A while ago, I reviewed The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley. It is the story of a solitary green notebook that brings together six strangers and leads to unexpected friendship, and even love.
Clare Pooley, a British author, has a special knack of weaving together clearly flawed (as aren’t we all in one way or another), but lovable characters and allows them to prove how worthy they are. This was so true in The Authenticity Project, and is even more so in her latest novel ~ How to Age Disgracefully.
Cast of Characters
Lydia - who takes on the job of running the Senior Citizens’ Social Club now that her children are grown, expecting she will spend her time drinking tea and playing gentle games of cards.
Art - a failed actor who has somehow turned into a kleptomaniac, and his best friend, William.
Ruby - a banksy-style knitter who creates unusual public yarning projects.
Daphne - who just turned 70 and regrets the number of years she has hidden away from her rather checkered past. Hoping no one any longer pays attention to who she was, she now feels a need to find some friends and stop being so alone.
Ziggy - a teenage dad - and his adorable toddler daughter, Kylie.
And, last, but certainly not least as she eventually plays a large part in the story, is an orphaned geriatric dog named Margaret Thatcher (after the former British Prime Minister) who sometimes gets called simply ‘Margaret’ or “Maggie”, depending on which of the senior citizens you ask.
A Brief Synopsis of How To Age Disgracefully
When you find yourself approaching the later decades of life, you discover that age makes you invisible and secrets are easier to hide.
When this group of seniors come together at a senior citizens’ center that shares space with a daycare, hilarious results are in store.
When an accident involving a partial collapse of the buildings’ ceiling causes the local council to threaten to close the club, the members of the Social Club join together with their tiny daycare friends next door, along with Ziggy, his toddler daughter and the geriatric dog, to save the building.
Their unorthodox methods may actually work, as long as their pasts, and the police, don’t catch up with them first. They certainly do turn out to be a far cry from the genteel 'tea & card playing' group Lydia thought they would be!
Summary
How to Age Disgracefully is an absolutely delightful story with a charming group of characters. Clare Pooley has outdone herself with another ensemble comedy filled with characters who prove we are limitless at any age.
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*Review of 'How to Age Disgracefully' is written by Wednesday Elf
This sounds like a charming book. Thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteI've loved all Clare Pooley's books, Mary Beth. This one was particularly delightful. Thanks for your visit to my book review.
DeleteThis sounds like a fun book to read! You know, you had me with the introduction of "Maggie". In my own life, I much prefer people who are outspoken and speak plainly. No doubt, I will enjoy these characters voices.
ReplyDeleteThey are terrific characters, Mouse. I know you would enjoy meeting all of them.
DeleteThis sounds like a delightful and fun book to read with great characters. I think I would really enjoy it :) Thank you for your recommendation.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Raintree Annie
DeleteThis sounds truly delightful, Elf! I’m looking forward with pleasure to reading it.
ReplyDeleteIt is a delightful story, Margaret. Thanks for your visit to my book review.
DeleteWhat a wonderful storyline - your review has me so curious about this book - I think I could easily get lost in this storyline - you're point about "discovering that age makes you invisible" really hits. I remember when I was the caregiver for someone, she felt this way. She was very appreciative of all I did for her too. But I didn't need appreciation, I just didn't want her to feel like she wasn't noticed and didn't matter. My mom, I'm sure felt this about aging. She found it hard to feel unseen, although to us she was always seen, always mattered and was respected. So this storyline of this group of seniors would be so interesting based on 'me-ole-aging-self' and watching my parents during their aging process - R.I.P. mom and dad. I'm babbling... lol :)
ReplyDelete:). Thanks, Barbara, for sharing your sweet thoughts.
DeleteOh I think this is going on my list of books to read. I love "Old" people who have stories to tell or secrets to hide! What was then and what is now are so different, yet somehow so the same. I will look for this book for sure. Thanks Pat!
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