Review: How To Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley – A Charming Novel About Love, Laughter, and Community #HowToAgeDisgracefully

How To Age Disgracefully blends humour, heart, and a touch of mischief in a story about unlikely friendships and second chances.

Summary:

In Clare Pooley’s new ensemble comedy, a senior citizens’ centre and a daycare collide with hilarious results. When Lydia takes a job running the Senior Citizens’ Social Club, she expects quiet afternoons of tea and cards, but instead finds a colourful cast of characters, from Art, a kleptomaniac former actor, to Daphne, who hides a dark past, and Ruby, a rebellious knitter with a flair for revenge. When the city council threatens to sell their community centre, the seniors team up with the daycare next door, a teenage father, and a geriatric dog to save it, using unorthodox—and possibly illegal—methods that just might succeed if they can stay ahead of the police.

My Thoughts:

I’ve loved Clare Pooley’s previous books, so when How To Age Disgracefully came across my radar, I knew I had to read it. Pooley has a real gift for bringing together a group of eclectic, seemingly mismatched characters and showing how their lives intertwine in the most heartwarming and often hilarious ways.

The story centres on Lydia, who takes a job running a Senior Citizens’ Social Club, expecting quiet afternoons filled with tea and cards. Instead, she finds herself surrounded by a group of seniors who are anything but ordinary. There’s Art, a failed actor with sticky fingers, Daphne, who’s been keeping secrets for decades, and Ruby, a yarn-bombing vigilante with a rebellious streak. Add in a daycare next door, a teenaged single father, and even a geriatric dog, and you have the makings of an unforgettable community determined to save their beloved centre.

What I loved most about this book was the way Pooley balances humour with heart. There’s a cozy mystery vibe woven into the story, but it’s the warmth, wit, and camaraderie of the characters that shine through. Despite the large cast, I never felt lost—each voice was distinct and memorable, and I found myself cheering them on, especially the young dad who added such a fresh and touching perspective.

The Narration:

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Clare Corbett, and it was an absolute delight. She brought each character vividly to life, capturing not just their voices but also their emotions, which made the listening experience even more engaging.

Final Thoughts:

How To Age Disgracefully is entertaining, funny, and surprisingly moving—a story that celebrates community, second chances, and the beauty of unlikely friendships. If you enjoy ensemble comedies with a dash of mischief and a lot of heart, this one’s well worth picking up.

Other Books I’ve Reviewed Written by Clare Pooley:

Rules for Commuting

The Authenticity Project