Books with Older Protagonists
Forty is the new thirty, so it is not surprising that in recent years, there are more books with older protagonists. It is so refreshing to see characters in books who have lived a life and continue to live their lives. Whether these characters are finding themselves or helping a younger generation, Jackie and I love these books.
Jackie and I often talk about age perception. The Golden Girls were supposed to be in their early 50s when the show started! Think of how this contrasts with the characters in the revival of Sex and the City. Carrie, Charlotte, and Miranda are all supposed to be older than Dorothy, Rose, and Blanche. Yes, let that sink in. With the change in age perception comes a change in books.
These books with older protagonists show us that life does not end at 50. It’s not too late to make new friends, find new love, or follow an old dream. I think this shift is all thanks to Frederik Backman. Some of these books are similar to Books Like a Man Called Ove, but they are not all the same.
The Best Books with Older Protagonists
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Book with an Older Female Protagonist
How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley – Jump to Section
Best Book with an Older Male Protagonist
A Man Called Ove by Frederik Backman – Jump to Section
Best Mystery with an Older Protagonist
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murders by Jesse Q. Sutano – Jump to Section
Best Book for a Book Club with an Older Protagonist
Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford – Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Fiction Books with Older Female Protagonists
How to Age Disgracefully
Author: Clare Pooley
Year: 2024
Genre: Fiction
More info: Best-selling author
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Like Clare Pooley’s previous books, this one has a multi-generational cast of characters that make it utterly delightful and laugh-out-loud funny.
Lydia has a new job running the Senior Citizen’s Social Club and the members are unlike anything she expected. Art is an out-of-work actor, William is a former paparazzi, and Daphne is a 70-year-old who lives alone and talks to her plants. And that is only half of the lively crew. When the City council tries to sell the community center building, the Social Club members enlist the help of the daycare, a teenager, and a dog to save the building.
Why Jackie loves it
I read this book in a day. I laughed, I cried, and I applauded. This book made me feel so good. The multi-generational cast of characters makes this book appealing to anyone who loves a great second-chance fiction book. It is about finding yourself and your inner strength (with a side of revenge). And one of our favorite characters from a previous book makes a brief appearance!
Find this book in: Feel Good Books / Ultimate Beach Reads 2024 / Best New 2024 Fiction / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024 / Books with Older Protagonists
Sylvia’s Second Act
Author: Hillary Yablon
Year: 2024
Genre: Fiction
More info:
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
If you are looking for an absolutely hysterical novel, this is for you! After walking into the Florida retirement home she hates and seeing her husband in a compromising position with their neighbor, Sylvia decides it’s time to start her life over in New York City.
Armed only with the money she has from pawning her watch, she gets herself a geriatric roommate and relaunches her career as a wedding planner. The scenarios she gets herself into are filled with heart, humor, and wisdom to create a novel unlike any other.
Trigger Warnings
Reference to drug-related death, Financial instability, Cheating
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve never met a character quite like Sylvia. She’s vivacious and fun in a way that most 66-year-olds are not depicted in literature. I was rooting for her success during the entire book. I’m hoping that scene in the epilogue means a sequel is in the works.
Why Jackie loves it
I could not stop laughing at the antics in this book. But, it was also a book with strong character development and was deeply emotional in some parts. All together, this book is the perfect mix of emotions and plot.
Find this book in: Best Fiction Books of 2024 / Books like A Man Called Ove / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024 / Books with Older Protagonists
The Lido
Author: Libby Page
Year: 2018
Genre: Fiction
More info: The Lido #1, Formerly known as Mornings with Rosemary
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This intergenerational story of friendship, love, and overcoming personal obstacles, touched my heart. Kate is a reporter whose dreams of becoming a star reporter have dissolved into writing fluff pieces for a small, local newspaper.
She is almost paralyzed by her own fears and loneliness. When she is assigned to write a piece about a local lido closing, she meets Rosemary Peterson. Rosemary is 86 years old and has been swimming at the lido her entire life. The unlikely friendship between these two women is heartwarming and you won’t want to put it down.
Why Jackie loves it
When I picked up this contemporary fiction book, it immediately reminded me of A Man Called Ove. The relationship between Kate and Rosemary is wonderful and the book will leave you feeling light-hearted
Find this book in: Books Like A Man Called Ove / Contemporary Fiction Books / Poolside Books / Books with Older Protagonists
Plot
Where are the BUFFY fans? Because this book sounds like Buffy meets Golden Girls in the match-up of my dreams. When three retired Chosen Ones turned bookstore owners discover their basement might be the opening to the underworld, they might just need to come out of retirement to save the world.
