Joanna Nell was born in the UK and studied medicine at Cambridge and Oxford universities. Her essays and short fiction have won multiple awards and been published in medical journals and literary anthologies. A former ship’s doctor and now working as a GP, Joanna writes character-driven stories, creating older characters who are not afraid to break the rules and defy society’s expectations of ageing. Her first three novels, THE SINGLE LADIES OF JACARANDA RETIREMENT VILLAGE, THE LAST VOYAGE OF MRS HENRY PARKER and THE GREAT ESCAPE FROM WOODLANDS NURSING HOME, were national bestsellers. Joanna lives on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

The joyous, charming and utterly irresistible new novel from the author of mega-bestseller The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village

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 carpark, 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.

‘Tender and funny’ Woman’s Weekly

‘Whip-smart dialogue, humour and sarcasm. A heart-warming story, extremely well written and highly addictive’ Sun Herald

‘Lively and whimsical … with some serious points to make about ageing, love, community and friendship’ Sydney Morning Herald

‘This heartwarming story about growing old gracefully – and disgracefully … is a funny, witty and thoroughly enjoyable read for all ages’ Daily Telegraph