“How could you already love someone you barely knew?”

Debut author Anna Johnston’s charming novel features a character based on her grandfather and her own experiences working in a senior’s home. Icing on the cake for a story that had my heart from the first chapter.

As the book opens, Frederick Fife is a devastated old man who has lost his wife and lost his life savings trying to cure her. He stumbles upon a scene that will change his life for the rest of his days. Assuming the identity of another senior was never his intention, but he feels even less seen as he tries to set the record straight. Frederick never expected to find family as he grapples with a profound sense of guilt, but his generous spirit overwhelms these feelings, and touches the many lives he comes into contact with. This fabulous cast of characters who now reside in Fred’s orbit are the stars of the show!

Themes of forgiveness, acceptance and kindness will attract a wide range of readers this fall and I am looking forward to discussing it.

Especially for readers who enjoy Beth O’Leary books, and Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow books for the early copy in exchange for my honest review.

Sometimes you just need a book that sooths your soul and this is it. This is a heartwarming story about a charming older gentleman with a moral dilemma and I loved every minute of it. You meet Fred at a point in his life that is so unfortunate for our seniors. He doesn't have enough money to live in his apartment any longer when an unfortunate event happens, and it is like the universe is going to take care of him. He tries to do the right thing, but it is not meant to be at this moment.

This book is about regrets, losses, mistakes and bad decisions but also about unconditional love and what really matters the most in life. It is probably the second book in my life that had me tear up. Be prepared to fall in love when you read this book.

Thank you NetGalley for making my wish come try and giving me this book when requested for my honest review.

If you're a fan of feel-good stories like "A Man Called Ove" or "My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry," then "The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife" by Anna Johnston is a must-read! From the very first page, this book had me hooked—making me laugh, cry, and reflect on the joys of a long life. The characters are incredibly relatable and endearing, reminding me of the wisdom and warmth of my own grandparents. Everyone needs a little Frederick in their life, and I'll be recommending this gem to all my friends!

This book gave me A Man Called Ove vibes! Except Frederick Fife isn’t nearly as grumpy as Ove. But it had the same found family, finding joy in old age, humorous anecdotes feel.

I loved the MC. He was sweet and loyal and determined to do the right thing. And he genuinely cared for all the people around him. His love was contagious, spreading joy to both the residents and staff of his nursing home. The secondary characters were interesting and sympathetic as well.

There was a lot of humor in the book, particularly in the comedy of errors that led to the MC ending up in the nursing home. The quirks of the other residents made me smile. It almost gives small town vibes, with the town being a nursing home!

There were a few twists I didn’t see coming, which I enjoyed. And the ending was lovely. This is an excellent debut novel, and I can’t wait to see what else the author will write!

Thank you to William Morrow Books and Netgalley for my review copy.

Ten years after the death of Frederick Fife’s wife, he is still grieving and struggling financially. By chance, luck, or fate, Frederick borrows the identity of a recently deceased man, Bernard Greer, and gains access to a warm bed, plentiful food, and a charming daughter. Fred is the type of person we all want as a friend, while Bernard was grumpy. This book is amusing, insightful, and charming. I loved every page!

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for an early read.

What a great story! I could not put this book down. Anna Johnston has a style similar to Fredrik Backman and I LOVED it!
So much humor in a book that started out with a tragedy, but all ended as one could only hope. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I look forward to future books by Anna Johnston. Please, write more - A sequel to this story would be sensational.
Thank you #NetGalley and #PenguinBooks for allowing me to read an ARC of this story, it was a most delightful read!

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is the book that I didn’t know I needed! It made me laugh and cry and is about several characters’ lives, families, choices made and some of the ups and downs of it all for both young and old alike. It also put the nursing home in a positive light, especially for people that are lonely and/or don’t have enough to survive on their own in their late years. I loved every second of reading about each character in this book and how Fred’s life - along with the others - would end up. It seems that the author took great care in writing each character in this book and wrapped it all up very nicely. After taking care of my parents that were in their 90’s, this book tugged at all my heart strings and also made me smile. It was like chicken soup after reading many thrillers! I will be recommending this book to everyone. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for allowing me to read and review this book, it’s a winner!

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is a truly heartwarming read that earns every bit of its 5-star rating. The story beautifully weaves the charm and depth of characters like A Man Called Ove and Father Tim from The Mitford Series. While the narrative is at times profoundly sad, it's also a journey of hope and sweetness that resonates deeply. The emotional highs and lows are masterfully balanced, making it a memorable and touching read. This book is a perfect pick for anyone who enjoys stories that tug at the heartstrings while offering a comforting sense of humanity.
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC. This is my honest review.

4.5 stars. What a well-written, delightful and heartwarming read! And, a debut novel at that. An uncanny series of events leads 82-year-old Frederick Fife into “borrowing” the life of Bernard Greer, a resident of the Wattle River Nursing Home. As he does so, his adventures will have the reader smiling, laughing, shedding a tear or two, and cheering him along all the way. All in all, this was a great and uplifting novel . . . and one that would make a superb movie! I look forward to reading more from Anna Johnston.

