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The Sunset Gang
Adapted into the acclaimed trilogy on PBS's American Playhouse, starring Uta Hagen, Harold Gould, Doris Roberts, Anne Meara, and Jerry Stiller. "Warmth, poignancy, humor and love fill the pages." The Jewish Post. "[Adler] writes about these people with so much insight, so much tenderness, never guilty of sentimentality one admires Adler not merely for his fictional prowess but for his compassion and wisdom." Woman's Wear Daily, "Adler expresses universal themes with affection and amusement. Highly enjoyable." Library Journal.
With time running short, the lively and intrepid residents of the Sunset Village retirement community in Florida continue to thirst for life. But the true beating heart in these acclaimed short stories is the love of family and friends and the finding of joy in the very act of being alive. In America, where "old" is a dirty word and people over sixty-five are often treated as if they had a contagious disease, these humorous, jewel-like stories prove our older folks still have a taste for sex, romance, excitement and living. Join the thousands of readers who have let the Sunset Gang into their hearts. They will teach you a lot about the aging process and about life itself - a subject on which they, after all, are the experts.
With time running short, the lively and intrepid residents of the Sunset Village retirement community in Florida continue to thirst for life. But the true beating heart in these acclaimed short stories is the love of family and friends and the finding of joy in the very act of being alive. In America, where "old" is a dirty word and people over sixty-five are often treated as if they had a contagious disease, these humorous, jewel-like stories prove our older folks still have a taste for sex, romance, excitement and living. Join the thousands of readers who have let the Sunset Gang into their hearts. They will teach you a lot about the aging process and about life itself - a subject on which they, after all, are the experts.
212 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
60 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Warren Adler
79 books113 followersWarren Adler was an American author, playwright and poet. His novel The War of the Roses was turned into a dark comedy starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito.
Adler was an essayist, short-story writer, poet and playwright, whose works have been translated into 25 languages.
Adler was an essayist, short-story writer, poet and playwright, whose works have been translated into 25 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 22, 2022
Real Rating: 3.75* of five, rounded up because I got good chuckles
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Waitaminnit waitaminnit whereinahell's the Bryce Method, you ask...I hear you, don't front! I'll tell you the truth: much as I say "blahblah isn't a novel, it's a récit or braided stories or a syncretism of Egyptian death-spells with upanishads or whatever," I am equally likely to say this is a novel when told it's stories.
Just that the chapters are a funny length.
For funny old Jewish people, that shouldn't be a problem. And honestly it isn't. This is a comfort read. I got lots and lots of laughs, and as I live in a building full of old Jewish folk, I was frequently trying not to read chunks of it aloud to...no one in particular (it says here). The late Warren Adler knew exactly what he was doing writing this entertaining chronicle of aging and its indignities hidden behind a very slippery figleaf. Laughing at people is frowned on, rightly so, in today's world. But laughing at yourself, and with your friends, is the way to stay sane in a world that won't listen to you, doesn't much want you, but still has your heart walking around in it.
That's everyone in here. While the author first published it in 1977, when a lot of the world's prejudices were different, the list of concerns of the Greatest-Generation cast of Jewish folks sounds exactly the way my neighbors sound. It's a little odd, when I think about it, that the immigrants raised in the 1930s on the Lower East Side and Brownsville who mostly populate the book are darn near clones of the Long Island facility I occupy. But I think it shows cultural continuity is very much a feature of Jewish identity. I know several of my friends here are children of Auschwitz and other camp survivors...only recently, early in COVID, did our last survivor resident die. (Vale Arthur, quit nagging Yhwh about what she needs to do better.)
Oh, okay. I can't resist the power of Tradition in this context. Bryce, your method lives...but only on my blog!
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Waitaminnit waitaminnit whereinahell's the Bryce Method, you ask...I hear you, don't front! I'll tell you the truth: much as I say "blahblah isn't a novel, it's a récit or braided stories or a syncretism of Egyptian death-spells with upanishads or whatever," I am equally likely to say this is a novel when told it's stories.
Just that the chapters are a funny length.
