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Hendrik Groen #0
Two Old Men and a Baby: Or, How Hendrik and Evert Get Themselves into a Jam
Nine years before the events of the #1 international bestseller The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 ¼ Years Old, Hendrik and his best friend Evert embark on a madcap adventure — with an unexpected guest.
Hendrik Groen and Evert Duiker, faithful friends in good and bad times, are well over seventy and their lives have quieted down. They see each other once a week to play chess, have a drink, and grab a bite to eat while reflecting on life.
But one day, their peace is rudely disturbed when Evert shows up on Hendrik’s doorstep with a surprise in the form of an unexpected little guest. He had spotted a stroller with a baby in it — unattended for just a minute — and, in a moment of utter madness, decided to take it for a walk. Hilarious, right? Not to Hendrik, who can barely believe his friend’s stupidity.
After Evert regains recovers from his momentary lapse of sanity, the two seventy-year-olds resolve to return their charge to its parents — hopefully without being noticed. But the quiet neighborhood is now swarmed by bumbling police officers, and they realize that getting rid of their accidental foster child will be more difficult than expected…
Hendrik Groen and Evert Duiker, faithful friends in good and bad times, are well over seventy and their lives have quieted down. They see each other once a week to play chess, have a drink, and grab a bite to eat while reflecting on life.
But one day, their peace is rudely disturbed when Evert shows up on Hendrik’s doorstep with a surprise in the form of an unexpected little guest. He had spotted a stroller with a baby in it — unattended for just a minute — and, in a moment of utter madness, decided to take it for a walk. Hilarious, right? Not to Hendrik, who can barely believe his friend’s stupidity.
After Evert regains recovers from his momentary lapse of sanity, the two seventy-year-olds resolve to return their charge to its parents — hopefully without being noticed. But the quiet neighborhood is now swarmed by bumbling police officers, and they realize that getting rid of their accidental foster child will be more difficult than expected…
275 pages, Hardcover
First published June 4, 2019
213 people are currently reading
4046 people want to read
About the author
Hendrik Groen
12 books543 followersHendrik Groen, pseudonym of Peter de Smet, is a Dutch writer. He is the author of the book Pogingen iets van het leven te maken: Het geheime dagboek van Hendrik Groen, 83¼ jaar (The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83¼ Years Old) published in 2014. That book was awarded in 2016 with the Audience Award for the Dutch Book. The sequel Zolang er leven is: het tweede geheime dagboek van Hendrik Groen, 85 jaar (On the Bright Side: The New Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen) appeared in 2016.
For years it was unknown who was hiding behind the pseudonym. This led to speculation about who it could be. Names from Sylvia Witteman to Arnon Grunberg were mentioned. Both De Volkskrant and NRC Handelsblad revealed almost simultaneously in 2016 that Peter de Smet was 62-year-old. De Smet responded with the words that 'he is not waiting for publicity' and 'has no sense in the fuss about fame'.
The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83¼ Years Old in 2016 won the Audience Award for the Dutch Book. This prize was not personally collected by the author.
In 2017, the books were filmed and broadcasted by Omroep MAX as the television series Hendrik Groen's Secret Diary. Screenwriter Martin van Waardenberg once again confirmed that De Smet was the man behind the pseudonym. In 2017, a stage adaptation was also brought to the stage under the direction of Gijs de Lange. Beau Schneider played the role of Hendrik Groen.
For years it was unknown who was hiding behind the pseudonym. This led to speculation about who it could be. Names from Sylvia Witteman to Arnon Grunberg were mentioned. Both De Volkskrant and NRC Handelsblad revealed almost simultaneously in 2016 that Peter de Smet was 62-year-old. De Smet responded with the words that 'he is not waiting for publicity' and 'has no sense in the fuss about fame'.
The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83¼ Years Old in 2016 won the Audience Award for the Dutch Book. This prize was not personally collected by the author.
In 2017, the books were filmed and broadcasted by Omroep MAX as the television series Hendrik Groen's Secret Diary. Screenwriter Martin van Waardenberg once again confirmed that De Smet was the man behind the pseudonym. In 2017, a stage adaptation was also brought to the stage under the direction of Gijs de Lange. Beau Schneider played the role of Hendrik Groen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 409 reviews
December 27, 2021
“You’re not a visitor, you’re a friend.”