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was the palate cleanser I didn’t know I needed. I felt all the feelings reading this. Sometimes you need a book that is wholesome and sweet. This was definitely it. I think it will be a big hit!

Such a great story! Funny, sad, pleasant and a bit of mystery! I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. Fred was so wonderful and I wanted to know him in my own life! I loved the way the whole story came together and had a bit of suspense to it!

My thanks to Net Galley and William Morrow for an advanced copy of this e-book.
Pub Day 9/10/24
5*

Frederick Fife is as kind of a man as you could ever meet. He dearly loved his wife until she passed away. He is contemplating some of the hard times he is facing as he walked along the river. He sees a man from the nearby nursing home in a wheelchair that seems to be rolling toward the river and makes a dash to help him.

Life can surely bring someone unexpected turns that they would never have expected!

This book began like that for me. I do not normally read or even like. Quirky, or Octogenarian silly stories, or even much Fiction. A bit too much bathroom humor added in as well. But like dear sweet Fred, the book took a turn I was not expecting and did not see coming and now this story lives large in my heart! I highly recommend this book!!!

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife was funny, thoughtful, surprisingly tender and full of heart (not to mention a little heavy on the bathroom humor).

The very first chapter had me audibly laughing to myself; the seagulls, the wheelchair, it was all so ridiculous, I couldn’t wait to see what else would unfold.
Fred Fife is the ultimate lovable protagonist. He constantly finds himself in less-than-ideal situations (to put it lightly) and yet his sweet and gentle nature always prevails.

Each character drew me further into the story. Hannah, Kevin, Linh, even Patricia- their relationships with Fred all felt so genuine and real.
Besides being a wonderful story of friendship and found family, the story was really a lesson in forgiveness and never waiting to say what needs to be said.

4.5 stars (- 0.5 stars for the excessive knowledge of Fred’s prostate I now possess)

What an unexpected 5 star read! I absolutely loved A Man Called Ove - and while this was cut from a similar cloth, it was unique and thought provoking.

The characters were realistic, the storyline compelling and the overall novel just a joy! I was sucked in the further I read and would highly recommend!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #WilliamMorrow for the ARC!

Thank you netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book blew me away, certainly one of the best books of 2024. Fredrick Fifes life is falling apart, he has no family, friends or money. Well one day his life will change just walking along the water. He spots a man in a wheelchair who has separated from his nursing home group and hes dead. Being the helpful person he is Fred tries to get him back to the group when a series of unfortunate or should we say fortunate for Fred circumstances occur causing the nursing staff to bring Fred back to the home in place of Bernard (the man in the wheelchair) hijinks ensue and Fred has a whole new life and daughter. This is a journey of love, friendship and forgiveness, five stars.

Incredibly sweet story about the unusual circumstances that led to an 82-year-old man getting a chance at a new life by “borrowing” another 82-year-olds life. Friendships, kindness, and connection- plus fun knitting storylines as an added fun element. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A fast read with well-developed characters I feel like I know and missed hearing more about as soon as I finished the last page.

Wow!! First no question 5 star read I have had in a while. I devoured this book in a day - and even in that short time it had me checking the publication date to see if I can buy a copy for my mom and start recommending to people. This was heartwarming, very funny at times and very sad at times but just overall an excellent feel good read with characters you love. Despite the far fetched premise it is just so believable. Definitely see fans of “A Man Called Ove” enjoying this. What an incredible debut - can’t wait to see what else Johnston has in store. Would love to see this as a movie one day.

DNF at 15%

Saccharine sweetness mixed with unrealistic plotlines makes it difficult to carry on with this, even though there is the prospect of a decent ending. I've read several books centering on an adorable octagenarian, and this one carries the least plot.

Eighty-two year old widower Frederick Fife is facing being evicted when a bizarre mistaken identity mixup sees him being bussed into a comfortable care home, and mistaken for resident Bernard Greer.

What changes and challenges will Frederick face living as Bernard? Could this be another chance at happiness?

There’s a lot of humour, it took a while to set the story up, and the poignant moments I most appreciate from feel-good to start shining through. It definitely does have its moments.

It’s pretty good, there’s an interesting cast of characters and some unexpected plot angles.

Worth a look if you enjoy feel-good.

Thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow

If you’re looking for a feel good story that will make you laugh, smile and cry, this is the one for you! Frederick Fife is such a lovable kind guy but he lost his wife many years ago and is just so lonely and without any friends or family.

Things take a dramatic change when his identity is mistaken for someone else. A true doppelgänger situation!

I found the beginning of the book to be cute but a slow start. From about 50% on, it was a total page turner and I couldn’t put it down. This will challenge your view on family and gives you a deep perspective of the choices we make in life. Hopefully like Fred, we all value the choice to be kind.