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backpackingbookworm 's review for:
The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home
by Joanna Nell
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