The Banksia House Breakout by James Roxburgh - A Book Review
A 5-Star feel good read
As an ex Aged Care worker, this was so much fun to read. This book had me hooting with laughter and shaking in anger, while still managing to give the warm fuzzies. What an amazing journey this book is.
There are so many people in Aged Care that have children as abhorrent as Ruth's son Michael, just as there are workers as dangerous as Glenn (as much as we like to think there aren't, it is an unfortunate truth). Not only does this book highlight such confronting truths, but it does so with respect and an understanding that is rare. The best part is that these negative experiences become the backstory of this tale, ensuring such experiences don't define the characters, but empower them.
A Little bit of Everything...
I love how this story is so uplifting, comical and at the same time suspenseful, as Ruth, Keith and Beryl trek from Sydney to Queensland on their mission to see Ruth's life-long friend Gladys before she passes away - and to spread Beryl's husband's ashes, as he'd asked her to do before he died. The three new friends face almost every disaster imaginable on their journey. From running out of fuel, meeting a bunch of bikies, hanging out with backpackers, taking surfing lessons and even a little blossoming romance (while giving marriage advice to strangers).
I read this book in one sitting and loved most of the characters (excluding Michael and Glenn of course). Definitely one I'd recommend to anyone wanting a feel-good, easy read. Great for readers who like chic-lit, contemporary romance, or just a little light comedy, fun and exciting read, where every question is answered by the last page.
An easy 5-Stars.
James Roxburgh
James is an audiologist who specialises in the care of the elderly with hearing loss. He combines his passion for writing and the experiences he has shared with his patients to create heart-warming and captivating characters who defy the norms of ageing. James lives in Sydney with his wife and two daughters. The Banksia House Breakout is his first novel.
- From Ventura Press