The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen
The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen follows an 83-year-old nursing-home resident who secretly records daily life and starts a mischievous club with friends. Its publisher presents it as a humorous, tender story about ageing, friendship and finding joy.
At a glance
- A rebellious nursing-home diarist, his close friend Evert and their Old-But-Not-Dead Club are at the centre of the story.
- The publisher description combines comic troublemaking with tender moments and a late-life romance.
- The listing gives a 384-page print length in English.
Reference price: $24.99
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- The premise pairs humour with a reflective look at ageing and life in a retirement home.
- The story includes friendship, a club formed by residents and a romantic thread.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Grand Central Publishing |
|---|---|
| Publication date | April 3 2018 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 384 pages |
| Dimensions | 13.34 x 2.39 x 20.32 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 1.05 kg |
| ISBN-10 | 1455542156 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-1455542154 |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers looking for humorous fiction with an older central character and an ageing theme.
- Fans of stories that mix comic mischief with friendship and emotional moments.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
54% 54% - 4 stars
28% 28% - 3 stars
13% 13% - 2 stars
3% 3% - 1 star
2% 2%
Customer feedback describes the book as funny, readable and charming, while also finding it poignant and grounded in the realities of ageing. That combination suits the listing’s comic nursing-home premise, though buyers seeking humour without more reflective or emotional moments may want to keep the tonal mix in mind. Aggregate ratings lean positive overall, but do not explain individual readers’ reasons.
Positive themes
- Readers describe it as enjoyable, humorous and easy to read.
- Feedback also praises its warmth and its realistic-feeling approach to advanced age.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen about?
Hendrik Groen, aged 83 and a quarter, secretly writes about life in his retirement home and joins friends in the Old-But-Not-Dead Club, which stirs up trouble.
What tone does the book take?
The listing describes a blend of humour and tenderness, with themes of ageing, friendship and romance.
How long is this edition?
The listing states a print length of 384 pages.
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