For funny old Jewish people, that shouldn't be a problem. And honestly it isn't. This is a comfort read. I got lots and lots of laughs, and as I live in a building full of old Jewish folk, I was frequently trying not to read chunks of it aloud to...no one in particular (it says here). The late Warren Adler knew exactly what he was doing writing this entertaining chronicle of aging and its indignities hidden behind a very slippery figleaf. Laughing at people is frowned on, rightly so, in today's world. But laughing at yourself, and with your friends, is the way to stay sane in a world that won't listen to you, doesn't much want you, but still has your heart walking around in it.
That's everyone in here. While the author first published it in 1977, when a lot of the world's prejudices were different, the list of concerns of the Greatest-Generation cast of Jewish folks sounds exactly the way my neighbors sound. It's a little odd, when I think about it, that the immigrants raised in the 1930s on the Lower East Side and Brownsville who mostly populate the book are darn near clones of the Long Island facility I occupy. But I think it shows cultural continuity is very much a feature of Jewish identity. I know several of my friends here are children of Auschwitz and other camp survivors...only recently, early in COVID, did our last survivor resident die. (Vale Arthur, quit nagging Yhwh about what she needs to do better.)
Oh, okay. I can't resist the power of Tradition in this context. Bryce, your method lives...but only on my blog!
June 12, 2021
An absolutely charming collection of short stories about elderly Jewish people living and living it up in a Floridian retirement community of Sunset Village, hence the title…this was a lovely random find through Netgalley. The author’s name didn’t ring a bell, but as it turns out actually I do have some familiarity with his work if only through cinematic adaptations, of which there were several. This book was a basis for PBS miniseries too, albeit one I’ve not heard of until now.
I weirdly enjoy stories with older protagonists, there’s something reassuring about the way they get second and third acts late in life. This collection has a built in inspirational title and I suppose in that way it is an inspiration. But also an ever important reminder that age doesn’t change basic needs and desires, doesn’t erase personalities and quirks, that the elderly are not merely vulnerable or difficult or nuisances to take care of, nor are they warm and fuzzy grandparental clichés, but instead interesting complicated individuals they always were and everyone is, just with more creaks and wrinkles.
The stories in this collection are so perfectly uniform in quality, it’s difficult to play favorites. But very easy to enjoy the sum total. The writing, character and otherwise, is absolutely excellent. Makes for a very charming read indeed, but one that never veers into the cutesy territory that seems to be popular now, with a sort of magic old people, you know the rascal/sage combination, just what the youngsters need to make them appreciate life, etc. None of that silliness here. It’s just all good. Published originally in 1977 and doesn’t read dated at all. An entertaining quick read. I liked it very much.
It stands to mention that the edition I read has a different cover and appears to be newer, but for some reason it features an author bio that talks about a man who passed away in 2019 in present tense. Which was weird. So Netgalley readers beware. It’s still a very good introduction to the author, albeit a posthumous one. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
I weirdly enjoy stories with older protagonists, there’s something reassuring about the way they get second and third acts late in life. This collection has a built in inspirational title and I suppose in that way it is an inspiration. But also an ever important reminder that age doesn’t change basic needs and desires, doesn’t erase personalities and quirks, that the elderly are not merely vulnerable or difficult or nuisances to take care of, nor are they warm and fuzzy grandparental clichés, but instead interesting complicated individuals they always were and everyone is, just with more creaks and wrinkles.
The stories in this collection are so perfectly uniform in quality, it’s difficult to play favorites. But very easy to enjoy the sum total. The writing, character and otherwise, is absolutely excellent. Makes for a very charming read indeed, but one that never veers into the cutesy territory that seems to be popular now, with a sort of magic old people, you know the rascal/sage combination, just what the youngsters need to make them appreciate life, etc. None of that silliness here. It’s just all good. Published originally in 1977 and doesn’t read dated at all. An entertaining quick read. I liked it very much.
It stands to mention that the edition I read has a different cover and appears to be newer, but for some reason it features an author bio that talks about a man who passed away in 2019 in present tense. Which was weird. So Netgalley readers beware. It’s still a very good introduction to the author, albeit a posthumous one. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
July 27, 2021
Set in Sunset Village condominium retirement community in Florida “The Sunset Gang” is a story about aging where indeed the occupants are not ready to pack it all in and not by a long shot. Sex and romantic love keep the Village bubbling with activity and the old at heart will teach us a lot about living after aren’t they experts.....
