The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston

Eighty two year old Frederick Fife is a good man. He's also a very lonely man who will be grieving his late wife for the rest of his life. Huge medical bills, despite the medical care not saving his wife, meant Fred lost their house and all but a few precious keepsakes, after he lost the love of his life. Now Fred has been told to move out of the shabby rooms where he's been living. He's very late on the rent and he has no where to go, no where to even store his few belongings.

Then, a bunch of wild and crazy mishaps occur and Fred wakes up in Bernard Greer's private room at the local nursing home. Fred is a good man so he does feel some guilt about going from a homeless man with nothing to a man with a room, clothes, food, and a group of people who have the potential to become dear friends. There is a price to pay for this wonderous miracle, such as wearing a dead man's graying underwear, and suffering many bodily indignities as he gets the full nursing home treatment of the dead man he is replacing, but the price is worth it for all that he gains.

There are so many touching aspects of this story, a lot of laughs, and the story allows us to feel for some very flawed characters. There is forgiveness and there are chances to make a difference, to see memories in a different light and to find value in a life where giving support to other people makes one's own life better. Even some of the most minor characters are fleshed out as we see their generosity and caring ways.

I'm left with such a good feeling after finishing this story, remembering not just Fred, but the others in this story. Fred's goodness can't be hidden even when he takes the place of a grumpy old man. We all need a Fred in our lives but this story also shows the goodness and kindness of many other people. Fred gives so much but he also gets so much...I will be smiling for a few days after reading this story.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for this ARC.

This was the beautiful story I didn’t know I needed. Fred is an 82 year old man down on his luck about to be evicted from his home with no where to go. When he’s walking through the park he stumbles on an old man in a wheelchair whom he realizes is dead. As he’s trying to let the nursing home know what happened, a bizarre turn of events has everyone thinking he is Bernard. He tries to tell everyone he is really Fred, but since Bernard had dementia no one believes him and thus his new rather strange life begins. This was a beautifully told story of found family and trying to make up for past mistakes. Fred/Bernard was such a charming main character and you couldn’t help but root for him to get his happily ever after. Warning though, the treatment of the elderly in this book was hard to read at times, so read with care if that will be an issue for you. I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

Frederick Fife is a kind elderly man but has found himself alone, broke, and without a home. When a bizarre case of mistaken identify occurs, Fred suddenly finds himself at the local nursing home; with warm meals, friendly caretakers, and surrounded by others.

This was a heartwarming and feel good tale, which was unexpected due to a lot of the sad content. It was also laugh out loud funny at times. It’s a story of found family, forgiveness, and second chances. I definitely recommend this one.

“You’d be surprised how people treat you differently when you’re older. You don’t feel any different, but it’s as though you fade away, like a Polaroid picture in reverse.”

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife comes out 9/10.

A comparison to Remarkably Bright Creatures is a high bar, but far I say this lovely story did live up to it for me. Having always had a soft spot for the elderly, and having spent time working in a nursing home could definitely both be contributing factors to my enjoyment of this one.

This is a poignant and compelling debut that beautifully balances heartbreak and hope. The story follows Frederick Fife, a man who has lost everything—his wife, his home, and his sense of purpose—only to find himself on the brink of an unexpected new chapter. After witnessing the sudden death of an elderly man, Bernard Greer, who bears an uncanny resemblance to him, Frederick stumbles into a chance at a fresh start, albeit under less than ideal circumstances.

What begins as a totally accidental case of mistaken identity soon turns into a touching exploration of belonging, “found family”, and the quiet desperation that often accompanies loneliness.

The narrative is rich with emotion, and the author’s ability to evoke both the despair of loss and the joy of new connections is enthralling. Frederick’s journey is one of rediscovery and renewal, and it’s hard not to fall in love with his character as he navigates this delicate situation with a blend of guilt, hope, and an unexpected sense of belonging.

If you enjoy books that are character-driven and focus on the complexities of human relationships and the unexpected ways life can offer second chances, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is a must-read.

