of Torpedo Magazine. He says about his first novel: "There's not one sentence that's a lie, but not every word is true." The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen has been translated into over twenty languages.

"You might say he's the Elena Ferrante of the octogenarian set - though whether or not he is actually an octogenarian (or a man) is also anyone's guess...It's an appealing novel with a lot of heart, reminding readers young and old that fun is to be found even in the routine of everyday life. And of course, the possibility that it's more memoir than fiction is delightful."―New York Post

"Humorous...A realistic and perceptive glimpse into the aging process, shaped by empathy, optimism, and vibrant wit."―Booklist

"I laughed until I cried and then laughed and cried some more."―David Suchet

"Highly entertaining...Wise and witty, his musings are thought-provoking and relevant to everyone regardless of age, and his delightful and charming personality will win over readers everywhere....ON THE BRIGHT SIDE is the diary of an extraordinary man who lives an ordinary life. He makes an impact on almost everyone he meets, and seeks to understand the crazy world in which he resides. His clever commentary and madcap adventures will leave a long-term impression ... Hendrik Groen is an unforgettable and absolutely spectacular character who readers will wish they could befriend."― Book Reporter

"Delightful...Groen strikes just the right note here with his wit and ironic observations...So warm, touching, and funny that you don't have to be a member of the Old But Not Dead Club to enjoy it."― Library Journal

"A worthy read...Darkly funny...thought-provoking, moving and so pertinent to our times....Hendrik and some of his fellow residents form a delightfully rebellious "Old But Not Dead Club [and] the group's joie de vivre is contagious...Their friendships are likely to make you chuckle as well as move you to tears."― Winnipeg Free Press

"Thoughtful, entertaining, and wise. Long may he live."―Lisa Jewell, Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Another amusing, enjoyable, and eye-opening read...Hendrik's bluntness is just a part of his memorable voice and the book's undeniable charm....With its dry wit and its random observations, On the Bright Side is alternately quirky and profound. It's more than just an entertaining read; it's sure to give you a new love and respect for octogenarians."― Nights and Weekends

PRAISE FOR THE SECRET DIARY OF HENDRIK GROEN:
"Amusing [and] wickedly accurate...Reading The Secret Diary, I was constantly put in mind of Ken Kesey's madhouse tale One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, another comi-tragedy concerning the tyranny of institutions of the unwanted. Enjoy Groen's light touch but do not be fooled by it....The Secret Diary is a handbook of resistance for our time."―The Express (UK)


"Funny and frank - a story with a great deal of heart."
―Graeme Simsion, New York Times bestselling author of The Rosie Project