I have said this so many times, saying it again. For me, the writing style and the characters make a big difference. If I connect with the characters and the writing style of the author, the subject or genre doesn't matter.
In this post, I am going to talk about three books with an Octogenarian (a person who is between 80 and 89 years old) as the main protagonist.
So, I’ll start with: The Car Share by Zoe Brisby because this is probably the first book I read and loved where one of the protagonists was an Octogenarian. Also because August is Women in Translation month, and this book is translated from the French by Kelly Lardin.
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To be very honest, I wasn't even familiar with the term Octogenarian before.
Maxine, a 90 yo with Alzheimer's & Alex, a 25 yo with depression share a car for a road trip. This journey lasts for roughly two days and what a terrific journey! Every scene, every situation is so interesting and meaningful.
It hooked me from the very first page. The protagonists — Maxine (she's a rockstar!) & Alex (he's so cute) — are so adorable! Their bonding is so endearing, their conversation so entertaining and witty!
It's so sweet, funny, entertaining and heartwarming. I never thought I would love a book with such starkly different protagonists.
The ending kind of left me with a sense of loss. But, interestingly, the author Zoe Brisby shared a bonus chapter, which was like an epilogue, and I liked that as well even though I am not a fan of prologues or epilogues.
The Tea Service by Debeshi Gooptu
‘The tea would arrive on the dot at four every evening accompanied by her grandson. There was no sign of the little boy today. Where had he vanished?’
Debeshi is a dear friend, but when I say that she is a very good writer and storyteller, I am not being biased.
It’s not really a book. It's a Kindle short story, told from the point of view of an old lady who is waiting for her grandson. So poignant and beautifully written. One of my favourite stories by Debeshi who has written innumerable stories.
Free for Kindle Unlimited users.
Locked away life by Drew Davies
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‘Life should not be dampened with regret but nourished with hopes and dreams.’
Another Octogenarian (Esther)—Teenager (Bruno, who’s struggling to understand his sexual identity) pairing. Their bonding is so endearing.
Esther has shut away herself in her vine-covered manor house on the top of a hill for as long as she can remember.
And on a sunny spring day, eighteen-year-old Bruno is in the local library when he spots an advert. The old lady on the hill is looking for someone who can teach her about internet.
Heartwarming, thoughtful and refreshingly different. Beautiful, engaging writing style. A very good read!
It's free for Kindle Unlimited users.
Now, before you go, I'd like to tell you about my new translation. It doesn't have an octogenarian protagonist but one of the main characters is an elderly man ―Mohammad Zia Ul Haq, the former President of Pakistan.
My Hindi translation of A Case of Exploding Mangoes by Mohammed Hanif (Published by Kautilya Books) is out now.
It's a funny, witty political novel, based on the 1988 aircraft crash that killed Zia-Ul-Haq. Published by Penguin Books, the original book was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize. Have you read the original book?
Written for Bookish League hosted by Ritu Bindra
Sharing with Blogchatter
I liked The Car Share too - such a sweet book (though the antics do get a little too nutty). I had downloaded The Tea Service a few days ago, when it was available for free, but I am yet to read it - will do so soon. And I have a recommendation too: Fredrik Backman's 'A Man Called Ove', which I really, really liked. Poignant, warm, often witty, and such a very nuanced portrayal of an elderly person.
ReplyDeleteI have A Man Called Ove. I really wanted to like it but gave up after 100+ pages. One of those well-loved books that didn't work for me. :(( But I'll try again.
DeleteHave you read Dopehri by Pankaj Kapoor? That's on my TBR list.
Thank you for stopping by.
No, I haven't read Dopehri; hadn't even heard about it. Have you read anything else by Pankaj Kapoor?
DeleteI think that's the only book (a novella) he has written. He is an actor, and Shahid Kapoor’s father. The book has been translated into English by Rahul Soni.
DeleteA good selection, different from the normal. I want to read A Case of Exploding Mangoes. Nice to know you translated it.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much!
DeleteIt is such a coincidence Tarang, I was working on the exact same post. However, I had an entirely different list and I haven't read any of these stories. Will certainly look them up.
ReplyDeleteIs it my imagination or has there been a sudden surge in books about elderly people? They do make for interesting protagonists. Also, I can guarantee you'll love Dopehri. Do read the original in Hindi. Check out my review if you have time.
Oh, that's interesting. I would love to read your post. Re: a sudden surge in books about elderly people ―I agree, I have noticed that too. And as some very interesting characters.
DeleteOh yes, Dopehri is on my TBR. Will read it in Hindi, for sure. I have read your lovely review. ☺️
There is something endearing about reading books with octogenarian characters. They have lived a full life and their quirks are fun to read. A recent book with an older character I loved was Remarkably Bright Creatures.
ReplyDeleteTrue. And many of them are quirky, bold no nonsense characters. Remarkably Bright Creatures sound interesting.
DeleteOh, this is such an amazing list of books...unusual to what I would generally look up and find. So thanks for this post. Adding them all to my TBR.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ninu. Glad you liked the post.
DeleteIt is wonderful that your new translation is out on the shelves and it sounds very interesting being a Man Booker nominee et al.
ReplyDeleteI am adding "Car Share" to my #TBRlist , thanks for the review.
Thank you so much, Preeti! :))
DeleteI love how you’ve highlighted these heartwarming stories with elderly protagonists. It’s a refreshing take on storytelling, showing that connection and depth can transcend age. Adding these to my list!
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the post. Thank you, Kanchan.
DeleteRead the short story -The Tea Service by Debeshi Gooptu. will add the two other books to my TBR.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendations.
Hope you enjoy reading them. Thank you for visiting.
DeleteI am just impressed with the choice of topic for this months post. You just nailed it and hats off to you to think in such a different angle. Loved the post from start to finish. Outstanding
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words! 😊
DeleteIt's wonderful to see such a diverse selection of books featuring elderly protagonists! Each of these stories offers a unique perspective, celebrating the rich experiences and wisdom of octogenarians. From the heartwarming road trip in The Car Share to the poignant moments in The Tea Service, and the touching relationship in Locked Away Life, these books highlight that age is just a number when it comes to compelling storytelling.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the post. Thank you for your nice comment.
DeleteTo come across a bookish listicle post by you and not find a book by Debeshi is almost impossible, isn't it? 😛These are some great recommendations and I like how you've included translated titles and titles in languages other than English. Will be checking out each one of these. Thanks for the recommendations, Tarang.
ReplyDeleteHaha! 😀 Almost..I connect with her writing style and the characters she creates. Plus, Debeshi has written multiple books and innumerable short stories and I've read them all (well mostly).
DeleteGlad you liked the post. :))
I have read Debeshi's short story. Poignant and heartbreaking. I have had A Case of Exploding Mangoes on my TBR for ages. But will start with The Car Share. You and Madhulika both recommending it, definitely need to pick it up!
ReplyDelete