What a delicious treat this has been to read. I would be very happy to end up in a place such as the Woodlands Nursing Home if there were such adorable characters as Harriet, Walter and Sister Bronwyn. Let's not forget Queenie the animal companion with her over active tail, or the mysterious resident or maybe staff member who puts dishwashing liquid in the outdoor fountain! This is a gentle and funny story of physically aged people who simply do not want to become old people. The power of the human spirit is an amazing thing, and although it may make us slightly delusional - read sons and daughters thinking crazy old mum or dad - it would seem that we really are in our best place when we continue to deny our physical age and keep on living the best way we can. With some minor adjustments ....
89 year old Harriet has had some bad luck. Her sole survivor self sufficient way of life getting the better of her. She has found herself in Woodlands following a fall from a ladder during some of her routine home maintenance. Pretty fiesty is Harriet, terribly upset to be in this predicament, away from her home, her garden, her precious birds, her freedom. Walter, of a similar age, has found himself in Woodlands thanks to his daughter who feels he is no longer capable of looking after himself. A professional driving instructor all his life, all he wants to do is get his hands on a motorised scooter but first he has to pass the test.
These two unlikely personalities are the main characters in this very nice sounding, although perhaps overly micro managed nursing home. With a routine inspection coming up the already far-too-many rules are being rigorously enforced. So many rules, so much pettiness, it is hardly surprising that Harriet makes a bolt for it. But the escape is not just the physical escape. The residents are constantly looking for ways to play with the system they are living in, sneaking around the staff - all very boarding school -ish really, but totally charming, with the reader egging them on, wanting them to succeed!
It's a great romp, and a reminder to us all, young and not so young, that every day is worth being alive for, every day there is at least one joyful and meaningful thing to be found and enjoyed. Being a nursing home for elderly people it is no surprise that death comes during the story, handled beautifully and lovingly by the writer. I recently read the author's earlier novel - The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village which I also loved, but this is better. More depth, a stronger story, more diverse characters with larger back stories, the same themes done extra well. Read it and enjoy it.
No comments:
Post a Comment