This novel is a collection of ten short stories revolving around the retirement village. Apart from old age and living in the same community what connects them all is the fact that they are Jews sharing a language, identity and way of life.
The chapters:
1. Yiddish: brings two people to discover themselves and their love of life again.
2. Itch: is a testament to how lonely old age can be and how they miss the old days.
3. An Unexpected Visit: After a visit with his father the son reflects on his own life.
4. The Detective: tells us how pride can be a huge obstacle.
5. God Made Me That Way: karma brings two elderly together.
6. The Braggart: money is good but does not replace children who care enough to keep in touch.
7. The Demonstration: A man stands up for his people it is all about anti-Semitism, racism and hatred.
8. The Angel of Mercy: death definitely hovers over retirement village. One resident knows when death is around the corner.
9. Poor Herman: two residents meet again after many decades apart and reconnect as they were teenagers.
10. The Home: a scary thought. Too old to make decisions themselves and unable to take care of...a situation many of us will possibly face...
My thoughts:
Each story is of the high quality and is written with the expert pen of a playwright: visual, clever with a touch of humour not forgetting sad moments. The Yiddish language is in parts difficult to follow but I overcame this frustration thanks to Google. This is a decent read, somewhat satisfying but by far not my favourite by this author.
If this is the life in a retirement community....I prefer staying put where I live.....
Thank you, Stonehouse Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
This novel is a collection of ten short stories revolving around the retirement village. Apart from old age and living in the same community what connects them all is the fact that they are Jews sharing a language, identity and way of life.
The chapters:
1. Yiddish: brings two people to discover themselves and their love of life again.
2. Itch: is a testament to how lonely old age can be and how they miss the old days.
3. An Unexpected Visit: After a visit with his father the son reflects on his own life.
4. The Detective: tells us how pride can be a huge obstacle.
5. God Made Me That Way: karma brings two elderly together.
6. The Braggart: money is good but does not replace children who care enough to keep in touch.
7. The Demonstration: A man stands up for his people it is all about anti-Semitism, racism and hatred.
8. The Angel of Mercy: death definitely hovers over retirement village. One resident knows when death is around the corner.
9. Poor Herman: two residents meet again after many decades apart and reconnect as they were teenagers.
10. The Home: a scary thought. Too old to make decisions themselves and unable to take care of...a situation many of us will possibly face...
My thoughts:
Each story is of the high quality and is written with the expert pen of a playwright: visual, clever with a touch of humour not forgetting sad moments. The Yiddish language is in parts difficult to follow but I overcame this frustration thanks to Google. This is a decent read, somewhat satisfying but by far not my favourite by this author.
If this is the life in a retirement community....I prefer staying put where I live.....
Thank you, Stonehouse Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
August 9, 2017
What a great collection of stories. Various individuals all face life challenges...some unique to the second half of life and some ageless. In "Yiddish," a couple finds each other late in life, and they have to decide whether to act on their passion even knowing it will hurt their families (although the family members are adults).
Bill, the man who has lived his entire life making safe, if unhappy, choices thinks this: He was certain that there was something stirring in him, a dormant plant, struggling for germination beneath the soil of time.
Isn't that great writing? Here's more:
Bill and Jennie (the starcrossed lovers, who are married to other people) are considering whether to make a break for it, or say goodbye and go back to their sad little lives. They're both noble people who have accepted their lot--until now.
Jennie asks, "How many more years do you think we have, Bill?"
Her question left him speechless as his mind groped for some kind of logic. "I try not to think about it," he said at last.
"I have been thinking about it for the last two weeks," she says.
And you know a big change is coming. This is why I love older adult fiction! I want to see stories of older people setting off in new directions, growing, coming to grips with their situation once they finally see it clearly. What do they do then? Continue to settle or blast off in a new direction? At what cost?
I laughed at "Itch," the story about a long-married husband and wife having to readjust to their new life at Sunset Village, is poignant and funny. The wife, like so many of the women, settles in right away, very happy, while Itch (Isaac) the husband, has no friends and no interests, until...
A great story.
I think my favorite of all is "The Braggart," in which a woman who lives a painfully modest life realizes she is better off than her proud and preening friends.
This collection was originally published in 1977, and in some ways, that shows. In the book, a 69-year-old man is considered old. The inhabitants of Sunset Village are far less active and fit than they would be today. But in a way, that's enjoyable too, because in just a generation, one can see change.