When you pick up this novel, you are picking up a farce. And that is not at all a bad thing. TWO OLD MEN AND A BABY is a geriatric romp through the land of chuckles and farcical situations. This novel has a Keystone Kops police force, a nosy neighbor, incompetent and self-important government officials, and hapless protagonists who are really decent folks you can’t help but root for. It’s all there.
In all honesty, I was more into this text in the last 140 pages than I was for the first 120. It was never bad, it just failed to grip me. However, I was never irritated while reading it.
A strength of this novel are the characterizations that are concise and on point. Almost immediately after a character is introduced you know if they are one of the good guys, or one of the bad guys. Again, an element of any good farce.
Also enjoyable is some fun social commentary, especially with those in so called positions of “authority”.
Quotes:
• “People in distress tend to grab on to the first thing that’s at hand…”
• “The veneer of civilization is often quite thin. Too thin for hot coffee spilled all over one’s dress.”
• “Language is so hopelessly inadequate sometimes.”
• “There aren’t many who enjoy being proved wrong.”
• “There wasn’t much he did like, in fact, except for cars, soccer, beer, and money. A manageable set of priorities, he thought.”
• “Wil didn’t much like talking to people, but he made an exception when it came to talking to himself.”
Apparently there are quite a few Hendrik Groen books out there. I doubt I will pick the others up, but I am not at all displeased that I read this one.
When you pick up this novel, you are picking up a farce. And that is not at all a bad thing. TWO OLD MEN AND A BABY is a geriatric romp through the land of chuckles and farcical situations. This novel has a Keystone Kops police force, a nosy neighbor, incompetent and self-important government officials, and hapless protagonists who are really decent folks you can’t help but root for. It’s all there.
In all honesty, I was more into this text in the last 140 pages than I was for the first 120. It was never bad, it just failed to grip me. However, I was never irritated while reading it.
A strength of this novel are the characterizations that are concise and on point. Almost immediately after a character is introduced you know if they are one of the good guys, or one of the bad guys. Again, an element of any good farce.
Also enjoyable is some fun social commentary, especially with those in so called positions of “authority”.
Quotes:
• “People in distress tend to grab on to the first thing that’s at hand…”
• “The veneer of civilization is often quite thin. Too thin for hot coffee spilled all over one’s dress.”
• “Language is so hopelessly inadequate sometimes.”
• “There aren’t many who enjoy being proved wrong.”
• “There wasn’t much he did like, in fact, except for cars, soccer, beer, and money. A manageable set of priorities, he thought.”
• “Wil didn’t much like talking to people, but he made an exception when it came to talking to himself.”
Apparently there are quite a few Hendrik Groen books out there. I doubt I will pick the others up, but I am not at all displeased that I read this one.
April 13, 2024
Prosty, momentami absurdalny humor, bohaterowie ciągle jeszcze oswajający jesień życia, odrobina czystego wzruszenia - ta książka to miód na moje serducho ❤
May 25, 2021
Kerge ja lõbus koomusk, mida Groenilt ongi oodata. Kuigi ilmus viimasena, siis põhimõtteliselt võiks lugeda sarjas esimesena, selle sündmused eelnevad siis vanadekodu-saagale. Samas vastupidine järjekord ei seganud põrmugi.
Võib-olla võrreldes eelnevatega on vähem teravust ja sügavust. Neis teistes raamatutes loopis ta rohkem iroonilisi märkusi ühiskonna ja tänapäeva kohta. Siin lendasid kriitikanooled peamiselt kergelt juhmakate politseiametnike ja edeva proua linnapea pihta. Hästi lühikesed peatükid ja hoogne tempo, unise peaga ja ülekuumenenud ajuga paras lugeda.
Kes pole Groeniga siiani kokku puutunud, siis ta meenutab õrnalt Jonas Jonassoni.
Võib-olla võrreldes eelnevatega on vähem teravust ja sügavust. Neis teistes raamatutes loopis ta rohkem iroonilisi märkusi ühiskonna ja tänapäeva kohta. Siin lendasid kriitikanooled peamiselt kergelt juhmakate politseiametnike ja edeva proua linnapea pihta. Hästi lühikesed peatükid ja hoogne tempo, unise peaga ja ülekuumenenud ajuga paras lugeda.
Kes pole Groeniga siiani kokku puutunud, siis ta meenutab õrnalt Jonas Jonassoni.
