I would give this book ten stars if I could! I laughed, I cried. Don’t miss an opportunity to read this heartwarming story.

Thank you to NetGalley, Anna Johnston, and William Morrow for this ARC!

In The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, you will meet a kind elderly man who is caught up in a case of mistaken identity, but it just might be the solution to his problems.

Quirky characters + mistaken identity + acts of kindness + found family = one unique read.

Frederick Fife is desperately lonely and is about to be homeless. At the park one day, Federick notices an unresponsive man in a wheelchair. In a set of extraordinary circumstances, Frederick assumes this man’s identity and is taken back to the local nursing home. He feels a bit guilty about the impersonation, but he’s enjoying the warm meals, a roof over his head, and the companionship of other residents. The staff remark on his transformation from grouchy to kind and considerate. He also doesn’t need adult diapers or the meds that the man he’s impersonating required. Fred makes many friends in his new life as “Bernard.” Things become complicated when one carer, Denise, grows suspicious of his identity but she has her own secrets and they agree to protect each other. When Bernard’s daughter visits, Fred’s deception becomes incredibly complicated as he’s never had children and begins to care about her as a daughter. Can he keep up the charade? What are the consequences of telling the truth?

What I Enjoyed:
* I always love quirky characters!
* I love older characters!
* Fred is a lovable character, and I love his kind heart.
* I appreciate the theme of kindness and Fred’s attitude, and his practice of Kindness is a good reminder for all of us.
* I adore a found family theme, and this story provides a special one.
* I appreciate the issues raised such as grief, invisibility, loneliness, and support services for the elderly.
* The story gets better and better the more you read!

Other Things I Noticed:
* Suspension of disbelief is required at the beginning of the story as the events that lead up to his “borrowed life” play out.
* I suppose it’s realistic to portray some carers as less than kind or professional, but a couple of instances were troubling. If you have an elderly relative in a nursing home, it might cause worry or concern.
* There’s a danger when writing humor that it can cross the line of gentle and kind to poking fun at another’s expense. Or the characterizations can become stereotypical. A couple of times I felt a bit protective of these dear elderly characters.

Content Consideration: Cancer (in the past), grief, elder abuse (minimal), unplanned pregnancy

Overall, there’s a great deal to love about this quirky story! I’m recommending The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife for fans of older characters and who love themes of kindness and found family. I’m adding this to my book list of favorite older characters. I’m eager to read more from this debut author!

Thanks #NetGalley @WmMorrowBooks for a complimentary e ARC of #TheBorrowedLifeOfFrederickFife upon my request. All opinions are my own.

This was a sweet and heartwarming story! I was surprised by the twist that came a good way in.

The only things holding it back from being a five star read for me were that it felt a bit trite or sappy at times and that I didn't like all of the flatulence/incontinence humor.

I will recommend this book to my followers and fellow readers!

Frederick Fife is a heartwarming, sweet character! Frederick has been lonely for many years. His wife and dog died ten years ago, and he has been heartbroken and alone since then. He lost his house due to all the medical debt that was accumulated trying to save his wife. He had been living in a rental, but now couldn’t afford even that and has to leave with no home to go to.

Frederick finds himself along a river when he spots an older man, Bernard, fall while feeding the seagulls. Frederick goes to help but the man falls from his wheelchair into the river, and his body washes away. The man was on a field trip with the nursing home he was in, and the employee that came over thought Fredrick was Bernard. They looked identical to each other. Frederick tried many times to say he wasn’t Bernard. However, Bernard had been diagnosed with dementia, so no one believed Frederick.

From here the story evolves as Frederick settles into his new life as Bernard, living in the nursing home. He realizes Bernard has no family, so he decides to borrow Bernard’s life. He enjoys the good food, companionship, and attention that had been missing in his life for so long. Frederick is such a sweet, likable character that I kept wanting to see how things progressed for him. There were a few twists I didn’t see coming in this cozy book. It also switches points of view with 2 other people. Overall, it is unique and a really great read.

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

This novel is destined to become a top seller. I adored Fred Fife and his friends and was amazed at how the author could even make the antagonists in this story into sympathetic heroes. This story is uplifting, but not simple or simply moralistic. The plot is complex, weaving together the stories of a variety of characters into a narrative complete with a history and a future. Fred's emotional intelligence and caring nature are credible. His inner monologue had me giggling as I read. The subtext is a commentary on aging and how our society treats the aged and infirm, but it is not preachy. A beautiful redemption story, I will recommend this book heartily once it is published.

