How to Age Disgracefully

Ageing is inevitable. Growing up is optional.

Daphne is fiery and fabulous. She just needs to get out and meet people. But when an accident brings a teen dad, an empty nester and a has-been actor into her world, they aren't necessarily who she'd had in mind. And it soon becomes clear that they all have a story to tell.

But can these new friendships survive the secrets that will be revealed?

Review

Uplifting, heartwarming and joyful. Restored my faith in humankind, it’s the perfect book to escape to in these troubled times. So funny, so moving, and so glad I read it. ― Ruth Jones

A feelgood comedy about the perils of underestimating OAPs. Clare Pooley's third novel is an affectionate swipe at ageism - her witty turn of phrase and gloriously British sense of humour makes this a breezily entertaining read, and Daphne is a scurrilous delight ― The Times

How to Age Disgracefully is a celebration of life at every age and stage. I laughed, cried and cheered at this wonderful novel ― Jennie Godfrey, Sunday Times bestselling author of The List of Suspicious Things

A warm and uplifting story about making friends, smashing stereotypes and the importance of community - I loved it ― Sarah Turner

Clare Pooley weaves together the most cleverly flawed and lovable characters and then sets them free to prove that we are limitless at any age. How to Age Disgracefully is a love letter to the human spirit ― Annabel Monaghan, author of Nora Goes Off Script

Warm, witty perfection ― Good Housekeeping

Clare Pooley writes the kind of characters that I want to be when I grow up! I laughed such a lot reading this book, even as my heart was breaking. It is another triumph; truthful, insightful and full of joy. I am in love with this book ― Jenny Bayliss

Joyful, life-affirming and full of heart, How to Age Disgracefully is an absolute riot of a read, full of perfectly flawed characters who made me laugh, cry and cheer. . .you'll never look at a septuagenarian the same way again! ― Freya Sampson

A roof-raising triumph! Bursting with heart . . . this is peak Pooley and I loved, loved, LOVED it! ― Matt Cain

Utterly hysterical and full of heart, with hugely loveable characters, a dialogue that had me in stitches and many profound moments. A totally wonderful, spirit-lifting read! ― Helly Acton

About the Author

Clare Pooley graduated from Newnham College, Cambridge and spent twenty years in the heady world of advertising, before becoming a full-time writer.

Clare's dark but hilarious memoir, The Sober Diaries, has helped thousands of people around the world to quit drinking.

The Authenticity Project, Clare's debut novel, was a BBC Radio 2 bookclub pick, a New York Times bestseller, the winner of the RNA debut novel award and a Babelio award. It's been translated into 29 languages.

The People on Platform 5 is Clare's second novel, inspired by her fascination with inventing stories about her fellow passengers on her commute to work.

Clare lives in Fulham, London with her husband, three children and two border terriers.