The Borrowed Life Of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston, every now and then you come across a book you know you’ll need Kleenex for but for this book you’ll need to buy it as if a hurricane is coming or there’s a Covid outbreak because OMG is this a tear jerker! Frederick five lives in Australia and while Al pondering is intending homelessness he sees a man dumped out of the wheelchair near a river. While trying to help the unconscious man, fleetingly he notices they’re striking resemblance. when Frederick puts him back in his wheelchair, while he’s taking off his jacket the chair rolls to the river and although the chair stops at the river Bernard Greer does not.. this is how when nurse Denise comes to get Mr. Greer she mistakes Frederick five for her patient who has dementia so when he tries to explain he is not him she blows it off as him just being quirky due to his condition. So now Frederick five lives in a nursing home and ultimately decides no harm no foul he’s eating has a safe place to sleep soon also has friends, but theirs somethings about Mr. Greer‘s life Frederick wasn’t prepared for and one of those was his angry daughter Hannah. Let me stop here and just say if you love funny, found family, heartwarming, tearjerking stories this is the book OMG… OMG oh I freaking love this book! So many times I who do not cry while reading sad stories almost cried multiple times. I absolutely 100% recommend this awesome awesome book that I hope becomes a movie. #NetGalley,#HarperCollinsAustralia, #AnnaJohnston, #TheBorrowedLifeOfFrederickFife,

Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Anna Johnston for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Frederick Fife, suffering from the loss of his wife, finds comfort when he is mistaken for a dead man, and confused workers put him in the now available bed at the local nursing home. He tries to tell them, but they just don’t always pay attention to old people, so he relaxes and makes friends, the kind of friend we all need to have and to be. Everyone loves him, as well as learning valuable lessons about life from him. Life takes a few twists when Fred meets Bernard’s daughter, she wins his heart, and he has to make the choice whether to be truthful with her.

This is a life-affirming book! You will feel good and hopefully pass this feeling onto others.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC: This is an uplifting book--the central protagonist is 82, homeless and alone and he inadvertently changes places with a similar appearing nursing home resident. Johnston explores the invisibility of the old and family dynamics--Fred meets the estranged daughter of Bertrand and establishes a bond and attempts to make reparations for poor parenting. Fred had been very lonely and alone and the nursing home provides him with stability and connections. While it may not be completely realistic, there are very realistic observations about how older people are treated and the lifelong wounds from inadequate parenting, Fred is a deeply decent man and his story is lovely.

This is such a wonderful heartwarming story! The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston is a book I believe everyone would love to read. There are parts that are sad, parts that might make you angry, but overall it’s a beautiful story that’s filled with love. Fred is down on his luck, his wife has passed away, he has no living friends or relatives and he’s broke and being evicted from his flat. An accident happens at the park and he is mistaken for someone he’s not. From there he takes on the life of someone else and the story unfolds. At times it was quite comical to read but I found it endearing how he interacts and befriends both the residents and the employees at the nursing home. He ends up finding friends, family and a real purpose in life. I loved reading this, perhaps it’s because I’m getting older, but I enjoyed reading a book that centered around a senior citizen who was living in a nursing home. Most authors don’t write stories about the older generation and I thought it was a pleasant change. I’d like to thank NetGalley for the arc that I obtained off the Read Now section. This was a very enjoyable read for me and I believe everyone who reads it will agree. I’m giving it a 5 star rating and since this was the authors debut novel, I’ll be waiting patiently to read what she writes next!

This book is definitely going to the top of my list of favorite books for 2024. It's hard to believe that it was the author's debut novel. I found it so much better than similar books I've read for book club discussions in recent years. Those would include A Man Called Ove, The Unlikely Pilrimage of Harold Fry and The 100-Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared. The characters from those books were not nearly as endearing as Frederick Fife ((aka Bernard Greer). I experienced such a range of emotions from tears to laughter and could scarcely stop reading to do anything else. Thanks so much to NetGalley, William Morrow and the author for an advance copy to read.

I really enjoyed this book. On the day that Fred was being evicted, they assumed that he was Bernard. Fred kept telling him that he wasn't Bernard, but they didn't believe him since he was Bernard's spitting image. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I love Fred and the wonderful way he treated people. His becoming 'Bernard' brought so much lightness to people's lives. I love the humorous situations he faced and the heartwarming ones. I also felt for him with his grief for his wife and the child that he lost. Fred is a man that makes the world a better place. I love the story's positive vibes.