This was a very sweet and heartwarming story about a lonely 82 year old man who is contemplating his impending homelessness when he comes across a deceased man who happens to be his doppelgänger. While trying to return the previously wheelchair bound man to his nursing home group an incident occurs and he is mistaken for the other man. Since no one will believe him when he says his name is Frederick, not Bernard, he decides to borrow the other man's life.

I really enjoyed this story except for a couple of things. First, while some of the humor was cute, there was far too much potty humor. It got to the point were I would roll my eyes at the fart jokes. It was unnecessary and too immature for the story. It ended up being an annoyance instead of humorous.

I also didn't like the repetition of some of the thoughts. I felt that we were beaten over the head with it. I understood that Fred had regrets and he missed his wife and was lonely, etc... However, I feel that this was all just repeated a bit too much.

Otherwise, I loved the story. I was ok with suspending my disbelief, I expected that going in. I was also ok with knowing mostly where the story would go. No spoilery details, but I really liked the tricky bit. Johnston got me there for a minute! I thought the story was sweet and uplifting. I love the overarching themes of kindness and forgiveness. I was happy for the little found family.

Overall, a beautiful story that reads like the debut it is. I expect Johnston's writing will only improve with time and if her stories continue to be this heartfelt she will be in for a wonderful career. 3.5★

This is a delightful story about a widowed octogenarian, Fred who borrows the life of his doppelgänger, Bernard, a nursing home resident. I really enjoyed this story centered on found family. It is humorous but emotional read and you will be rooting for Fred the whole way. The nursing home setting and its cast of characters seemed spot on. I particularly loved Patricia, the horny old woman on the ward that Fred frequently has to hide from. Pick this up if you’re looking for an uplifting read.

Anna Johnston's THE BORROWED LIFE OF FREDERICK FIFE dropped me immediately into the plight of freshly homeless Frederick, 82 years old with the memories, griefs, and joys of a long life. From the years when borrowing came easily to him and he returned things better than he received, Frederick is without resources, relationships, and now out of a home. As broken and lost as he is, Frederick still sees the plight of others, offers what he can and when he lucks into a nursing home because of mistaken identity, he borrows that life and enjoys a roof over his head and food to eat. Caretaker Denise Simms feels there is something different about Frederick--and through her own struggles to keep her own life together, gets to know the man and his kindness. Up against terrible realities, the pair of them connect to surprising and fascinating results. My heart went through the wringer on this one, both broken and warmed, throughout this wonderfully original and well-written novel. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

I have to take a second and wipe all my tears away. This book had me smiling, laughing, and so many happy and sad tears running a river down my face. I did not expect to feel all those emotions in one book. This is a book that I will be thinking about for many years. Fredrick Fife is a widow that has no remaining friends or family alive. He thinks he has run out of options and then one day an opportunity falls into his lap. He becomes Bernard Greer. It is amazing story and how one action will cause an expanding ripple in life. I recommend reading this book as soon as you get time, but make sure you have a Kleenex nearby.

A heart warming and amusing story of Frederick Fife who has lost so much in his later years, but his circumstances change when an identity mixup occurs. Frederick goes from an empty, lonely existence to a life that gives him purpose. He uses his big heart to help others struggling in their own lives and who need the friendship and love of the extremely compassionate Frederick. I enjoyed the story as well as the characters!
Thanks to NetGalley and WilliamMorrow Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cozy little novel full of sunshine and rainbows and gratitude and love. A great palette cleanser between dark thrillers. 😉

Frederick Fife, down and out and headed for homelessness that same day, happens upon a man in a wheelchair next to the river Fred is walking. When Fred realizes the man is dead, he tries to wheel him to the care home workers nearby, but accidentally trips and dumps the poor man into the river, where he floats away with Fred’s jacket and wallet over his shoulders. The care home workers mistake Fred for the man who had been in the wheelchair, Bernard, because they seem to be the spitting image of each other.

Back at the care home, Fred finds he has a bed to sleep in, regular meals, and plenty of activities to keep him busy. What harm could it do if he stays a while?