I would like to thank NetGalley, William Morrow Publishing, and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really loved this book!

Fred finds himself in a predicament when he accidently assumes the life of a grumpy old nursing home resident.

This book is funny, sentimental, sad and thought provoking. This is definitely a character driven book. The pacing of the story was a little slow, but the charm more than makes up for the pacing.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC

First, thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

What a delightful book! I started out thinking of it as a nice little diversion from the more serious and "literary" books I've been reading lately but Johnston brought me around in time to see that she's worked in a wonderful message and surprise. I wasn't blown away by the author's writing skill and style, but it served her book well. The characters are unique and clearly developed. Fred does grow as a person as do others in the book.

While at times, the cheerful and helpful demeanor of Fred/Bernard made him seen too good to be true, I realized that while people like him are few, they do exist. I recently attended the funeral of one such man who brightened the lives of everyone he met, even if it was only a brief encounter. My niece, who spoke about him, reminded us all that my mom, her grandma, was also that kind of person.

So I recommend this book wholeheartedly as a bit of brightness and light in what often seems a cruel and negative world. I'll pick up another by this author!

Eternally grateful to NetGalley for early access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

Content warnings: death, miscarriage, cancer

Frederick Fife has lived a long life, but recently, experiencing homelessness and losing his wife have him feeling hopeless. When Fred finds that a nurse has mistaken him for another man, he accidentally assumes the role of Bernard, a resident at Wattle River Nursing Home. With warm meals and full-time care, he overcomes his conscience and plays the role. Meanwhile, Denise, a nurse at Wattle River, begins to have suspicions about “Bernard”’s real identity, and together, they each find their purpose.

I knew after reading just the title of this book that I would love it, but reading the description had me SOLD. Old man + funny + sad = right up my alley (as proven by my 5 star review of A Man Called Ove). When I got the email that I was approved, I actually shrieked and started reading IMMEDIATELY.

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife hooked me from the first page and just kept getting better. Johnston’s writing is impeccable; one-liners good enough to have me laughing out loud or tearing up, sometimes both. From start to finish, I would not change a single word.

I appreciate how this book portrays the infantilization of the elderly from the perspective of the man at the receiving end as well as the accuracy of its depiction of dementia. These are both very sensitive topics that need to be written delicately, and Johnston absolutely blew me away with her realism.

If it’s not clear yet, 5/5 full complete stars.

A heartwarming and funny novel about down-on-his-luck Frederick Fife and the life of poor dead Bernard that Frederick accidentally takes over. I enjoyed Johnston's ability to provide both sentiment and hilarity in equal measures. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for a digital review copy.

Frederick Fife is an elderly widower with no children and no living friends. After struggling to pay rent and being asked to leave, Fred mistakenly stumbles into the life of another elderly man with an uncanny resemblance to himself. Through mistaken identity, Fred lives out the life of grumpy Bernard Greer at a local nursing home. With this new life, Fred finds friendship, found family, and purpose again, but is he willing to lie to continue this second chance at life?

From debut author Anna Johnston, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife tackles many really heavy topics including dementia, death, childhood cancer, and alcoholism. I found myself reaching for the tissues on several occasions, but Johnston took care in handling these subjects and was sure to provide readers with much needed comic relief. As much as I cried, I also chuckled at all of the antics found within the nursing home and beyond. This was a heartwarming book that I will continue to think about for some time.

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Anna Johnston’s debut THE BORROWED LIFE OF FREDERICK FIFE is joyful and triumphant. Granted, the premise is unique and maybe a little over the top, but it definitely proves its point that older adults aren’t seen as they should be.

Fred is 82 and down on his luck after losing his wife a decade prior and falling on hard financial times, and he stumbles upon a dead body that looks like himself in a wheelchair. The dead body falls into the river, and Frederick is presumed to be the wheelchair’s occupant Bernard and taken back to Bernard’s nursing home. This case of mistaken identity leads Fred to have endearing moments with several of the nursing home residents, including a man with dementia who thinks Fred is his own brother who passed away many decades ago. Fred’s charm also impacts the staff.

