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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
This book started innocuously enough, and I knew I would like it. By the time I set the book aside, I also found myself wanting to give it a full five stars. It creeps up on you with all the 'feels'.
The story is based in a retirement home, the main protagonists being reluctant residents of the Woodlands Nursing home. The characters are of sound mind but not of the body, which has brought them all under one roof. First, we have Hattie who loves and understands birds but knows next to nothing about people. This is going to be her first lesson. Then, we have the man who is Walter, who is sure of his charm, but it is not helping him with anything. Until the very end, I could not be sure about the state of his marriage with his late wife, which I think felt very realistic in the time of frequent happily-ever-after books.
Hattie and Walter bond over a lot of smaller things as well as another resident's declining health, even if their first meeting happens disastrously. There are a lot of other issues bound into the narrative, along with showing how the lack of independence hinders their agendas regularly. It has its moments, but the realizations and how they change the course of action during the story endeared the book to me. It is ultimately a happy book with its own hidden nooks with jolts of reality which triggered the tears.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
The story is based in a retirement home, the main protagonists being reluctant residents of the Woodlands Nursing home. The characters are of sound mind but not of the body, which has brought them all under one roof. First, we have Hattie who loves and understands birds but knows next to nothing about people. This is going to be her first lesson. Then, we have the man who is Walter, who is sure of his charm, but it is not helping him with anything. Until the very end, I could not be sure about the state of his marriage with his late wife, which I think felt very realistic in the time of frequent happily-ever-after books.
Hattie and Walter bond over a lot of smaller things as well as another resident's declining health, even if their first meeting happens disastrously. There are a lot of other issues bound into the narrative, along with showing how the lack of independence hinders their agendas regularly. It has its moments, but the realizations and how they change the course of action during the story endeared the book to me. It is ultimately a happy book with its own hidden nooks with jolts of reality which triggered the tears.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Read the full review here! http://www.blinddogbooks.co.uk/so-i-just-read-the-great-escape-from-woodlands-nursing-home-by-joanna-nell-and/
I did like this book but it wasn’t a 5 star read for me. I was looking at the reviews on Goodread and a lot of the 5 star reviews are from people who have read Joanna Nell’s books before and I honestly think I didn’t like it because this just isn’t the kind of book I would like to read. I thought it would be but maybe not and that’s ok, every book isn’t for every person. In this review I want to talk about my opinions of the book as well as how it’s written.
I did like this book but it wasn’t a 5 star read for me. I was looking at the reviews on Goodread and a lot of the 5 star reviews are from people who have read Joanna Nell’s books before and I honestly think I didn’t like it because this just isn’t the kind of book I would like to read. I thought it would be but maybe not and that’s ok, every book isn’t for every person. In this review I want to talk about my opinions of the book as well as how it’s written.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
*I received a free ARC of this book with thanks to the author, NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Another wonderful insight into old age, from the author who brought us The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village and The Last Voyage of Mrs Henry Parker, which – yet again – manages to be simultaneously achingly sad and uproariously funny, ulceratingly tense and brightly hopeful.
Here, we visit Woodlands Nursing Home with Miss Hattie Bloom, in what she fervently hopes will be a fleeting experience. Finding herself somehow trapped in this unfamiliar environment, where everything is regimented and her precious independence is airily discounted, Hattie’s only refuge is in feeding the birds until she discovers the Night Owls – a secret, late-night social club where the elderly residents can finally demonstrate their hard earned skills and capabilities without someone trying to force them back to bed.
It’s a shame then that Hattie’s new acquaintance, Walter, manages to accidentally scupper her escape hopes and get the Night Owls shut down before she’s even had a chance to really get going there. Still, Hattie and Walter are definitely not the giving up and going gently sorts and so they find themselves highly unlikely allies in a covert battle to escape their ‘prison’, avoid their medication, surprise their friend, and reinstate the Night Owls. It’s a good job people tend to underestimate the elderly!
Joanna Nell captures old age realistically, in all its ups and downs. She shows us the terrible indignities, aches and distresses that come with losing, not only your physical strength/health, but also your personhood in the eyes of the world, your identity, hobbies and profession, your right to make decisions on your own behalf. Then she balances that bleak reality by also revealing the mischief, camaraderie, fond memories and new friends and experiences that comes when your body is old, but your heart and mind don’t realise it.
The word “heartwarming” could have been coined especially for this novel (and Joanna Nell’s whole ouevre). She takes the small incidents of everyday life and makes you laugh, cry and bite your nails anxiously. Reading The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home put the fear of inevitable old age into me, then deftly removed its sting and left the sweetness – highly recommended.
'‘It’s as if the usual laws don’t apply in aged care, said Murray. ‘It’s a case of out of sight, out of mind. Even prisoners of war have the Geneva Convention.’
‘It’s not as though we’re completely helpless though, is it?’ Both Walter and Murray turned to look at Miss Bloom. ‘Everyone expects so little of us, expects us to be completely incapable. That’s our secret weapon. Our disguise, if you like.’
‘Go on,’ said Walter.
‘We could use it to our advantage.’'
– Joanna Nell, The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2020/12/18/the-great-escape-from-woodlands-nursing-home-joanna-nell/
Another wonderful insight into old age, from the author who brought us The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village and The Last Voyage of Mrs Henry Parker, which – yet again – manages to be simultaneously achingly sad and uproariously funny, ulceratingly tense and brightly hopeful.
Here, we visit Woodlands Nursing Home with Miss Hattie Bloom, in what she fervently hopes will be a fleeting experience. Finding herself somehow trapped in this unfamiliar environment, where everything is regimented and her precious independence is airily discounted, Hattie’s only refuge is in feeding the birds until she discovers the Night Owls – a secret, late-night social club where the elderly residents can finally demonstrate their hard earned skills and capabilities without someone trying to force them back to bed.