Frederick Fife is a lovely and precious character. Sometimes to the point of sticky sweetness. He felt a little too good to be true at times, but for what this book is, it was fantastic. A feel-good, pull-at-your-heartstrings, happily-ever-after story of love, forgiveness, second chances and making a difference

Loved it. Just the right amount of surprise, humor, and touching emotion. The ending was perfect. Felt a little bit like reading a cozy mystery.

A cozy, heart-warming book about Frederick, an Australian man in his 80's who is on the verge of homelessness. Instead, in a case of mistaken identity, he accidentally becomes someone else, and his life changes. This was charming and perfect for fans of "A Man Called Ove" and similar books.

Frederick Fife is officially one of my favorite characters ever. I loved everything about this book, y’all. It is poignant and moving and laugh out loud funny. It is heartbreaking and redeeming and full of characters you can’t help but love. Fred himself is absolutely wonderful - a lonely, 82-year-old who accidentally borrows the life of Bernard, a resident of the local nursing home, and finds everything he’s been missing and everything he’s long dreamt to find. It’s a beautiful story of found family and friendship, of mistakes and forgiveness, of everything guaranteed to make you feel all the feels.

A senior citizen finds himself impersonating someone else for his own benefit through a strange set of circumstances. As he settles into the shoes—literally—of another man, he discovers there’s a possibility of a second chance for love and friendship. Author Anna Johnston uses her real-life experience working in a senior citizen facility to bring heart and authenticity to her debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife.

Frederick Fife is at a loss what to do. His landlord has told him he has to move out. Frederick has been behind on his rent for a while now, and it’s finally time to pay up. Except he hasn’t got any money left.

Rather than fight back—after all, his landlord did let him stay much longer than most people would have—Frederick decides to leave his apartment. Never mind that he’s 82 and can’t believe he’s homeless at his age. Never mind that all of his family are gone and he has no friends who could take him in.

During a visit to the park, Frederick sees a gentleman fall from a wheelchair. Always one to help others, Frederick hurries to the man only to make the horrifying discovery that he’s dead. Frederick does what he can to help the man back into the chair, but then everything goes sideways in the most tragic way possible for the man and Frederick. He discovers the man was one of a group from the Wattle River Nursing Home. Denise, the nursing home employee who brought the group to the park, thinks Frederick was the man in the wheelchair, a man named Bernard, and orders Frederick back into it.

Despite all of his protests that he’s not this Bernard fellow that everyone keeps calling him, Frederick finds himself bundled into a bus, taken back to Wattle River, and settled back into Bernard’s room. At first, Frederick tries to argue with the staff but when he sees a picture of Bernard he realizes why they’re making the mistake. He and Bernard are doppelgangers. Also, apparently once people get past a certain age, it’s automatically assumed they can’t remember their own lives as well as others can.

After multiple attempts to correct everyone, Frederick gives up. Then he starts to wonder: would it be so wrong if he stepped into Bernard’s life? After all, Bernard won’t need it anymore. He also won’t need the clothes, the room, the safety of the home, and the excellent meals they serve there. If everyone else thinks he’s Bernard, is there really any harm in going along with it?

Frederick accepts life at Wattle River and meets new friends who become dear to him as well as staff who care. He rediscovers what it means to be a part of a community. Just as he’s made peace with being Bernard for the rest of his remaining years, however, a complication from the real Bernard’s life arises and leaves Frederick wondering what it means to actually live.

Debut author Anna Johnston shares in her author’s note about her experience working in a senior citizen home as a way to continue spending time with her beloved grandfather, and the novel benefits from that experience. Johnson describes the daily activities and routines of the fictional Wattle River with the ease of someone who has lived through them, lending an authenticity to the book that grounds it that much more for readers.

The novel stutters slightly in the beginning. Just as readers get settled in with Frederick and the hilarious mix-up, chapters from other characters interrupt the flow. The interruption is explained later in the book, and eventually Johnston brings all of the characters together in a heartfelt plot. Her clear affection and respect for senior citizens shines through, which will endear Frederick and his supporting cast to readers even more.

While some plot points are a little predictable, for the most part the book is an incredibly enjoyable read and also a good one to share. Book clubs in particular will want to put this on their lists. For those who enjoy mainstream fiction representing the older generation, this is a must read.

