The Sunset Gang

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

Just finished this enjoyable short story collection set in a Florida Retirement Community. Each story evoked emotion which I, as a member of the older generation, could relate to. Warren Adler is a talented author and I shall definitely read more of his work.. Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

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.

The Sunset Gang is a series of short stories centered on the theme of retirement living in a Jewish lower middle-class enclave in southern Florida. Adler used humor, patience and understanding when he showcased different characters struggling to adapt from working life to retirement. A huge departure from his normal suspense-filled dramas, I wasn't sure I'd like this. But in the end he left me I wanting more. Bravo Warren Adler!