Why Kirsten loves it
I will be raving about this unique story to all my fellow 90s fans! Not only did this story remind me of Buffy in the best way possible, but it was such a fun story that it will stand up to non-Buffy fans, too. The snarky friendship between the three roommates anchored the whole story, but the plot was action-packed with a thrilling conclusion. I’m secretly hoping this will be adapted to the screen or turned into a book series! #gifted by DAW
Find this book in: Books with Older Protaganists / Best Fantasy Books of 2025
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk
Author: Kathleen Rooney
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: National Indie Bestseller
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This book could be an amazing movie. It is not the type of book that you “can’t put down” because it takes place on New Year’s Eve 1984 with flashbacks from the Jazz Age all the way to the AIDS epidemic. But, it is an incredibly interesting and very well-written New Year’s Eve book.
Lillian Boxfish takes the reader with her through a look at New York City through the ages. She starts off writing copy for R.H. Macy’s and becomes one of the highest-paid advertising women in the country.
Now, at 85 years old, she is still as savvy as she ever was and is determined to make the most of her time. Breaking the boundaries of what was expected of a woman was Lillian’s thing and makes this book perfect for anyone looking for books like Lessons in Chemistry.
Trigger Warnings
Suicide
Why Jackie loves it
This is such a unique book that is so character-driven. It is a delightful read. Lillian is a wonderful character who has so much depth.
Find this book in: Books Like Lessons in Chemistry / Books with Food in the Title / New Year’s Eve Books / Books Set in New York / Books With Flowers in the Title / Books with Older Protagonists
Books with Older Male Protagonists
A Man Called Ove
Author: Fredrik Backman
Year: 2014
Genre: Fiction
More info: A recent Motion Picture Called A Man Called Otto Starring Tom Hanks
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Ove is mourning the loss of his wife and is consumed with grief. He decided to end his life. His attempts are foiled by mishaps and interruptions from his new neighbors. While this sounds like a depressing book, I laughed out loud while reading it.
Mr. Backman has a beautiful way of capturing the reader’s interest with wonderful characters who find themselves in hilarious situations. But, this story is so much more than that. As it progresses, Ove is able to have a profound impact on the life of everyone he meets, and at its heart, it is a book about friendship.
But don’t let the description throw you off. At its heart, this is one of the best feel-good books and one of my all-time favorite books! If you have not read it, you should consider it for your book club.
Trigger Warnings
Attempted Suicide
Why Jackie loves it
The love and friendships that develop in this book are almost unmatched, in my opinion. Backman is a master storyteller.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a book that allowed me to laugh and cry equally. I loved Ove and his second chance at living life.
Find this book in: Ultimate List of Contemporary Fiction / Books About Friendship / Jackie’s Top 10 All-Time Favorite Books / Novels About Grief
Find More Books Like This in: Books Like A Man Called Ove
Plot
Hubert Bird is a widower who has weekly conversations with his daughter in Australia. He tells her amazing stories about how he spends his time. The problem? It is all made up. With his daughter coming to visit, Hubert must find friends and a life to show his daughter.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Grief
Why Jackie loves it
This contemporary fiction book was my surprise star of the summer so far. I had not heard of the book and thought it sounded great. I loved every minute of it. Hubert gets a second chance at love and friendship but the book dives deeper into Hubert’s past as well. The depth and sincerity in this book are wonderful and I cannot say enough good things about it.
Find this book in: Books About Mental Illness / British Books / Books with Older Protagonists
The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle
Author: Matt Cain
Year: 2021
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This charming contemporary fiction story is about a 65-year-old British postman being forced to retire. As he takes stock of his life, he realizes he is lonely and he doesn’t want to be in the closet anymore. As he sets about changing his life for the better, we are privy to flashbacks of his strict childhood.
Trigger Warnings
Homophobia
Why Jackie loves it
You’ll be rooting for Albert the same way you rooted for Ove.
