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In his first attempt at journaling, The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 ¼ Years Old, Hendrik Groen took readers through a year of ups and downs in a care home in Amsterdam. And after taking some time off to recover from the year’s heartbreaks, he’s back for another year of elderly shenanigans in On the Bright Side: The New Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 85 Years Old.
The story catches up with the lovably observant gentleman as he begins another year of reflecting on life both inside and outside of his care facility. He and his friends in the Old But Not Dead Club continue to plan new outings, try new things, and explore the world around them. But the year and its adventures are tinged with grief as Hendrik begins to fear that his best friend’s health may be failing—and that forces him to begin bracing himself for yet another painful loss.
Admittedly, this sequel offers more of the same antics and heart as its predecessor—though that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Groen’s random observations about politics and current events, his reporting on the care home’s residents’ daily squabbles, and his sometimes poignant reflections make for another amusing, enjoyable, and eye-opening read. At times, some of the references to prominent Dutch figures and behaviors may go over the heads of non-Dutch readers, but he rarely remains on one topic for too long, which makes it easy to overlook.
Meanwhile, the characters in the Old But Not Dead Club have, for the most part, become stronger and more sure of themselves in the years since Groen began his journaling. Together, they support each other and their fellow “inmates.” They set out to live their lives to the fullest. And they conspire together to make their facility a better place for everyone who lives there (or at least for the outgoing ones who don’t spend their days complaining).
Once-timid Hendrik has grown stronger and more outspoken, too, and he’s now more likely to speak up to stand up for himself and his friends. Granted, his lack of filter can certainly be shocking at times. After all, he’s of a generation pre-dating social media and political correctness. But his 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.
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