Awe this felt like a warm hug in a book. I adored this lovely wholesome tale that put a smile on my face and brightened my day. My heart completely melted over Frederick, you couldn’t help but feel for him over the turning situation he came to be in. And I greatly appreciate Anna Johnston for so adeptly shining a light on how special it feels when someone shows caring, kindness, and compassion towards another, most especially to our elders that often feel left behind as they grow older. Oh and I loved how Johnston perfectly mastered the mistaken identity trope, hilarious! 5 stars — Pub. 9/10/24

I received an advanced copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I don’t know why, but I love rooting for a character who’s done something he shouldn’t have done and has to find a way out of that poor decision. Frederick Fife is that guy. He’s allowed a case of mistaken identity to go way too far. But, Frederick is also irresistible, the kind of guy you’d welcome into your life because he’s so kind and positive.

I love books about feisty older people, too, and it’s not just because I’m aging. When I was much younger, two of my favorite books were Walking Across Egypt by Clyde Edgerton and Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns. Both featured elderly protagonists. Oh, and I’ll always celebrate reading The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson and A Man Called Ove by Frederik Backman. Not to mention the fact that my debut novel is about an older woman. But, I digress.

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston is packed with humor and warmth. You’ll keep turning the pages to find out how in the world the mess Frederick has made can possibly be resolved. And you’ll be sorry to come to the end because you know you’ll miss the lovable guy and his found family.

Many thanks to HarperCollins Publishers and NetGalley for an advance review copy of this book.

I first came across this book when I saw it on Instagram before it was even mentioned in the US and I just knew I had to have it. The blurb alone was enough to draw me in.

In THE BORROWED LIFE OF FREDERICK FIFE you have Fred who is broke, homeless and alone. This tugged at my heartstrings and it should tug at everyone’s. How one can be 82, having lived a long and honorable life and even with being broke, with no home, and no family…. And still be just…. Kind.

Somehow Fred stumbles into the life of Bernard after being mistaken for him. This part was hilarious. I laughed so hard I cried. Almost woke the kid up. Suddenly Fred has things a lot of people take for granted. A warm meal, the security of a place to sleep, friends, and maybe even family. It was about humility, family and the kindness of strangers.

I don’t usually get attached to characters simply because I know they’re not real but Fred was very real for me. I just wanted to hug Fred.

This book also shed light on the reality of people in nursing homes. How sometimes they’re forgotten. The loneliness. Even when they’re not forgotten there’s a lack of human contact and companionship.

I primarily read thrillers because they’re such an escape and who doesn’t love an escape? The thing is sometimes you just have to let yourself feel. It’s okay to feel. It’s inescapable. This is a book I’ll carry in my purse simply because it’s a reminder of so many good things. It’s like a security blanket. It makes me happy.

This book is for readers of all genres. I dare you not to love Fred.

A special thank you to Netgalley, William Morrow, Tess and Anna Johnston for providing me with this ARC, and allowing me to shamelessly beg for this book.

This novel begins with an absurd premise - an elderly man being mistaken for another whose dead body just washed away, now forced to take his place in the nursing home - and then with humor and sincerity, it addresses some of the most real and heartbreaking aspects of aging. I certainly fell in love with Frederick, the protagonist, but I loved the other characters in this story, too. The plot felt a bit forced by the end (which makes sense given the bizarre starting point), but overall, this book was entertaining and heartwarming.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the ARC!

Sometimes, a book finds you just when you need it. Such is the case with Anna Johnston's debut novel, "The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife."

Charming, sweet, funny, heartbreaking, and always hopeful, the story revolves around Frederick Fife, an 82 year old, down-on-his luck widower. Through a serious of comical, yet serious mishaps, he finds himself going from evicted and homeless, to living a better life in an assisted living home within the space of an afternoon. There's only one little, teensy-weensy problem with this. Everyone now thinks his name is Bernard, and no matter how hard he tries he simply can not convince them otherwise!

Quite assuredly, the most original "second chance love story" that I've read in a very, very long time! We should all be so fortunate to have a Fred Fife in our lives!

This novel has a publish date of September 10, 2024.

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston was such a beautiful story.
This character driven story was very thought-provoking.
Such a heartwarming and endearing read that I very much enjoyed reading.

Thank you Netgalley & William Morrow Publishing for an eARC ♥️

Get ready to have your heart both broken and warmed by the incredible story of Frederick Fife. At 82 years old, Fred's life has been marked by loss and loneliness. He's outlived his wife, his friends, and even his purpose. But in a stunning twist of fate, Fred is given a second chance when he's mistaken for another man who's passed away.

As Fred navigates his new life at the Wattle River Nursing Home, he's surrounded by people who are struggling to find meaning in their own twilight years. There's the feisty ones, the forgotten ones, and the ones who are just trying to hold on to what's left. And then there's Fred - a man who's been given a rare gift: a chance to start over.

With his quick wit, his generous heart, and his irrepressible spirit, Fred sets out to make the most of his borrowed life. He befriends the misfits, comforts the grieving, and brings joy to those who thought they'd never smile again. And in doing so, he finds a new family, a new purpose, and a new reason to keep going.