June 24, 2019
Kortom, Een kleine verrassing staat garant voor een aantal uur vermakelijk leesplezier. Een aanrader voor liefhebbers van de eerdere boeken van Hendrik Groen en zeer geschikt om deze zomer mee te nemen op vakantie.
Lees mijn volledige review op: https://www.chicklit.nl/boekrecensies...
Lees mijn volledige review op: https://www.chicklit.nl/boekrecensies...
January 24, 2022
This reads like an extended short story. It must take place before the first two books which is fine but odd. The writing and humor are great but it is just lacking anything real. I loved the first two books beyond words. This one is disappointing.
June 16, 2019
Another fantastic book by Hendrik Groen, who has become one of my favourite writers. This mad adventure by Hendrik and Evert Takes place before the two “secret diary” books. The story kept me on the edge of my seat and miraculously, the ending was still a surprise. As always, the sharp analyses on life and modern society, as well as the witty sense of humour help to make this book a great read.
June 17, 2019
Weer een meeslepend avontuur van Hendrik en Evert, dat leest als een trein. Dit keer geen oude-maar-nog-dode-bejaarden avonturen, maar een avontuur van alleen Evert en Hendrik. Dit boek heeft weliswaar niet dezelfde humor als deel 1 en 2, maar bevat wel meer spanning. Kortom: een heerlijk boek weer. Verheug me nu al op de tv-serie van dit boek met Kees en André!
July 12, 2021
honestly…..the book was alright, but it didn’t do anything for me. i guess if you like dry humor and old people with kinda shitty lives you might enjoy it, but it wasn’t all that interesting. kinda feels like a book you’d read just to say you read something.
October 26, 2022
I think I know Hendrick! I know a few older people just like him if not lol A good heart but just doesn’t think things through all the time 😵💫
June 24, 2019
'Een kleine verrassing' is het derde boek over Hendrik Groen en zijn beste vriend Evert Duiker, en speelt zich 10 jaar voor de beroemde dagboekenserie af.
Hendrik en Evert bezoeken elkaar wekelijks en onder het genot van een hapje en een drankje spelen ze een potje schaak en praten ze wat bij. Maar op een dag besluit Evert in een impuls om als grap een onbeheerde kinderwagen met baby mee te nemen naar vriend Hendrik. Vanaf het moment dat Evert er bij Hendrik mee over de drempel stapt heeft hij eigenlijk al spijt. Met wat geklungel lukt het ze om te voorzien in de behoeften van de baby - het is voor allebei immers al heel wat jaartjes geleden. Maar hoe komen ze nu weer van deze baby af?
'Een kleine verrassing' is een onderhoudende, geestige en soms een tikkeltje flauwe feelgood-roman die heel vlot wegleest, zeker tijdens dit soort bloedhete dagen. Als je hoopte op een boek wat vergelijkbaar is met de eerdere dagboeken van Hendrik en Evert is dit misschien een teleurstelling. Doordat de setting verschillend is, is ook de dynamiek tussen Hendrik en Evert en de toon van het verhaal heel anders. Ik vond dit boek qua sfeer eerder vergelijkbaar met het vorige boek van Hendrik Groen, 'Leven en laten leven'. Als je dat een fijn boek vond, dan is dit je nieuwe zomertopper!
Hendrik en Evert bezoeken elkaar wekelijks en onder het genot van een hapje en een drankje spelen ze een potje schaak en praten ze wat bij. Maar op een dag besluit Evert in een impuls om als grap een onbeheerde kinderwagen met baby mee te nemen naar vriend Hendrik. Vanaf het moment dat Evert er bij Hendrik mee over de drempel stapt heeft hij eigenlijk al spijt. Met wat geklungel lukt het ze om te voorzien in de behoeften van de baby - het is voor allebei immers al heel wat jaartjes geleden. Maar hoe komen ze nu weer van deze baby af?
'Een kleine verrassing' is een onderhoudende, geestige en soms een tikkeltje flauwe feelgood-roman die heel vlot wegleest, zeker tijdens dit soort bloedhete dagen. Als je hoopte op een boek wat vergelijkbaar is met de eerdere dagboeken van Hendrik en Evert is dit misschien een teleurstelling. Doordat de setting verschillend is, is ook de dynamiek tussen Hendrik en Evert en de toon van het verhaal heel anders. Ik vond dit boek qua sfeer eerder vergelijkbaar met het vorige boek van Hendrik Groen, 'Leven en laten leven'. Als je dat een fijn boek vond, dan is dit je nieuwe zomertopper!
