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About the Book

About the Book

The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen

written by Hendrik Groen, translated by Hester Velmans

A #1 international bestseller in the vein of Fredrik Bachman's A MAN CALLED OVE: an irresistible, funny, charming and tender-hearted tale about friendship, love and an old man who is young at heart.

Technically speaking, Hendrik Groen is....elderly. But at age 83 1/4, this feisty, indomitable curmudgeon has no plans to go out quietly. Bored of weak tea and potted geraniums, exasperated by the indignities of aging, Hendrik has decided to rebel --- on his own terms. He begins writing an exposé: secretly recording the antics of day-to-day life in his retirement home, where he refuses to take himself, or his fellow "inmates," too seriously.

With an eccentric group of friends he founds the wickedly anarchic Old-But-Not-Dead Club --- "Rule #3: No Whining Allowed" --- and he and his best friend, Evert, gleefully stir up trouble, enraging the home's humorless director and turning themselves into unlikely heroes. And when a sweet and sassy widow moves in next door, he polishes his shoes, grooms what's left of his hair, and determines to savor every ounce of joy in the time he has left, with hilarious and tender consequences.

A bestselling phenomenon that has captured imaginations around the world, THE SECRET DIARY OF HENDRIK GROEN is inspiring, charming and laugh-out-loud funny with a deep and poignant core: a page-turning delight for readers of any age.

Audiobook available, read by Sir Derek Jacobi

The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen
written by Hendrik Groen, translated by Hester Velmans

  • Publication Date: April 3, 2018
  • Genres: Fiction
  • Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
  • ISBN-10: 1455542156
  • ISBN-13: 9781455542154