The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home

By: Joanna Nell

Narrated by: Julie Nihill

The joyous, charming and utterly irresistible new novel from the author of mega-bestseller The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village

At nearly ninety, retired nature writer Hattie Bloom prefers the company of birds to people, but when a fall lands her in a nursing home she struggles to cope with the loss of independence and privacy. From the confines of her 'room with a view' of the carpark, she dreams of escape. Fellow 'inmate', the gregarious, would-be comedian Walter Clements also plans on returning home as soon as he is fit and able to take charge of his mobility scooter.

When Hattie and Walter officially meet at The Night Owls, a clandestine club run by Sister Bronwyn and her dog, Queenie, they seem at odds. But when Sister Bronwyn is dismissed over her unconventional approach to aged care, they must join forces -- and very slowly an unlikely, unexpected friendship begins to grow.

Full of wisdom and warmth, The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home is a gorgeously poignant, hilarious story showing that it is never too late to laugh -- or to love.

'Tender and funny' Woman's Weekly
'Whip-smart dialogue, humour and sarcasm. A heart-warming story, extremely well written and highly addictive' Sun Herald
'Lively and whimsical ... with some serious points to make about ageing, love, community and friendship' Sydney Morning Herald
'This heartwarming story about growing old gracefully - and disgracefully ... is a funny, witty and thoroughly enjoyable read for all ages' Daily Telegraph

Very entertaining and enlightening

The feelings of those in retirement homes was captured realistically. Even though the book addresses this topic, it doesn't dominate in a negative way. I was entertained and laughed out loud . I feel the demographic of the reader should be old enough (in my sixties) to appreciate both the humor and the subject matter of the elderly.

A wonderful story

This book has just jumped straight up to my favourites list. The story and characters are delightful and told in a way that is an important lesson for us all. I hope we all find our own Sister Bronwyn when it’s our turn.