A review by smalltownbookmom
A Funny Kind of Paradise by Jo Owens

4.0

This was a REALLY insightful and touching view of what life is like for both patients, relatives and especially the staff who work in care homes, which makes sense since the author has twenty years of experience in the field. I was very impressed with this debut told with equal measures heart, humor and sorrow. At nearly 70 years of age Franny is moved into a long-term care home when she suffers a major stroke that leaves her partially paralyzed, unable to talk and with a feeding tube. She is wholly reliant on the staff to help with her every need but on the inside her mind is still sharp as a tack. Through Franny's eyes we get to see all of the indignities and quiet acts of kindness she and the other residents receive. I really enjoyed this story - Franny reminded me of a more modern day version of Margaret Laurence's Hagar Shipley. A great book to garner more empathy for our elders living in care homes and appreciation for the amazing people who work there. Highly recommend!