The Sunset Gang: Inspirational Short Stories That Reshape the Meaning of Aging by Warren Adler

​   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 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.