This story will break your heart in the best possible way. It'll remind you of the beauty and fragility of life, and the power of human connection to transform even the darkest of times. So if you're ready to laugh, cry, and have your heart warmed to the core, then join Fred on his unforgettable journey.♥️

Thank you @netgalley for an ARC of this sweet book! I truly enjoyed the story of Fred, a man who accidentally “borrows” the life of a man he finds passed away by a river.

Fred is an octogenarian who has a very sunny outlook on life, even though he has been dealt some heavy blows. After trying to help Bernard (a deceased man he finds in a wheel chair) back to his nursing home, Fred ends up mistakenly taking the place of Bernard because no one believes he isn’t Bernard! Fred, a ray of sunshine in a bleak world, ends up finding his true found family in the nursing home while also trying to maintain that he is Bernard.

Mistaken identity, putting other people first and always trying to do the right thing are the main themes of the book. I loved Fred’s view on life, even if many of his inner monologues are about the tough times he has had. He is a beacon for everyone! I did find the writing style to be a little quirky at times, and there could maybe have been a little more depth for some of the characters, but overall I loved being with the characters and wanted only the best for them.

First I want to thank the publisher for the advanced reader copy. I was excited to be approved for this book because the concept sounded really interesting and I don't see many stories focusing on much older protagonists. I loved Fred and I think the author did a wonderful job making us fall in love with him and understand the situation. I also loved the other characters and their interactions with Fred. The story felt very real in the interactions and relationships. My one criticism and the reason I gave it a 4.5 instead of 5 stars is you can tell the author is not an older person. There are many times the characters are the butt of the joke because they fart or smell or have trouble with their bladder. These are genuinely apart of getting old but it is played too often for laughs that it feels disparaging of the older characters.

All the stars!

I wish I could give this wonderful book 100 stars, it was so very special. When Fred finds himself in a terrible situation, after also finding out he’s homeless by day’s end, he still tries to do the right thing and not let people mistake him for Bernard, recently deceased. But the powers that be refused to believe him, so he assumed Bernard’s place in the nursing home and his belongings, though guilt is a constant companion.

The friends he makes, the discovery that Bernard had an estranged daughter, and his selfless acts show Fred as a really good, honest man. I wish there were more Freds in the world. Please read this book, you won’t be sorry.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Frederick Fife finds himself in a case of mistaken/confused identity instantly changing his life from one of loneliness to one full of love and connection. But for someone so pure of heart- the duplicity weighs on him. The longer he walks in another’s shoes and is touched by friendship and love, the harder it becomes to keep this secret.

Told in multiple points of view, this book takes on topics of poverty, death (spouse/child), addiction, betrayal, dementia, and geriatric care. (As an OT I specifically applaud the sensory processing mention and the impact that has on a family). It’s filled with heart, some nice twists, and the Patricia cameos will keep you on your toes.

@annajohnstonauthor details the full spectrum of what nursing homes and their staff experience each day. From Linh to Denise, she tells the tale of the care our loved ones experience, and highlights how our personal experiences impact our relationships and success in the professional setting. She also fully celebrates the longevity of love- in all its pain and beauty.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thank you @netgalley and @williammorrowbooks for this #advancedreaderscopy - pub day is 9/10/24

#2024bookchallenge82of75
#netgalley
#theborrowedlifeoffrederickfife

From the bleak first sentence to the very upbeat final sentence, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Ffie is a charming journey . Author Anna Johnston explores the invisibility of the elderly, grief, loneliness, and the power of kindness and positivity.

Fred Fife is a wholly empathetic character who quite literally falls into a second chance, and in that second chance his natural tendency to be kind and positive brings out the best in everyone around him. He is a highly likable character. Albert, Val, Kevin and Linh are secondary characters who stood out. As Fred’s positivity changes their lives, their fondness for him, changes his life.

When Fred “borrows” the life of Bernard, he gets a much-needed place to stay, but in return he is able to mend a few of Bernard’s broken fences. While a couple of Fred’s antics seem highly unlikely given his age, overall I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely story. I very much needed a dose of Fred’s positivity and kindness.

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is Anna Johnston’s debut novel, and I expect it will not be the last book of hers that I read.

4.5 stars

I feel a bit torn with this book. While I felt that parts were too long and found myself skimming pages, it was also a heartwarming book and the ending was nice.

I honestly don’t even know what to say. This is one of the best and most heartwarming books I’ve read in a long time. When the premise of the synopsis played out early in the book, I was worried it was going to be so slow and was losing a plot. However, I was incredibly wrong. The plot only got better… and better. I have zero critiques and fully recommend this book if you want to read something real, something inspiring, and something heartfelt and uplifting.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC!