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The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home
- Narrated by: Julie Nihill
- Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Humor & Satire
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Publisher's Summary
The joyous, charming and utterly irresistible new novel from the author of mega-best seller The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village.
At nearly 90, 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.
A 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.
What listeners say about The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Friend
- 03-31-22
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.
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- Andrea
- 02-07-21
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.
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- Amazon Customer
- 11-07-21
Wonderful
If only there were retirement homes like this! There could be if people cared eough. Wonderful story.
2 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 11-05-21
Fabulous
A thoughtful written book with wonderful characters. I found myself drawn into their world and their troubles and adventures.
2 people found this helpful
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- janne gordon
- 03-14-21
A wonderful read.
I loved the story and brilliantly narrated too.
I work in an aged care facility and could relate to many of the characters. The Night Owl concept is also an innovative idea - if only there were the extra staff to to ensure success.
Our elders deserve better and staff do their best and the book highlights these facts in a gentle, poignant manner while telling the story of a relationship between 2 nursing home residents.
2 people found this helpful
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- Mrs. B C Murrill
- 11-24-21
Well done. Realistic
A good job of showing the other side of age care in a real and compassionate way
1 person found this helpful
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- Roger
- 02-06-22
Entertaining and heartfelt
Obviously written by someone with an intimate knowledge of the machinations of RACF life. Fabulous.
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- Anonymous User
- 01-23-22
Just wonderful!
I soo loved this book; it's told with joy, pathos and is neither mawkish nor sacchariney.
Thankyou Joanna Nell and for such great narration by Julie Nihill
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- Bree
- 01-14-22
Heart-warming advocacy for the ageless
I loved this book. The narration, the story, the genuine depth to the characters. My grandfather was sadly forced into care in a similar circumstance to Walter. This book was so accurate in its portrayal that it brought up a lot of emotions, it was a cathartic read, as my grandfather passed away from covid while in care in 2020. This book gives such an insight into the experience of feeling young & craving independence, yet also being vulnerable and needing support. The author captured the complexity perfectly and I wish all care workers, managers and policy writers would read this book. All our Elders deserve a Sister Bronwyn.
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- Anonymous User
- 11-23-21
wonderful read
This story was so funny, loved each character and their roles within Woodlands, narrator reads each character well.
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- Sharon F
- 11-20-21
A wonderful read and insight into the minds of an elderly person’s…
A wonderful insight into the mind of an elderly person’s feelings when faced with losing their independence and the loss of their way of life.
Hopefully this will make any reader appreciate our aged friends and relatives more.
A very well written book with much empathy and more humour.
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- Kindle Customer
- 11-10-21
Thoroughly enjoyable.
This story was a delight to follow along. I purchased the audible version and loved the gentle, humerous and honest story line and Julie Nihill did an excellent job of telling the story. will be recommending this read to friends.