The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for an ARC of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife.

Sometimes, in between all of the horror and thriller books I read, I need a book that warms up my cold, dead heart 😅 and this one definitely fit the ticket. A sweet, silly story that reminds you of the truly important things in life. I laughed, I teared up, and I rooted for Fred to get his happy ending. I see this being 2024's "Remarkably Bright Creatures" and a big hit!

5 super cute stars

"The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife" tells the heartwarming tale of Fred, an elderly man mistaken for another named Bernard and taken to Bernard's nursing home. Here, Fred finds solace, learns about Bernard's past, and forms deep connections with the residents and staff. Through his journey, Fred discovers the importance of family, forgiveness, and redemption, finding a sense of belonging in his twilight years.

While the ending is uplifting, the book delves into profound sadness and tackles heavy topics (be sure to check the trigger warnings). Although some dialogue may feel forced, the story is well-paced and emotionally-driven. Overall, it's a solid choice for those who appreciate themes of found family, identity, and love and sacrifice, particularly if you enjoy a slower-paced read with a heartfelt message.

Thank you William Morrow and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

This book was a good one! It was incredibly heartwarming while diving into some heavier topics. The wisdom throughout was beautiful. I really enjoyed it.

“Grief’s blunt force could still wind him on bad days.” Frederick Fife’s wife, Dawn, had passed away ten years ago. She was his home, the love of his life. His circle of friends were gone as well. He was penniless and about to be homeless. Walking to the bank of the Wattle River, he noticed a man in a wheelchair feeding the seagulls. A bizarre accident occurred. “Dizzy, queasy…searched for words to protest but found none…the wheelchair lift raised [Fred] into the van. “Did they honestly think he was that poor bloke?”

Fred’s protests fell on deaf ears as he tried to convince staff from the Wattle River Nursing Home that he was not the wheelchair’s occupant. “For a moment, he forgot about his predicament and felt nothing but gratitude…[the cuppa and cookies offered] the flavors coated a delicious memory-they had been his dear Dawn’s favorite…he visited her in his mind…the memory wrapped itself like a warm blanket around his broken heart.”

“Where on earth was he? And why was he in a wheelchair?...Then, like a fast-acting laxative, it all came flooding back…the river…the seagulls…the body…the name.” Bernard Greer, his look-alike, was a grumpy old fart who resided at the nursing home. Fred tried again, “I don’t belong here…I’m Fred”. A caregiver returned with a DVD- The Fred Astaire Collection. “Fred deferred the decision to his tummy…he savored the…long forgotten sensation of being truly full.”

“Would you mind terribly, old boy, if I borrowed the rest of your life? I promise I’ll take excellent care of it.” Fred now had to learn to be Bernard Greer. This included pants wetting, name forgetting, and no fish and chips [food allergy].

The old Bernard had a personality reboot. Once a crusty codger, he now had a heart of gold. His humor, kindness and helping hand were witnessed by both residents and staff. He sprinkled pixy dust, snuck out and visited the mall incognito and orchestrated a magnificent celebration. His quest to learn more about Bernard opened a window of opportunity for a new passenger.

“The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife” by debut author Anna Johnston is an emotionally drawn, heartfelt novel full of love, longing, regret and redemption. The powerful ending brought this reader to tears!

Thank you William Morrow and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is a lovely heartwarming story about an 82 year old gentleman who gets a second chance in life to have a family. Fred is 82 years old, widowed with no family or friends and about to be turned out of his apartment because he can’t pay the rent. Then through a strange turn of events and a case of mistaken identity Fred “borrows” the life of Bernard, a man the same age, and an uncanny physical resemblance who has passed away.
This story is so well done and moves along at a good pace. It reflects on our growing senior population and what many of them face such as loneliness, financial instability, loss of friends and loved ones, dementia, and how to care for these older adults as they enter the later stages of their life. Amidst these tough and sometimes sad topics we meet Fred. He is remarkable! He has a zest for life even though he has experienced great loss and is full of kindness and compassion and humor that he spreads to those around him. As Fred navigates the Wattle River Nursing Home we are introduced to some endearing residents and staff, and a few that especially need some help. Fred is up to the task and looks for ways to make the lives of those around him better. In doing so he enriches his own life and has the opportunity to find community and a new family at a time in life when he least expected it!
I just loved this debut novel by author Anna Johnson! Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC. This is my honest review.