Find this book in: Ultimate List of Feel-Good Books / Best Books From 2022 / Ultimate Beach Reads of 2022 /Books with Secret in the Title / Books with Older Protagonists
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper
Author: Phaedra Patrick
Year: 2016
Genre: Fiction
Age Range: 16+
Plot
A recent widower finds a bracelet that belonged to his wife that he does not recognize. As he follows the clues of the charms, he learns about his wife and himself. His life up until that moment was so strictly regimented, even more so since his wife died. Arthur has to step outside of his comfort zone to find the closure he so desperately needs.
Why Jackie loves it
If you liked A Man Called Ove, you will love this book. This is a sweet and charming book that was a pleasure to read.
Find This Book in: Books with Older Protagonists / Books Like A Man Called Ove
When the Cranes Fly South
Author: Lisa Ridzén, Translator: Alice MenziesÂ
Year: 2025
Genre: Fiction
More info: International bestseller, Winner of the Swedish Book of the Year Award
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Bo is an older man who lives with his dog, Sixten. His wife is in a facility for people with Alzheimer’s and apart from visits from his son and cargivers, he has very few visitors. His son wants to take the dog away because he insists that Bo can no longer care for him. This adds tension to a relationship that was not perfect but Bo is intent on fixing with the time he has left.
Told from Bo’s point of view along with short snippets from his son and caregivers, this is an incredibly moving and poignant book about growing older and the indiginities that come with aging.
Trigger Warnings
Alzheimer’s
Why Jackie loves it
This is an incredibly moving and beautiful story that broke my heart. it examines past mistakes, family, fatherhood and love of a dog. I can see why it won the award for Swedish book of the year. It is a must read, but have tissues ready because you will need them. Thank you PRH audio for my copy of this book.
Find this book in: Books Like A Man Called Ove / Books with Older Protagonists
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
Author: Rachel Joyce
Year: 2012
Genre: Fiction
More info: Harold Fry #1
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Harold Fry is an unhappy retiree who lives with his wife who is as unhappy as he is. She is irritated by everything he does. When he receives a letter from Queenie Hennessey to let him know that she is dying of cancer, he embarks on a journey to walk 600 miles to hand-deliver the letter to his dying friend. He has not seen her in over 20 years and he suddenly knows that writing a letter will never be enough.
Trigger Warnings
Suicide, Cancer
Why Jackie loves it
This novel is full of fun and humor but is also poignant and powerful. It is easy to see why this was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize.
Find this book in: Books Like a Man Called Ove / Books with Older Protagonists
Mystery Books with Older Protagonists
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
Author: Jesse Q. Sutanto
Year: 2023
Genre: Mystery
More info: Vera Wong #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 13+
Plot
Vera Wong lives above her tea shop in Chinatown in San Francisco. When she finds a dead body in the shop, she calls the police immediately but also cleans up a bit, uses a Sharpie to trace the body, and takes the flash drive out of the man’s dead hand.
She is sure that she can do a better job of finding the murderer than the police. She comes up with a plan to find the killer and finds four suspects who she grows to care for.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved this mystery book and have recommended this cozy book too many times to count. Vera is easily one of my favorite amateur detectives and the story is simultaneously funny and heartwarming!
Find this book in: Ultimate List of Beach Reads 2023 / Books Like a Man Called Ove / Fiction Books About Tea / Best Cozy Mystery Books
The Marlow Murder Club
Author: Robert Thorogood
Year: 2021
Genre: Mystery
More info: Marlow Murder Club #1
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Judith is a 77-year-old crossword puzzle author who enjoys her quiet life with her whiskey in her dilapidated mansion in Marlow. When she is out skinny dipping one nice in the Thames, she hears her neighbor get shot.
The police think nothing is awry so Judith takes to investigating. Soon, there are two more murders and Judith unknowingly brings two more people into the investigation with her- Suzie, the dog walker, and Becks, the vicar’s wife.
Why Jackie loves it
This book was an absolute delight to read. It was witty and funny, and I enjoyed every minute. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Find this book in: Ultimate Beach Reads 2023 / Fiction Serial Killer Books / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Best British Mystery Books / Cozy Fall Books
Thursday Murder Club
Author: Richard Osman
Year: 2020
Genre: Mystery
More info: Book 1 of 5 in Thursday Murder Club Series
Age Range: 14+
Plot
In a retirement village, in the puzzle room, four septuagenarians meet weekly for the Thursday Murder Club. They discuss and try to solve cold cases. When a local developer is found dead, the Thursday murder club has its first real case.
Soon, the bodies are piling up, and it’s up to the TMC to find the killer and stop them before it’s too late.
