The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife
Books | Fiction / Family Life / General
4.3
Anna Johnston
“A funny, heartfelt story about found family and seeing the silver lining in life. Fans of A Man Called Ove and Remarkably Bright Creatures will especially enjoy this new novel.”—Library JournalA zany case of mistaken identity allows a lonely old man one last chance to be part of a family.“Would you mind terribly, old boy, if I borrowed the rest of your life? I promise I’ll take excellent care of it.”Frederick Fife was born with an extra helping of kindness in his heart. If he borrowed your car, he’d return it washed with a full tank of gas. The problem is, at age eighty-two, there’s nobody left in Fred’s life to borrow from, and he's broke and on the brink of eviction. But Fred’s luck changes when he's mistaken for Bernard Greer, a missing resident at the local nursing home, and takes his place. Now Fred has warm meals in his belly and a roof over his head—as long as his look-alike Bernard never turns up. Denise Simms is stuck breathing the same disappointing air again and again. A middle-aged mom and caregiver at Bernard's facility, her crumbling marriage and daughter's health concerns are suffocating her joy for life. Wounded by her two-faced husband, she vows never to let a man deceive her again.As Fred walks in Bernard’s shoes, he leaves a trail of kindness behind him, fueling Denise's suspicions about his true identity. When unexpected truths are revealed, Fred and Denise rediscover their sense of purpose and learn how to return a broken life to mint condition. Bittersweet and remarkably perceptive, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is a hilarious, feel-good, clever novel about grief, forgiveness, redemption, and finding family.
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More Details:
Author
Anna Johnston
Pages
336
Publisher
HarperCollins
Published Date
2024-09-10
ISBN
0063397315 9780063397316
Community ReviewsSee all
"
The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is a beautiful story.
Fred is a kind, lonely, old soul. He is facing homelessness and has no idea where he will find his next meal. Despite being down on his luck, Fred doesn't think twice about checking on a man in a wheelchair. When he is mistaken for the resident of a nursing home, his dispute of the mistake is overlooked as meaningless ramblings. Next thing Fred knows (there was a bump on the head), he is in a comfortable bed and he is eating the biggest meal he has had in ages.
His claims of not being Bernard fall on deaf ears. He guiltily assumes the role- appreciating the bed, food, and, most of all, people. Few people take note in the drastic change in "Bernard's" personality. His kindness and big heart have an effect on everyone he comes into contact with.
Johnston crafted a novel about finding a family when it was least expected. The relationships Fred builds while "Bernard" have an impact on all involved.
The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is also a book about forgiveness- forgiving others and forgiving oneself.
As heartwarming as the The Borrowed Life is, it is also heartbreaking. Johnston portrays life in a nursing home where patients are not seen as people. The rough handling and dismissive attitude of the carers is frightening.
I was struck by Johnston's knack for imagery. Her use of similes should be studied by writing students because they were able to make the reader see, feel, or hear what Fred was experiencing.
The Borrowed Life is filled with sage advice and laugh out loud one liners. I need to read it, instead of listening to it, so I can highlight and share. I can see this book becoming a movie similar to Forest Gump. (Is Tom Hanks old enough to play Frederick? That would be amazing.)
I recommend reading the Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife to everyone. You will be enchanted by the characters and their shenanigans. I won't ever hear the word "avocado" without chuckling.
"
Brandi Always Reading
"A very sweet book about the most lovable old man. Reminds me of the movie UP. "
Heidi Oneil