The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home cover art

The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home

A totally laugh out loud and uplifting novel of friendship, love and aging disgracefully

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The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home

By: Joanna Nell
Narrated by: Julie Nihill
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About this listen

 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 car park! - 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.

(P) 2020 Hachette Australia©2020 Joanna Nell Literature & Fiction Medicine & Health Care Industry Policy & Administration Romance Romantic Comedy Satire Women's Fiction Comedy Funny Witty

Critic reviews

PRAISE FOR THE GREAT ESCAPE FROM WOODLANDS NURSING HOME
I adored this funny yet moving story about home, friendship, and what it means to live. Poignant and warm-hearted, it's a tonic for our times. I was truly sad to say goodbye to these spirited and endearing characters.
Tender and funny
PRAISE FOR JOANNA NELL
Hugely entertaining . . . funny and heart-warming
A gentle, warm-hearted book that had me rooting for all the characters and laughing out loud at points. A book that shows it is never too late to learn how to live, to make new friends and to fall in love.
A warm and touching story with a cast of characters who became my friends - I loved The Single Ladies of the Jacaranda Retirement Village with all its wit, wisdom and spirit
The perfect blend of funny and moving; Peggy Smart had me laughing and crying in this ultimately uplifting story
A funny and poignant exploration of growing old disgracefully and enjoying your twilight years.
Engaging, funny and resoundingly human.
Witty, warm . . . A wonderful read about growing older, and grabbing hold of life.
Celebrates so well, the treasures that life's later stages can hold.
Heart-warming, tender and oh-so-funny, this is a story that will leave you smiling.
Joanna Nell has done it again! You will fall in love with Mrs Winterbottom. This book is a charming, funny and wise exploration of the pleasures and perils of retirement. It's a meditation on the meaning of love, and the ebbs and flows of relationships. If you want a laugh-out-loud holiday read that will make your heart swell, this is the book for you.
This heart-warming story about growing old gracefully - and disgracefully . . . is a funny, witty and thoroughly enjoyable read for all ages.
I loved taking a gap week from my life with Mrs Winterbottom. Nell's writing is, as always, delightfully funny and as heart-warming as a cup of tea.
I haven't been this entranced by a character since Eleanor (Oliphant, of course). This book is a joy - it's a celebration of age instead of an apology for it, and a reminder that life is always an adventure if you let it be. I loved this uniquely endearing book.
An uplifting story, full of essential human truths.
Whip-smart dialogue, humour and sarcasm . . . extremely well written and highly addictive.
Funny, insightful and deliciously refreshing - the most heart-warming book we've read in a long time.
Joanna is an accomplished writer . . . an astute observer of the human condition.
Lively and whimsical . . . with some serious points to make about ageing, love, community and friendship.
A funny, witty and thoroughly enjoyable read for all ages.
One of the funniest and most moving books this year.
A powerful work wrapped in a gentle cover of affection and fun . . . This is a wise, kind and insightful writer.
Sharp dialogue, wit and heart-warming emotion make The Great Escape From Woodlands Nursing Home the perfect weekend read.
All stars
Most relevant
It took a while to get into the story and know the characters but it was worth persevering.
A heartwarming story with interesting characters and a bit of fun !

Good Aussie saga

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I loved this, every character a good one. Eye-opener on old age and its effects.

Very funny and touching tale.

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I work in the adult care sector and a lot of what was mentioned is very factual. a thoroughly great read, with hilarious parts throughout. highly recommend.

good read

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i liked all aspects if this book! gives you an insight of how people must be feeling x

this brings back so many emotions from when my father was in a care home, dome funny parts and some sadness,

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I really enjoyed this audio book. An easy listen and a wonderful story, with an insight into the hopes and needs of people in care homes.

What a delightful story

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