Why Jackie loves it
There was not much about this book that I didn’t love. The characters are smart and multi-dimensional. The plot is both intelligent and funny. I easily read this book in two days. This is the perfect cozy mystery book.
Find this book in: Books with Older Protagonists / Cozy Mystery Books
Books with Older Protagonists for Book Club
Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame
Author: Olivia Ford
Year: 2024
Genre: Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
At 72, Jenny has decided to secretly enter a reality TV show, Britain Bakes (AKA The Great British Baking Show.) To her utter shock, she’s selected as a contestant! As she diligently works to prepare her bakes each week, she struggles to keep the secret of being on the show to her friends and neighbors. But that’s not all she’s struggling with.
Each chapter is named after a recipe and sprinkled throughout the modern-day narrative are flashbacks to her youth – including a secret she’s kept from her husband for more than 50 years.
Why Kirsten loves it
This story was delightfully charming. I loved the behind-scenes look at a baking show, I drooled over the many delectable bakes, and I was utterly obsessed with Jenny’s journey on the show and in her personal life. This story felt like a warm hug. It has heartwarming lessons wrapped up in funny and poignant moments.
Find this book in: Giftable Books / Best Fiction Books of 2024 / The Best Books of 2024/ Reality TV Novels
The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot
Author: Marianne Cronin
Year: 2021
Genre: Fiction
More info:
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is the story of 17-year-old Lenni, who has terminal cancer, and her art partner, 83-year-old heart patient Margot. They connect at the end of Lenni’s life in the hospital art therapy room where they decided to paint a picture for every year of their combined 100 years.
Trigger Warnings
Death, Terminal Illness
Why Kirsten loves it
GET READY TO UGLY CRY. This book wrecked me. While painting their picture, we get to learn about their lives before their illnesses and witness an incredible bond form. The ripple effects of their bond and friendship took my breath away numerous times. Truly one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.
Find this book in: Books to Emotionally Wreck You / Novels About Grief / Books with Older Protagonists
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Author: Shelby Van Pelt
Year: 2022
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: May 2022 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Instant New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 12+
Plot
I haven’t read a novel with as much heart as this one in quite some time. Elderly, recently widowed Tova loves her job cleaning the aquarium in town in the quiet of the night, especially because of her fondness for Marcellus, the octopus. She finds solace in the aquarium as it makes her feel closer to her son, Erik – a marine life lover – who disappeared on a boat when he was 18.
But when she hurts herself and is unable to return to work at full capacity, she grows close with her replacement, Cameron, a young man who newly arrived in town looking for his birth mother.
Meanwhile, Marcellus knows what happened to Erik and he wants to help Tova find the closure she needs. His narration is interspersed with Tova and Cameron’s for a story that is compelling, heartwarming, and utterly unique.
I will be shoving this book into the hands of everyone who asks for a book recommendation because it’s my favorite book of 2022
Why Jackie loves it
This book has more heart than any book I have read in a long time. The unique perspective of a grumpy octopus may seem silly, but is brilliantly done and adds a unique perspective.
Why Kirsten loves it
The themes in this book, the plot, and the characters- especially Marcellus- really tugged at my heartstrings. I loved that Marcellus added some laughter and made me smile. I recently gave this book to my son and he adored it as much as I did.
Adaptation
The Netflix adaptation starring Sally Field finished filming in 2025. The movie, directed by Olivia Newman, is set to premiere in 2026.
Find this book in: Best Audiobooks of 2022 / Ultimate List of Feel-Good Books / Contemporary Fiction Books / Best Book Club Books / Best Read With Jenna Books / Read with Jenna Book Club List 2022 / Books Becoming Movies
Expert Tip
You cannot go wrong with any of the books on this list. It is filled with some of Jackie’s and my favorite books. If you need suggestions on which book to read, here are some tips.
- What are you in the mood for? Some of these books had us laughing out loud, while some had us clutching tissues. Have a look at the descriptions.
- Are you a “Kirsten” or a “Jackie”. See who read the book and why we loved it. Bonus, if we both read the book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is considered “older” in books with older protagonists?
Older is a very subjective term and depends on the age of the person reading the book. Some people think that late 40s is older, but we don’t agree. Most of the characters in the books we chose are at least seventy, with a few exceptions. Vera Wong is younger, but really likes to pretend she is older.
Related Content
Epilogue
Did you find a book with an older protagonist that you loved?