After reading the synopsis for this (plus former listening to - and loving to the point of buying - audiobooks of The Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (❤️Jim Broadbent) and Remarkably Bright Creatures (❤️Marcel)), I knew that I wanted to read this.

When I first started this, I felt like maybe I had made a terrible mistake in requesting this - I was looking for cozy and heartwarming - and this brought up the real global problem of homelessness, an accidental burial at sea, as well as an ill child. So, I was wary.

Needlessly, as it turned out, (and okay, I did really have to work to engage my suspension of disbelief in parts), but I very much enjoyed this; I smiled, I got teary, and I adored Frederick.



Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the DRC

I HOPE this book turns into a movie. I just LOVED this book. I cannot believe that a book about a nursing home would have this effect. This was such a great book I give it five stars. Entertainment 100%. Just when I think I have it all figured out something new popped up. I highly recommend this read for pure entertainment.netgalley gifted this book to me and all opinions are mine and if you read it may also be yours! I will follow this author after this!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
What a heartwarming book! I usually don't go for books that are unrealistic but I felt something about the synopsis was telling me this would be a good book. And it was so charming! Fred really is such a lovable character and definitely has best intentions for borrowing Bernard's life.

This is my favorite read of 2024 so far, and I have read a LOT of books! This novel has everything I look for in an engrossing read- a unique premise, interesting and believable characters, plus a storyline that keeps me turning the pages. I was so tuned in to Fred's character that I HAD to know if he could make it out of his dilemma, and if so- how. The author maneuvered this brilliantly (and I'm not saying anything more!)

The writing is spot-on; there are many, many laughable moments, and also so many touching moments that made my heart smile.

It's rare to find a well-written, intriguing book about senior citizens, and I have to say--- I will remember this one always and will share it with our KaleidoSoul book group.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and publisher, for an advanced reading copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

"The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife" is a heartwarming and life-affirming debut about an elderly man. His mistaken identity gives him a final chance to experience family.

Frederick Fife, 82, is kind-hearted but lonely. He stands on the brink of homelessness. His luck changes when he is mistaken for Bernard Greer. He is admitted to the Wattle River Nursing Home. There he finds shelter, food and a sense of belonging. As Fred lives Bernard's life, he uncovers the man's past. He learns how to mend a broken life.

I loved this book! The concept, story and characters were delightful. They made me laugh and cry. It was so enjoyable. I savored every moment. This is one of the best reads I've had in a long time. Without giving too much away, the plot is full of engaging twists. These keep you hooked from start to finish. I will definitely follow this author. I never expected a book set in a nursing home to be so captivating. Highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow.

This was such a cool book! I loved it so much. It was so thought provoking and I highly recommend it to fiction readers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book "The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife" and all opinions expressed are my own. Heartwarming story. You really have to find out what Fred/Bernard gets into. Very entertaining.

At the age of 82, Frederic Fife finds himself basically homeless. He’s lost the ‘home’ he and his recently deceased wife had lived in, courtesy of the landlord who evicted him. He isn’t sure what he will do now, without anyone to turn to. As he’s walking with no real direction, he ends up near a group of people nearby, all residents of a senior care center. He sees a man in a wheelchair, slumped over a bit, and proceeds to try to get him back among the other residents, but then there’s a mishap, and Frederic Fife finds himself in somewhat of a pickle.

The thing is, Frederic Fife looks almost exactly like the man who was, for a time, in the wheelchair, and all of the staff and residents believe that Frederic Fife is the man who was in the wheelchair, and do not understand even when he tells them otherwise.