The best thing about this book is that Warren Adler is a great storyteller. As an author, I am fascinated by the hidden infrastructure of a story, especially when it's so subtle. Again and again, I found myself wondering how on earth a particular character would ever resolve an apparently unresolvable dilemma--and then they would succeed. Really a delightful book. I recommend it.
Bill, the man who has lived his entire life making safe, if unhappy, choices thinks this: He was certain that there was something stirring in him, a dormant plant, struggling for germination beneath the soil of time.
Isn't that great writing? Here's more:
Bill and Jennie (the starcrossed lovers, who are married to other people) are considering whether to make a break for it, or say goodbye and go back to their sad little lives. They're both noble people who have accepted their lot--until now.
Jennie asks, "How many more years do you think we have, Bill?"
Her question left him speechless as his mind groped for some kind of logic. "I try not to think about it," he said at last.
"I have been thinking about it for the last two weeks," she says.
And you know a big change is coming. This is why I love older adult fiction! I want to see stories of older people setting off in new directions, growing, coming to grips with their situation once they finally see it clearly. What do they do then? Continue to settle or blast off in a new direction? At what cost?
I laughed at "Itch," the story about a long-married husband and wife having to readjust to their new life at Sunset Village, is poignant and funny. The wife, like so many of the women, settles in right away, very happy, while Itch (Isaac) the husband, has no friends and no interests, until...
A great story.
I think my favorite of all is "The Braggart," in which a woman who lives a painfully modest life realizes she is better off than her proud and preening friends.
This collection was originally published in 1977, and in some ways, that shows. In the book, a 69-year-old man is considered old. The inhabitants of Sunset Village are far less active and fit than they would be today. But in a way, that's enjoyable too, because in just a generation, one can see change.
The best thing about this book is that Warren Adler is a great storyteller. As an author, I am fascinated by the hidden infrastructure of a story, especially when it's so subtle. Again and again, I found myself wondering how on earth a particular character would ever resolve an apparently unresolvable dilemma--and then they would succeed. Really a delightful book. I recommend it.
June 12, 2021
DNF @ 54%. The stories were fairly interesting and somewhat clever, but I just couldn't get past the several instances of casual racism and fat shaming. Even if the characters delivering the sentiments weren't always supposed to be sympathetic, it's just not something I'm particularly keen to have in my leisure reading.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.
March 19, 2017
Warren Adler is perhaps best known for The War of the Roses. His work is infused with his special brand of dark wit, hard-hitting truths and sense of humour.
The Sunset Gang is a collection of ten stories revolving around the retirement village called Sunset Village. The feature connecting them all, aside from retirement and old-age, is the fact they are all Jews.
It is the cotton which connects and threads through all the stories. Their language, identity, lives and where their stories start and end.
Yiddish is about the way the ancient language helps two people to discover themselves and their love of life again. It felt as if the kinship and brother/sisterhood was the message in this story. Conversing in Yiddish reignites something buried deep inside them. Perhaps something others could and should discover too.
Itch is, as many of the stories are, a testament to how lonely advanced age can be, even after an eventful and full life. Thrust suddenly into the strange schedule of a retirement community many find themselves missing the days of old and friends, who have since passed away.
An Unexpected Visit is an excellent example of how parents and children grow apart when both are adults. Suddenly life is so busy that families grow apart. In this case a visit with his father helps a son to re-evaluate his own life and priorities.
The Detective, this story is painfully true and it happens more often than people might think. It is all about compassion, empathy and more importantly how pride can be a huge obstacle when it comes to survival.
God Made Me That Way, same attracts same in this tale. It is probably karma when these two elderly people cross paths. Their mutual affinity for the opposite gender places them in the strange category of con-people or thieves of the heart.
The Braggart doesn’t just apply to older generations, it is the truth for many people. Successful careers and money may sound great, but they aren’t a replacement for genuine emotions and children who care enough to keep in touch.
The Demonstration is perhaps the most poignant from a political point of view. A man determined to stand up for his people. To not sit by silently and do nothing. It is about anti-Semitism, racism and hatred.
The Angel of Mercy is actually both sad and very mystical. If there is one thing that hovers over a retirement village it is definitely death. Mrs Klugerman seems to not only know when death is hovering over certain people, she also seems to be able to heal. Either way she catches the attention of someone under their own shadow of death.
