PRIZE OF THE WEEK

Country News has two books to give away this week

The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home

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 car park, she dreams of escape.

Fellow ‘‘inmate’’ — the gregarious, wouldbe 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, this is a gorgeously poignant, hilarious story showing that it is never too late to laugh — or to love. ➤The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home is published by Hachette Australia, RRP $29.99.

The Constant Rabbit

England, 2020. There are 1.2 million human-sized rabbits living in the United Kingdom. They can walk, talk and drive cars, the result of an Inexplicable Anthropomorphising Event 55 years ago.

And a family of rabbits is about to move into Much Hemlock, a cosy little village where life revolves around summer fetes, jammaking, gossipy corner stores and the oh-soimportant Best Kept Village awards.

No sooner have the rabbits arrived than the villagers decide they must depart. But

Mrs Constance Rabbit is made of sterner stuff, and she and her family decide they’re here to stay.

Unusually, their neighbours — long-time residents Peter Knox and his daughter Pippa — stand by the rabbit family, and soon find you can be a friend to rabbits or humans, but not both.

With enforced rehoming to a MegaWarren in Wales and the full power of the ruling United Kingdom Anti-Rabbit Party against them, Peter and Pippa are about to question everything they’ve ever thought.

It’ll take a rabbit to teach a human humanity in this blend of satire, fantasy and thriller.

HOW TO ENTER

For a chance to win these books, send your name, address, daytime phone number and the answer to this question: What page does Real Estate begin on? to: Country Life ‘Humanity’ Competition, PO Box 8000, Shepparton, 3632 by Wednesday, June 30.

WINNER

Last week’s book competition winner was Alison Knight. Congratulations, enjoy your books.