July 15, 2022
Oh man, this was better than expected. I absolutely loved it. It's not the type that will give you aching sides from laughter but it will keep you on that level which is quite pleasant.
It's fast. The plot is so well developed in such a way, there were so many jaw dropping scenarios. Some were truly hilarious. Evert is one old geezer who is utterly and totally bonkers. I mean why on earth would you just whisk a trolley with a baby in it and never stop cos he just didn't know how to get away with the mortal sin of emptying a full bladder in a kiddy pot? From there it's all a big rollercoaster with red carts, blue carts, yellow carts and carts with holes. Such a casual read with few sub plots within the main plot but without any tug-o-war between them.
It's one book with the word Hallaballoo...Oh how I love that word.
Book #43 of 2022.
Around The Year in 52 Books: A book that involves aging, or a character in their golden years
It's fast. The plot is so well developed in such a way, there were so many jaw dropping scenarios. Some were truly hilarious. Evert is one old geezer who is utterly and totally bonkers. I mean why on earth would you just whisk a trolley with a baby in it and never stop cos he just didn't know how to get away with the mortal sin of emptying a full bladder in a kiddy pot? From there it's all a big rollercoaster with red carts, blue carts, yellow carts and carts with holes. Such a casual read with few sub plots within the main plot but without any tug-o-war between them.
It's one book with the word Hallaballoo...Oh how I love that word.
Book #43 of 2022.
Around The Year in 52 Books: A book that involves aging, or a character in their golden years
October 15, 2021
Not as good as the diaries. The writing and dialogue were simple and underwhelming and I missed the laughing out loud humor of the diaries. I only caught myself smiling a handful of times.
The story itself was fine enough and I enjoyed myself (partly because I knew it was a short book). The plot was a bit Jonas Jonasson-esque but then a bit simplified.
All in all an okay-ish read, but I can't wait to start reading the last diary, hoping that it will be as good as the other diaries again.
The story itself was fine enough and I enjoyed myself (partly because I knew it was a short book). The plot was a bit Jonas Jonasson-esque but then a bit simplified.
All in all an okay-ish read, but I can't wait to start reading the last diary, hoping that it will be as good as the other diaries again.
June 16, 2021
I was looking forward to a laughter-filled adventure about 2 older main characters and a mistakenly kidnapped baby. Instead, I found a book filled with repetitive obscenities, clichés and ageism. The plot was confusing, not hilarious, and none of the characters were engaging. It could have been a delightful read. It wasn't.
August 9, 2021
"Hendrik just wants to have a fun evening with his pal, Evert. But Evert stumbles across a baby and decides to bring it with him. Now they can't figure out how to give it back without getting in trouble."
this was my first book from Hendrik Groen. I like this character. As a former school principal he seems to keep his head in stressful situations. And dealing with his nosy neighbor in awkward moments. There are some characters that are stereotypes - the politician that wants to be seen doing something (no matter if it's the right thing or not) The custodian that's concerned about "his" coffee maker.
This is a quick, easy read. Hendrik is not your stereotypical grumpy old man in this book. He seems like a guy you'd love to hang out and tell stories with. (But Evert seems like a "Here - hold my beer" kind of guy.
Some nice light-hearted moments here.
this was my first book from Hendrik Groen. I like this character. As a former school principal he seems to keep his head in stressful situations. And dealing with his nosy neighbor in awkward moments. There are some characters that are stereotypes - the politician that wants to be seen doing something (no matter if it's the right thing or not) The custodian that's concerned about "his" coffee maker.
This is a quick, easy read. Hendrik is not your stereotypical grumpy old man in this book. He seems like a guy you'd love to hang out and tell stories with. (But Evert seems like a "Here - hold my beer" kind of guy.
Some nice light-hearted moments here.
December 31, 2021
Als laatste boek van 2021 afgerond, deze Hendrik Groen. Leuk, herkenbare sfeer van de twee eerste dagboeken die ik al had gelezen, maar deze is net een tikkeltje minder omdat het eigenlijk een iets te lang kort komisch verhaal is. Maar het speelt zich af rondom de feestdagen en draagt nu wel bij aan de sfeer, dus 2,5 ster, opgekrikt naar 3.
