A unique take on loneliness and grief, Get Off My Lawn is a heart-rendering and endearing tale that brings together two unlikely friends.
Olivia is nearing the end of her life and has little to fill her empty heart besides her pristine lawn that she keeps immaculate as a tribute to her late husband. That is until she meets Dotty, a young girl who has been somewhat troubled by life’s hardships. It takes the pair coming together to make life happier for the both of them as the book explores themes of friendship, loss, sadness and grief. Despite being marketed as a children’s and young adult’s book, the story is told from the perspective of Olivia and the more mature spin probably renders it a better read for older teens and even adults.
Olivia herself initially comes across as a grumpy old lady yet there’s something instantly likeable and relatable about her, something about her character that has you wanting to reach out and look after her rather than resent her for the disinterested demeanour that she displays; she’s an interesting and complicated protagonist that drives the novel perfectly.
It’s a short read and whilst it’s the perfect lazy Sunday afternoon novel, it has a pace that means you never find yourself bored by the story. Although the setting never leaving Olivia’s lawn, there’s plenty of action within the pages and enough teasers each chapter to make you want to read just one more (and note, these chapters are dangerously short so you find yourself devouring them when you really should be turning off the light)!
The Book Dragon reviewed this quirky read on behalf of the author and recommends it as more of an adult’s novella than children’s fiction. Nevertheless, the book deserves its 5 stars.
