On the Bright Side

The New Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 85 Years Old

By: Hendrik Groen, Hester Velmans - translator

Narrated by: Patrick Ryecart

The lovable curmudgeon Hendrik Groen is back, and as funny and charming as ever in a new adventure with the Old-But-Not-Dead Club—perfect for fans of Frederik Backman and Graeme Simision.

Everyone's favorite octogenarian and his pals are more determined than ever to wreak havoc and turn a twinkly eye on the brighter side of life.

After a year spent mourning the death of his beloved friend Eefje, Hendrik may be older and a little more wobbly, but his youthful appetite for mischief hasn't diminished.

When fears arise that the home is set for demolition, it's up to Hendrik and the Old-But-Not-Dead Club to intervene.

Critic reviews

"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."—p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 18.0px; font: 16.0px Times; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff}span.s1 {font-kerning: none}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."—p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'}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."—p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 18.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; color: #000000}span.s1 {font-kerning: none}Winnipeg Free Press

"Thoughtful, entertaining, and wise. Long may he live."—Lisa Jewell, p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'}span.s1 {font-kerning: none}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."—p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'}Nights and Weekends

Another hilarious view of life

While this narrator was not as demonstrative as Derek Jacobi, once I increased the speed to 1.2 it became tolerable. Terrific point of view.

The character

I loved the entire story I have most writers from this author.
It was funny.

As good as the first!

I thoroughly enjoyed both of the Secret Diary books and was a little sad when the story came to an end. I’m not a member of The Old But Not Dead Club quite yet, but I’m almost looking forward to it (at least I’m no longer dreading it)!

On the Bright Side

Wonderful read. A diary read out and so easily followed. I frequently forgot it was a diary and not a novel.

Not nearly as good as the first

I enjoyed the first book so much, I listened to it twice and decided to buy the second. It was a disappointment. The narrator did an okay job but lacked the kind of delivery that made the first book come to life. And the story itself was much duller. Some themes were repeated but then, don’t the old repeat themselves from time to time? Overall, The Bright Side sounds more like the Depressed Side.