December 25, 2020
story 3,5/5
characters 3,5/5
writing 3,5/5
audio/paper Paper.
reread? I think I will.
Recommend it? Yes.
Verhaal: 3,5/5
Karakters: 3,5/5
Schrijfstijl: 3,5/5
Papier/audio? Papier.
Herlezen: Denk het wel.
Aanrader? Ja.
characters 3,5/5
writing 3,5/5
audio/paper Paper.
reread? I think I will.
Recommend it? Yes.
Verhaal: 3,5/5
Karakters: 3,5/5
Schrijfstijl: 3,5/5
Papier/audio? Papier.
Herlezen: Denk het wel.
Aanrader? Ja.
March 9, 2025
Lekker om even tussendoor te lezen, maar eigenlijk zijn er ook wel weer leukere boeken voor even tussendoor.
November 22, 2020
Wat een heerlijk boek om te lezen. Las lekker weg
August 4, 2025
Kan niet anders zeggen dan gewoon een leuk boek! Vond dit verhaal niet leuker dan de eerste twee delen, maar wel leuk voor de afwisseling en las wederom lekker snel weg!
September 28, 2020
Grappig verhaal maar de dagboeken van Hendrik Groen vond ik beter. Leuk en licht tussendoortje dit boek.
August 31, 2025
Een grappig, makkelijk boekje. Gelezen op het balkon in het zonnetje. Het was zo uit
June 18, 2019
Recensie volgt.
June 18, 2021
2.5 stars but rounded up because of how much I liked the previous stories with Hendrik and Evert.
This was both an amusing and sad tale. It might have been better if the events weren't the result of kidnapping.
This was both an amusing and sad tale. It might have been better if the events weren't the result of kidnapping.
July 29, 2019
Wat een fantastisch boek was dit weer! Ik heb er weer smakelijk om gelachen. Natuurlijk geen hoogstaande literatuur, maar een bij vlagen absurd verhaal waar ik blij van werd. Enige nadeel: ik had het zo snel uit...;-)
April 1, 2022
I bit of lighthearted reading. While meant to be unrealistic and farcical, it was still enjoyable. Not nearly as good as the original two books, it still provided some decent backstory to Hendrik & Evert’s history together.
June 7, 2019
Wat een heerlijk boek weer. Je gaat weer van het ene bizarre naar het andere bizarre en dat geschreven met ontzettend veel humor.
Wanneer komt de volgende?
Wanneer komt de volgende?
November 18, 2019
Niet zo raak en gevat als de twee dagboeken. Meer leuk vermaak.
February 10, 2021
Ahaa see oli hea jant. Isegi parem kui eelmine osa.
May 18, 2022
This is a quick story that I assume is the novel that Hendrik alluded to writing at the end of "On the Bright Side." It is set years before Hendrik and Evert are in the care home. Evert, after a series of unforeseen issues while running an errand, has to use the facilities desperately and sneaks into an elementary school during their Christmas pageant to use their bathroom. Another set of unforeseen circumstances leads to his rain coat falling into the toilet so he decides to take the rain coat draped over the baby carriage in the vestibule. But instead of just taking the coat, he takes the whole carriage, baby and all. By the time he shows up at Hendrik's apartment, he realizes what a dumb decision he made and now he needs his friend's help returning the baby. What ensues is one unfortunate mishap after another, including a nosy neighbor determined to find out what is happening in Hendrick's apartment, a bumbling police department who are unfamiliar with kidnapping cases and the unsavory brother of the school's manager who sees an opportunity to get rich quick by demanding a ransom. With the help of a quick witted attorney who sees the situation for what it is, Hendrik and Evert are able to safely, and discretely, return the baby to her parents and avoid detection. A fun, madcap adventure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the 3rd book in the Hendrik Groen series and it is so different than the previous two that it could easily be a stand alone book. The humor and shenanigans of Evert and Hendrik are still funny but this story seemed too far fetched. I still enjoyed it since sometimes you just need a light, goofy book to read. But I'm looking forward to going back to the retirement home and Hebdrik's diary in the next book.
This is the 3rd book in the Hendrik Groen series and it is so different than the previous two that it could easily be a stand alone book. The humor and shenanigans of Evert and Hendrik are still funny but this story seemed too far fetched. I still enjoyed it since sometimes you just need a light, goofy book to read. But I'm looking forward to going back to the retirement home and Hebdrik's diary in the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 409 reviews