Fred’s wife Dawn couldn’t keep a pregnancy and he regrets never being a father, so when he finds out Bernard has been estranged from his adult daughter for over 30 years, Fred’s goal is to mend that relationship and possibly learn what it’s like to be a father.

It’s really difficult for a novel to navigate humor, being endearing, a touch of sadness without too much sentimentality. There is a lot to love here when with some more developed side characters than I’m used to and wanting the best for all of these characters, especially Fred and Bernard’s daughter.

I think fans of REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES and THE STORIED LIFE OF A.J. FIKRY will enjoy this novel. Solid writing with memorable characters. This debut novel will publish September 10, 2024, and is well worth your time.

I have seen a lot of people recently ask what to read if they liked "Remarkably Bright Creatures", this is my answer. This is such a heartwarming story! I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced readers copy of this book from NetGalley. So, the only downside is that you have to wait until 9/10/24 to read it. I will warn you that it starts off a little cheesey in case that is something you can't handle.

The book I didn't know I needed. First of all, let's talk about the catchy and clever title! Second, this book had the perfect hook of grabbing the reader from the beginning and keeping one engaged. The pacing of the book was perfect. Our octogenarian protagonist was simply the perfect character that felt like such a real person, expressing real emotions of the human existence.

A book that will be in my top 10 of the year and an easy one for me to recommend to all. If you like Frederick Backman-I think this will be a good fit for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the advance e-copy of this book.

I cannot express how much I loved this book! It reminded me of a cross between “A Man Called Ove” and “All the Lonely People” which are both books that I also loved.

Anna Johnston did a brilliant job bringing each character to life. The depth of their stories, emotions, worldview; I connected with them all. I laughed, I cried, at some parts got angry, I felt so many emotions while reading this novel. I wish that I could read it all over again like it was the first time! This book is about forgiveness, grief and loneliness, how kindness can conquer much, and how family is sometimes not biological but built with the foundation of love. This is a must read.

Thank you HarperCollins Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC for my honest review.

Frederick Fife, a kind widower who is about to be evicted (all his money was spent on his wife’s cancer treatment), is walking on the shore and trying to figure out what to do next when he spots a man slumped in his wheelchair, and of course he steps in to help. But when trying to push him back to his group, the wheelchair, Frederick, and the body all tumble - except the body falls into the water and washes away. This begins the most fortunate case of mistaken identity - Frederick looks like Bernard, the man in the wheelchair, a grumpy man of means who has dementia and a room in an elder care facility. No one would listen to Frederick when he says he’s not Bernard. Frederick is therefore given a second chance - he now has a group of friends, a warm bed and food, and Bernard’s daughter who he hasn’t seen since she was 8 (so she doesn’t realize he’s not the real Bernard). Maybe he can give Bernard a second chance as well, and mend his relationships.

This was such a fun and joyful book - it was almost like the Ove antithesis - Frederick was kindness incarnate. He took over a man’s life who was his opposite and decided to take what Bernard had and help others. This book was believable in its unbelievability - and just a heartwarming story. It takes a look at the concept of - if you could walk in another man’s shoes (and wear his dirty underwear) and takes it in a different direction and I just loved it. It had the joy of Remarkably Bright Creatures and it just left me with such a smile when I was done. I know this is a debut novel and I cannot wait for her next - I will be there waiting for it!

4.25 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC to review

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of The Borrowed Life of Fredrick Fife.

I found this book to be light, witty and easy at times to read. Although, The Borrowed Life of Fredrick Fife did brush on some heavy topics of aging, Dementia, cancer and family issues or lack there of family. It was a wonderful read.

