The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83¼ Years Old by Hendrik Groen

Description

“The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83¼ Years Old” is a novel written by an anonymous author under the pseudonym Hendrik Groen. It was first published in Dutch in 2014 as “Pogingen iets van het leven te maken: Het geheime dagboek van Hendrik Groen, 83 ¼ jaar,” and the English translation by Hester Velmans was published in 2016.

The book is presented in the form of a diary kept by the titular character, Hendrik Groen, an elderly resident of a care home in Amsterdam. Hendrik decides to start the diary to document the daily happenings, reflections, and observations of his life in the care home. The novel provides a humorous and poignant look at aging, friendship, and the challenges faced by elderly individuals.

Hendrik Groen’s diary entries touch on a range of topics, from the mundane to the profound, as he navigates the ups and downs of life in a retirement community. The character’s wit and humor add a lighthearted touch to the narrative, even as it addresses more serious themes such as loneliness and the societal treatment of the elderly.

The novel received positive reviews for its charm, humor, and its honest portrayal of the aging process. If you enjoy heartwarming stories about the human experience and the resilience of individuals in their later years, “The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83¼ Years Old” might be an enjoyable read for you.