On the Bright Side

The New Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 85 Years Old

De: Hendrik Groen

Narrado por: Patrick Ryecart

In the acclaimed follow-up to the number one international best seller The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, everyone's favorite curmudgeon is back and as funny and charming as ever with the newest adventures of the Old-But-Not-Dead Club - for fans of Frederik Backman and Graeme Simsion.

Everyone's favorite octogenarian is back, and together with his pals in the Old-But-Not-Dead Club, he is 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.

©2017 Henrik Groen (P)2019 Hachette Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"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

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)!

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.

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.

True wisdom

The equipoise of an 85 year old allows a clear view of life, our politics and our social constructs.
Beautifully read.
A kick up the backside for anyone feeling morose .... or self-satisfied.
I want Hendrik to be my friend.

great sequel to a lovely story

a wonderful way to wrap up such a phenomenal story and great list of characters

Was sad when the book was over!

This was a great follow up book to the first. The characters were just as lively, you could visually see their day and day out, I laughed, I cried, it was a very well written book. It engaged you, and you felt like you were listening to an old friend. Highly recommend!

I’m so happy to hear about my old friends again!

Oh how I’ve missed the Old But Not Dead Club. While his hilarious sarcasm is no longer shockingly funny I still laughed aloud often and certainly cried as well. If you loved the first diary, you’ll love this one.

More insights from an elder who is bright and obse

After the first book read by Derek Jacoby we were almost not happy to listen to a book narrated by someone else. But this narrator was also an older man and was almost as good as jacoby. This book has parts which are so funny we couldn't stop laughing. The Old But Not Dead club from Hendrik's nursing home embarks on a restaurant cuisines of the world series of outings. The group's visit to a McDonald's where none have ever been is absolutely priceless.
This book has more seriousness to it. Yet we noticed after reading both books that the author, a real person, speaks much less about euthanasia. We listen to books on our frequent trips across country, which are to visit and help two elderly family members. We found that a great chunk of the 1400 miles one way was made more pleasant because of this book. If you loved the first book, read this. It is, as I say, more reflective and in some ways much sadder, but his wit and observations are worth your credit! We need more Hendriks writing to remind us of the worth of our elders.