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Hendrik Groen

Biography

Hendrik Groen

Hendrik Groen started his pseudonymous diary on the literary website of Torpedo Magazine. He says about his first novel: “There’s not one sentence that’s a lie, but not every word is true.” THE SECRET DIARY OF HENDRIK GROEN has been translated into over 20 languages.

Hendrik Groen

Books by Hendrik Groen

On the Bright Side: The New Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 85 Years Old
written by Hendrik Groen, translated by Hester Velmans - Fiction

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.

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

Technically speaking, Hendrik Groen is...elderly. But at age 83 1/4, this feisty, indomitable curmudgeon has no plans to go out quietly. 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, and he and his best friend, Evert, gleefully stir up trouble. 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.