Poor Herman, they do say that everyone meets twice in their lifetimes. In this case the strong embers of young love have been buried beneath the mediocrity of a more suitable lifestyle and partner. When they meet again after many decades the two of them reconnect as if they were teenagers again.
The Home is a situation many of us will possibly face, although the majority of us won’t want it to happen them. After a lifetime of being in control and being considered the head of the family one is suddenly considered a problem. An inconvenience that is too old to make decisions and unable to take care of themselves. A scary thought.
I enjoyed the humour, the Jewishness of it all and the fact each story spoke to me. Adler excels at describing every day situations and emotions. I liked the way the author managed to make excellent emotional, moral and even strong political points in the midst of such touching stories.
*I received a copy of this book courtesy of the publisher.*
The Sunset Gang is a collection of ten stories revolving around the retirement village called Sunset Village. The feature connecting them all, aside from retirement and old-age, is the fact they are all Jews.
It is the cotton which connects and threads through all the stories. Their language, identity, lives and where their stories start and end.
Yiddish is about the way the ancient language helps two people to discover themselves and their love of life again. It felt as if the kinship and brother/sisterhood was the message in this story. Conversing in Yiddish reignites something buried deep inside them. Perhaps something others could and should discover too.
Itch is, as many of the stories are, a testament to how lonely advanced age can be, even after an eventful and full life. Thrust suddenly into the strange schedule of a retirement community many find themselves missing the days of old and friends, who have since passed away.
An Unexpected Visit is an excellent example of how parents and children grow apart when both are adults. Suddenly life is so busy that families grow apart. In this case a visit with his father helps a son to re-evaluate his own life and priorities.
The Detective, this story is painfully true and it happens more often than people might think. It is all about compassion, empathy and more importantly how pride can be a huge obstacle when it comes to survival.
God Made Me That Way, same attracts same in this tale. It is probably karma when these two elderly people cross paths. Their mutual affinity for the opposite gender places them in the strange category of con-people or thieves of the heart.
The Braggart doesn’t just apply to older generations, it is the truth for many people. Successful careers and money may sound great, but they aren’t a replacement for genuine emotions and children who care enough to keep in touch.
The Demonstration is perhaps the most poignant from a political point of view. A man determined to stand up for his people. To not sit by silently and do nothing. It is about anti-Semitism, racism and hatred.
The Angel of Mercy is actually both sad and very mystical. If there is one thing that hovers over a retirement village it is definitely death. Mrs Klugerman seems to not only know when death is hovering over certain people, she also seems to be able to heal. Either way she catches the attention of someone under their own shadow of death.
Poor Herman, they do say that everyone meets twice in their lifetimes. In this case the strong embers of young love have been buried beneath the mediocrity of a more suitable lifestyle and partner. When they meet again after many decades the two of them reconnect as if they were teenagers again.
The Home is a situation many of us will possibly face, although the majority of us won’t want it to happen them. After a lifetime of being in control and being considered the head of the family one is suddenly considered a problem. An inconvenience that is too old to make decisions and unable to take care of themselves. A scary thought.
I enjoyed the humour, the Jewishness of it all and the fact each story spoke to me. Adler excels at describing every day situations and emotions. I liked the way the author managed to make excellent emotional, moral and even strong political points in the midst of such touching stories.
*I received a copy of this book courtesy of the publisher.*
January 12, 2024
"The Sunset Gang" by Warren Adler invites readers to embrace the Golden Years with a mischievous twinkle in their eyes. This collection of inspirational short stories redefines the meaning of aging, portraying the residents of Sunset Village, FL, as a vibrant and lively community unapologetically enjoying their later years.
Adler's masterful storytelling unfolds through a series of sun-dappled streets where the elderly residents engage in a variety of naughty business. The tales are infused with humor, warmth, and a refreshing perspective on aging that challenges societal stereotypes. Each story introduces characters navigating love, self-realization, and growth in the sunset of their lives.
The author's portrayal of an elderly couple finding new love, a husband feeling an "itch" in the midst of village life, and a quiet woman swimming in a sea of "Yentas" adds depth to the narrative. Adler captures the essence of Sunset Village, where "old" is not a negative label but an invitation to live life to the fullest. The characters make love, dance, and laze by the pool with the exuberance of sixteen-year-olds, challenging conventional notions of aging.