This story felt like diving back into the world of Ove, where I fell in love with a character who was past his prime and down on his luck. Frederick finds himself swept up in a new life after a misfortunate accident involving a patient at a local nursing home.

The story follows him working out the complications of this situation and along the way, meeting some wonderful humans who help change the course of his life. While a bit unrealisitic, I love stories about the small acts of love and empathy that truly can alter the course of someone's life.

I absolutely fell in love with the characters in this book. It's heartwarming and I didn't want it to end.

ARC is provided through NetGalley, but my feedback is my own.

Are there any characters you can't get out of your head? When you read The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston - Fred will be with you for a long time.

"Frederick Fife is as low as a man can go - no home, no money, no food - nowhere to go. Frederick tries to help someone but things get jumbled up and now everyone thinks he is that man. He has a place to sleep, food to eat and people around him. (even if that cougar coming after him makes him nervous) Maybe he'll just borrow this life for a while..."

This is a wonderful debut from Johnston. This book is about grief, found family, love, kindness, the invisibility of seniors and dementia. Frederick is a character that is broken but still finds ways to show kindness, even to those who are not the nicest to others. He is not a curmudgeon or saccharine sweet. He understands that sometimes people just need someone to stand with them. So many emotional moments in this book. Meredith kept asking me if I was okay. (I was a puddle) There's one moment where I lost it but there are also moments of great joy. You can kind of see where Johnston is going with the story 'til she terrifies you with a plot twist. But I love the ending.

You will not want to put this book down down. Great debut from Johnston. Going to be one of my favorite reads for '24.

I give this book high praise. I could easily see this being made into a movie. I loved the development of the characters, and there was a side story which comes full circle within the book.

The basic synopsis- Fred is an 82 year old man, who is down on his luck. He's a widower who can't make the rent and thing look bleak. He happens upon Bernard in a wheelchair at the park, and discovers the man has unfortunately passed away. From there the story steamrolls, as Fred somewhat unwillingly 'becomes' Bernard- thanks to an uncanny resemblance- and learns about friendship, love, sacrifice and truth in the process.

I really don't want to give anything away, because it's such a warm story. I loved these characters though, and they stick with me still.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy for my honest review.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins William Morrow for gifting me both a digital and physical ARC of this amazing debut book by Anna Johnston. All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 5 stars!

Frederick Fife is in his 80s, broke, lonely, and just about to be homeless. But Fred’s luck changes when he takes the place of grumpy Bernard at the local nursing home, through a bizarre case of mistaken identity. Now, he’s being sheltered, has meals and medical care and, most importantly, friends. Denise is a caregiver at the nursing home, and her life is falling apart as well. Her marriage is failing, and her daughter has health issues. Denise becomes suspicious of the change in Bernard’s personality. Will she reveal the truth?

This book was amazing. I could not put it down nor could I love Fred any more. The entire cast of characters is wonderful – full of relatable people with flaws just trying to do what’s right. This story will pull at your heartstrings in so many different ways. I felt so bad for the people in the nursing home dealing with dementia and other health issues, but the caring people made all the difference. This book is a must read – it’s laugh-out-loud hilarious, smart, and will have you thinking about grief, forgiveness, and second chances. Plus, there’s a twist that shook me! Highly recommended and just an astonishing debut novel!

Special thanks to William Morrow Books and NetGalley for sharing this advanced ecopy of Anna Johnston’s debut novel! This heartwarming book publishes TODAY! (September 10, 2024)

Frederick Fife is down on his luck when he stumbles on what seems to be a second lease on life. As he becomes more entrenched in Bernard Greer’s life though, not everything is as wonderful as it seems. Can Frederick right some wrongs before his lease runs out?

Y’all, Frederick is the person you want as your grandpa. He is kind, considerate, and funny. No matter your dreams, he would be one to cheer you on and support you to the best of his ability. While parts of this story felt a bit predictable, I absolutely loved these characters and the antics they got up to in the Wattle River Nursing Home. This debut novel is worth the read, and I can’t wait to see what Anna Johnston writes next!

I highly recommend this story if you’re looking for a way to get in your feelings, enjoy beloved characters, and strong debut novels.

CW: homelessness, miscarriage/baby loss, divorce, cancer, alcohol abuse, dementia, abandonment