Could anyone suggest some humorous books for elderly readers please?

[MissGreatBritain]

I've recently been working as a volunteer, delivering library books to the housebound, who are mostly elderly. Many of them request romance, family sagas etc but also humour. And I'm really struggling. There just don't seem to be many novels that are light and easy but also suitable for the older reader. I'm loathe to put in anything about 20 somethings, as I'm not sure they'll relate to it. Can you suggest any authors please who write with humour? Thanks!

You can't beat Georgette Heyer for humorous books set in the Regency period. Lots of laughs!

Mrs Tim books by D E Stevenson (she of Miss Buncle's book). Semi autobiographical humorous diaries in similar vein to Provincial Lady but with occasional romantic diversions.

Lest we forget Barbara Pym.

My dad is 82, and I think the problem with books like Tom Sharpe, Garrison Keiller etc is that he read them all very many years ago when they were new.

I'll try to remember to ask him for any particular humorous recommendations when I see him later. I know he likes the Jasper Fforde Thursday Next books, also the Ben Aaronovitch Rivers of London series.

I do think it's a bit difficult to say what an 'elderly reader' would like. Both my parents fall into that category (my mum's in her late 70s) - but they have quite different tastes! Kindles are a great thing though as any book can become large print at will :)

Should also say that I volunteer in a library with a lot of elderly customers, and the main requests we get are for more recent literary fiction, a faster turnover of more 'serious' non-fiction, less crime, (and kneelers to help access the lower shelves ).

I am just reading the Count of Monte Cristo. I would never have picked this, but my daughter was reading it.I started it and cannot put it down. What a gem and nothing like I expected. The characters all just leap of the page. After each chapter I am gagging to know what he will do next.

I expect some of your borowers will remember the TVseries in the 1950s where he was a righter of wrongs. It is much more than that and I am sure your readers will enjoy it to

The 100 year old man who climbed out of window and disappeared and The Strange Pilgramage of Harold Fry - my mother enjoyed these. She also loves Bill Bryson.

Pilgramage = Pilgrimage

Another suggesting Bill Bryson,
and Jerome K jerome, I think is the author- 3 men on a boat and 3 men on the bummel.

Another for Tom Sharpe.
Carl Hiaasen's Sick Puppy is light & very funny about an avenging environmentalist vs property developers/politicians.
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.
Penguins Stopped Play - a cricket team set out to play on all 7 continents.