The short stories offer glimpses into the diverse lives of Sunset's residents, celebrating their individuality and the shared experiences that bind them together. Adler's writing is both playful and insightful, presenting a joyful perspective on the later stages of life. The collection encourages readers to embrace the potential for love and growth at any age, making it an uplifting and heartwarming read.
While some readers may find certain elements of the stories predictable, the overall charm lies in the author's ability to capture the spirit of Sunset Village and its colorful inhabitants. The short story format allows for easy engagement, making it an ideal read for those seeking inspiration and a positive outlook on aging.
In conclusion, "The Sunset Gang" is a delightful celebration of aging, reminding readers that life's adventures, love, and self-discovery continue to unfold at every stage. Warren Adler's collection of short stories offers an inspirational and heartwarming portrayal of seniors living life disgracefully in Sunset Village, earning this book a well-deserved four stars.
Adler's masterful storytelling unfolds through a series of sun-dappled streets where the elderly residents engage in a variety of naughty business. The tales are infused with humor, warmth, and a refreshing perspective on aging that challenges societal stereotypes. Each story introduces characters navigating love, self-realization, and growth in the sunset of their lives.
The author's portrayal of an elderly couple finding new love, a husband feeling an "itch" in the midst of village life, and a quiet woman swimming in a sea of "Yentas" adds depth to the narrative. Adler captures the essence of Sunset Village, where "old" is not a negative label but an invitation to live life to the fullest. The characters make love, dance, and laze by the pool with the exuberance of sixteen-year-olds, challenging conventional notions of aging.
The short stories offer glimpses into the diverse lives of Sunset's residents, celebrating their individuality and the shared experiences that bind them together. Adler's writing is both playful and insightful, presenting a joyful perspective on the later stages of life. The collection encourages readers to embrace the potential for love and growth at any age, making it an uplifting and heartwarming read.
While some readers may find certain elements of the stories predictable, the overall charm lies in the author's ability to capture the spirit of Sunset Village and its colorful inhabitants. The short story format allows for easy engagement, making it an ideal read for those seeking inspiration and a positive outlook on aging.
In conclusion, "The Sunset Gang" is a delightful celebration of aging, reminding readers that life's adventures, love, and self-discovery continue to unfold at every stage. Warren Adler's collection of short stories offers an inspirational and heartwarming portrayal of seniors living life disgracefully in Sunset Village, earning this book a well-deserved four stars.
June 27, 2021
LOL funny! Reading this book was a perfect way to spend a rainy Saturday. I’m not Jewish so I’m not sure if the contents hold true or not. But I am in my late fifties with a mother who is 77 so some of these stories hit a little close to home, in a humorous kind of way. Several things in the book are what make me roll my eyes at my mom and it is interesting that I get miffed at her doing things that I laughed about in this book. I plan to buy my mom and sister this book I know they will find it as funny and endearing as I did
July 18, 2017
This is a delightful collection of short stories. Anyone with elderly Jewish relatives, especially those who came from the LES & Brooklyn will recognize the people, mannerisms, expressions, and life outlook. Made me feel super nostaligic for my grandmother. The audiobook narration by Colleen Crimmins really captured each character perfectly.
I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
February 6, 2019
Something To Think About
What will it be like when we grow old? The stories in this book might just have some answers. Having almost reached that age, I find myself pondering what my sunset years will be like. Hopefully, I'll be like Frieda and feel sixteen again. If I'm lucky I'll be out there somewhere playing shuffleboard and dancing and enjoying those golden years in Florida, in a condo by the pool.
What will it be like when we grow old? The stories in this book might just have some answers. Having almost reached that age, I find myself pondering what my sunset years will be like. Hopefully, I'll be like Frieda and feel sixteen again. If I'm lucky I'll be out there somewhere playing shuffleboard and dancing and enjoying those golden years in Florida, in a condo by the pool.
September 1, 2021
A good collection of short stories related to aging and not wanting to give up life.
There's humour but there's also some sharp observation and, as I'm not that young, I could relate to the characters.
It's a mixed bag but I enjoyed it.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
There's humour but there's also some sharp observation and, as I'm not that young, I could relate to the characters.