I seldom read a book as sentimental as this one, they are not my favorites but Fred held my attention. Through a hard-to-believe accident of mistaken identity, near homeless and lonely senior Fred takes the place of Bernard, his doppelgänger, in a nursing home. If there was a nursing home her is the US like the one set in Australia, I would move in by the end of the month. Fred is a “good and kind bloke.” He finds friends, loving relationships, and three square meals a day and only needs to pretend he is the irascible Bernard who has incontinence issues and has the beginnings of dementia. The story is funny, sad, and uplifting it also too sentimental. I do quibble with a line in the fourth to the last paragraph of the last chapter (not the epilogue), “It didn’t matter…” would not have been Fred’s thought.

I received a free e-arc through Netgalley. This book had me hooked from the first page. Oh Fred and Hannah, what you went through in your separate lives before fate brought you together. I love this book because it's not a typical romance, but rather about the love between people of any age. That friends and found family are more important than money. Although money is nice too. I need more books from this author!

“You’d be surprised how people treat you differently when you’re older. You don’t feel any different, but it’s as though you fade away, like a Polaroid picture in reverse.”

At 82, Frederick Fife is lonely. A widower who is about to be evicted, he’s scared about what the future will bring. One day, while out contemplating his life, he sees a man who he tries to rescue unsuccessfully. Only when he tries to explain what happened, no one will listen. Instead, due to a coincidentally uncanny resemblance, they assume Frederick is actually Bernard Greer, said deceased man who also happens to be a resident of a local nursing home.

While Frederick’s is initially flustered that no one will listen to him, he can’t deny that Bernard’s life isn’t anything to sneeze at. In fact, if he stays in the home as the missing resident he will have delicious meals, great company, and, most importantly, a much needed roof over his head. I mean the man is dead anyway-what harm can there really be?

But as time goes on, it becomes harder and harder to keep up the charade. After all, Frederick’s version of Bernard is sharper and kinder. Then there’s the messiness of his estranged daughter reentering the picture, as well as a worker in the facility who has her own suspicions, and her own set of suspicious behavior. Struggling with the idea of “borrowing” another man’s life, the aging Frederick also knows he’s also living on borrowed time.

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife was a beautiful book that will undoubtedly make the reader laugh and cry. It’s the story of two men who never technically met, but still managed to impact the other’s life in remarkable ways. It’s also a resounding reminder that it’s never too late to get a second chance.

This story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Fred is a widower without family or friends. He is about to be evicted from his apartment. By a twist of fate he is able to assume Bernard's life in a nursing. Fred is lonely and this allows him to find new family and friends. Family is not always your blood relatives.

This is a book that I really enjoyed. I would highly recommend reading it. You will laugh and cry during the story. Senior citizens don't always have connections to friends and family. How do they get treated by society? This book will make you think of the senior citizens that you know and maybe you can reach out a friendly hand. What a stunning book!

Thank you to #NetGalley, #AnnaJohnston, and #HarperCollins for a copy of this wonderful story.

*****Publishing September 10, 2024*****

Frederick (Fred) Fife, age 82, was being evicted by his landlord for not being able to pay rent. On the same day, as if his life couldn’t get any worse, he fell by the river, and was mistaken for Bernard. He lost his ID and couldn’t prove it, so he ended up as Bernard in Wattle River Nursing Home. At least he had a place to stay and meals. How will Fred cope with this new situation? Will he be able to convince them he is not Bernard? Can Fred escape the nursing home?

Denise works at the Wattle River Nursing Home and has a family of 4 with two daughters, Sadie and Hannah. Sadie is diagnosed with cancer, which sends both her and her husband into depression. Also, it causes her marriage to start crumbling!

Can Denise and Fred find support in each other while facing their own dilemmas? This book will have you turning the pages to find out!

I loved the premise of this book, it made for an entertaining read! Especially the unexpected way the story evolved! Also, I loved the sense of humor that the author put in this story, as it made for some laugh- out-loud moments! Of course, Fred is an endearing lost soul that has gotten into a predicament. What’s not to love? A great book club book as it would spark many interesting discussions.

Thanks to William Morrow, I was provided an ARC of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.