It’s a shame then that Hattie’s new acquaintance, Walter, manages to accidentally scupper her escape hopes and get the Night Owls shut down before she’s even had a chance to really get going there. Still, Hattie and Walter are definitely not the giving up and going gently sorts and so they find themselves highly unlikely allies in a covert battle to escape their ‘prison’, avoid their medication, surprise their friend, and reinstate the Night Owls. It’s a good job people tend to underestimate the elderly!
Joanna Nell captures old age realistically, in all its ups and downs. She shows us the terrible indignities, aches and distresses that come with losing, not only your physical strength/health, but also your personhood in the eyes of the world, your identity, hobbies and profession, your right to make decisions on your own behalf. Then she balances that bleak reality by also revealing the mischief, camaraderie, fond memories and new friends and experiences that comes when your body is old, but your heart and mind don’t realise it.
The word “heartwarming” could have been coined especially for this novel (and Joanna Nell’s whole ouevre). She takes the small incidents of everyday life and makes you laugh, cry and bite your nails anxiously. Reading The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home put the fear of inevitable old age into me, then deftly removed its sting and left the sweetness – highly recommended.
'‘It’s as if the usual laws don’t apply in aged care, said Murray. ‘It’s a case of out of sight, out of mind. Even prisoners of war have the Geneva Convention.’
‘It’s not as though we’re completely helpless though, is it?’ Both Walter and Murray turned to look at Miss Bloom. ‘Everyone expects so little of us, expects us to be completely incapable. That’s our secret weapon. Our disguise, if you like.’
‘Go on,’ said Walter.
‘We could use it to our advantage.’'
– Joanna Nell, The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2020/12/18/the-great-escape-from-woodlands-nursing-home-joanna-nell/
This book was so cosy and exciting. I absolutely loved it. I liked that the story was told from two people’s perspectives. It really helped us to get a rounded view of events. Hattie is fun and mischievous and Walter knows his own mind. They both want to escape Woodlands for different reasons but find themselves working together to achieve their goal. They make friends along the way and show us the real perks and drawbacks of care. I loved Sister Bronwyn’s character. All care homes need a woman like her. Not afraid to end the rules for the sake of her patient’s livelihoods. We want our older ones to enjoy life not just to count down the days until they die and this is exactly what she did. I really enjoyed the character development that we see from the two main characters. I loved Murray’s character too. He was soft and gentle but he was such a good friend to Walter. I would recommend this book to everyone. It made me laugh so many times.
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Another wonderfully enlightening and endearing book from Joanna Nell, The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home will have you cheering for a generation that is often overlooked.
Having read and loved The Last Voyage of Mrs Henry Parker, I couldn't wait to pick this one up. I have a soft spot for the elderly so this book was absolutely tailor-made for someone like me. The plot was slow and steady (much like the inhabitants of Woodlands) but the characters were spirited and energised as they systematically planned their biggest adventure yet.
Rather than plot-driven, this book focused on the characters, namely Hattie and Walter who are both desperate to get back to their old home lives. Unlikely allies (due in part to Walter running Hattie over when he loses control of his mobility scooter), the pair finally come together when they realise their missions align. Not only do they want to escape, but they also want to save The Night Owls, a top-secret late-night venture where sleepless residents can meet, mingle, and enjoy their favourite pastimes.
Joanna Nell has a brilliant way with words, and it's easy to fully immerse yourself in her writing. The detailed descriptions, vivid metaphors, and character exploration add so much to the story and bring elements to life. Parts of the book are based on her own experiences, whereas others though fictionalised are still representative of the lives of many elderly people in nursing homes. I thought Joanna did a great job of highlighting some of the issues that are often left ignored (such as expecting elderly people to sleep soundly through the night) and hope more can be done in this area to make nursing homes more adaptable to those living there.
All in all, this was a lovely novel and one that I will definitely be recommending!
Rating breakdown
Plot/narrative - 4.3
Writing style/readability - 4.3
Characters - 4.6
Diverse themes - 4.3
Ending - 4.3
Overall - 4.4
Having read and loved The Last Voyage of Mrs Henry Parker, I couldn't wait to pick this one up. I have a soft spot for the elderly so this book was absolutely tailor-made for someone like me. The plot was slow and steady (much like the inhabitants of Woodlands) but the characters were spirited and energised as they systematically planned their biggest adventure yet.
Rather than plot-driven, this book focused on the characters, namely Hattie and Walter who are both desperate to get back to their old home lives. Unlikely allies (due in part to Walter running Hattie over when he loses control of his mobility scooter), the pair finally come together when they realise their missions align. Not only do they want to escape, but they also want to save The Night Owls, a top-secret late-night venture where sleepless residents can meet, mingle, and enjoy their favourite pastimes.
Joanna Nell has a brilliant way with words, and it's easy to fully immerse yourself in her writing. The detailed descriptions, vivid metaphors, and character exploration add so much to the story and bring elements to life. Parts of the book are based on her own experiences, whereas others though fictionalised are still representative of the lives of many elderly people in nursing homes. I thought Joanna did a great job of highlighting some of the issues that are often left ignored (such as expecting elderly people to sleep soundly through the night) and hope more can be done in this area to make nursing homes more adaptable to those living there.
All in all, this was a lovely novel and one that I will definitely be recommending!
Rating breakdown
Plot/narrative - 4.3
Writing style/readability - 4.3
Characters - 4.6
Diverse themes - 4.3
Ending - 4.3
Overall - 4.4