It's a mixed bag but I enjoyed it.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
February 26, 2019
Decent read
Some stories were frivolous, some entertaining. All thoughtful. It made you think about your own frailities so.e were funny, some sad. Well written for the most part,with a few editing glitches. Over all, an enjoyable read, but not the greatest.
.
Some stories were frivolous, some entertaining. All thoughtful. It made you think about your own frailities so.e were funny, some sad. Well written for the most part,with a few editing glitches. Over all, an enjoyable read, but not the greatest.
.
May 7, 2020
Witty and delightful stories full of surprises and reminders of all the Jewish grandmothers of my youth.
February 11, 2017
The Sunset Gang: Warren Adler
A collection of slice of life pieces at The Sunset Retirement Community, a Jewish center in Florida. A funny yet not novel.
The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed. Colleen Crimmins accents were what made the book come to life.
"I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator."
May 30, 2012
I should disclose that Mr Adler sent me a free copy of this marvellous book. I don't think I have been influenced by this, however. Almost everything I put on my Kindle is free, and I seldom bother to review anything unless it is very good or very bad. Mr Adler did not ask me to review his work nor was there any hint that I was expected to do so.
These wonderful stories call to mind the work of Isaac Bashevis Singer. Like Singer, Mr Adler writes about a small Jewish community living in a geographically defined area. The Sunset Gang is set in a retirement community which, one gathers, is occupied exclusively by Jewish people. I don't mean to suggest, though, that Mr Adler's writing is in any way derivative. He has his own style and the similarities are due to the structure of the subject matter and to the special ability he shares with Singer to pierce through the surface of the commonplace and obvious to find the hot, beating heart within. These stories are very much about individuals and their uniqueness.
The overt topics of the stories are commonplace events - a broken hip, an affaire, petty theft. But it is the way in which these ordinary topics are made to throw a starkly revealing light on individuals' core beliefs and motivations that makes them truly special.
These wonderful stories call to mind the work of Isaac Bashevis Singer. Like Singer, Mr Adler writes about a small Jewish community living in a geographically defined area. The Sunset Gang is set in a retirement community which, one gathers, is occupied exclusively by Jewish people. I don't mean to suggest, though, that Mr Adler's writing is in any way derivative. He has his own style and the similarities are due to the structure of the subject matter and to the special ability he shares with Singer to pierce through the surface of the commonplace and obvious to find the hot, beating heart within. These stories are very much about individuals and their uniqueness.
The overt topics of the stories are commonplace events - a broken hip, an affaire, petty theft. But it is the way in which these ordinary topics are made to throw a starkly revealing light on individuals' core beliefs and motivations that makes them truly special.
June 12, 2017
Reading this book was a perfect way to spend a blizzardy winter weekend. This is a collection of short stories depicting residents of the Sunset Retirement Village in Florida. Being of a certain age myself I found the book highly entertaining and real. Each story has well-developed characters and plot. Great read.
July 24, 2010
I came across this eBook, I believe, by accident on bn.com. From what I could tell, the premise of this book reminded me of the stories my friends tell about their bubbies and zaydies at shul. I'm completely jealous of these stories because I just have grandmas and grandpa, having grown up with a slightly different background. We'll see what happens.
UPDATE: Part of the reason I bought the eBook was because it was pretty inexpensive. Now, having opened the file, I know why: it's a short story. I'm actually kind of cranky about this, because I do not recall seeing any indication that this was something other than a novel.
UPDATE II: This was nothing like the stories from shul. Nothing. It was a decent read, the characters were likeable and pretty well-developed for a short story. Still, it was unsatisfying; probably because I wanted bubbie and zaydie and those characters weren't in this story.
UPDATE: Part of the reason I bought the eBook was because it was pretty inexpensive. Now, having opened the file, I know why: it's a short story. I'm actually kind of cranky about this, because I do not recall seeing any indication that this was something other than a novel.
UPDATE II: This was nothing like the stories from shul. Nothing. It was a decent read, the characters were likeable and pretty well-developed for a short story. Still, it was unsatisfying; probably because I wanted bubbie and zaydie and those characters weren't in this story.
April 2, 2012
Life in a Jewish retirement village in sunny Florida told in a series of short amusing stories.
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