This goes back and forth over time, looking back into earlier years, the regrets, the mistakes made, the love, the losses, and the pain of finding yourself all alone in this world, and no one believing in you.

There’s a lot of charm in this story, but there are moments of sadness, as well. After all, it does take place in a senior care center. But even then the feelings and memories are more bittersweet than sad.

This also shares the division that occurs in some families, as well as heartbreaking loss, but is also balanced by the kindness of some of the residents as well as the staff.

If you’ve read and enjoyed / loved Rachel Joyce’s books, you’ll enjoy this one, as well.


Pub Date: 10 Sep 2024


Many thanks for the ARC provided by William Morrow

This was an interesting read that will resonate with people.
Our character essentially starts a new life and through this he really finds himself.
I enjoyed this one and I think others will too.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

I cried no less than 5 times reading this book. It’s sad, heartbreaking but also so incredibly warm and loving. “Grief is love with no place to go.”

Along the lines of a Man Called Ove this is a heartwarming book about another chance at life after the life one built has seemingly come to an end. Having spent a lot of time in a memory care ward over the last two years visiting a loved one this book made me cry. Dementia is different in everyone but it’s no less damaging. Fred brings so much love and understanding to those people around him in this environment that he accidentally finds himself in that we could all learn from him. To me the most endearing quality of his character is that he doesn’t waste his accidental opportunity. He doesn’t take any of it for granted. He spends all of his time trying to make the world a better place than he found it. As sad as it is that those people are in there because of life robbing dementia Fred’s life is even more tragic. He’s in a forgotten group of society. Were it not for his borrowed circumstances he most likely would be homeless and vulnerable. Along with the attention the book brings to the problems faced by the elderly population this book reminds us that a little compassion goes a long way. The elderly are still complicated humans on the inside. Growing older is definitely not for the faint of heart. The ending is exactly as I would want it to be even if it may be a bit unrealistic. Loved this book.

“The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife” by Anna Johnston was an absolutely awesome book! It is hard to believe that this is a debut novel as the story is unique, engaging and deals with the important societal topic of elder care.
The story revolves around an 82 year old man who is about to be homeless after the death of his beloved wife. While out walking, he finds himself among a group of senior citizens from a nearby group home and witnesses the death of a man in a wheelchair who amazingly is his doppelgänger. Through no fault of his own he winds up assuming the man’s identity and gets a second chance at life.

This story is so beautifully written and speaks to the issues of dementia, loneliness, financial instability and depression that many seniors face in the later stages of their lives. The book is sad, funny, hopeful and I predict it will be the runaway bestseller of 2024.

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book instantly made me think of "A Man Called Ove" which is one of my absolute favorite books! This 82 Year old man has so much heart and spirit left in him and it was written so well!! It was so easy to fall in love with this story and cast of characters! Honestly, this is easily one of my favorite books of 2024 and I will absolutely be listening to the audiobook and picking up a physical copy! Please make this into a movie!! I's a perfect found family/ second chance at life story!

This story about an 82-year-old man sets all the stereotypes about aging on their collective heads. One by one, this book distills all the myths about aging: how a person set in his ways can’t start over, how Alzheimer’s disease is an unfathomable illness, and how life can have meaning without forgiveness, to name a few.
Frederick Fife has been mistaken for Bernard Greer by the Wattle River nursing home. To make matters worse, the late Bernard Greer was found dead and lost by Fred in the river. Try as Fred might, he could not convince the nursing home he was Fred, not Bernard, because of a startling resemblance.
What’s a man to do? Fred settles in and enjoys the sumptuous food and entertaining clients of the nursing home while impersonating Bernard.
And it works for a while.
The author, Anna Johnston, plunges us into a backstory full of mystery. Where does Bernard disappear to at night? We suspect the worst.
When will his daughter, Hannah, re-surface? Not anytime soon.
This entertaining novel is an invitation to never give up because love can come when least expected and is just around the corner.
My thanks go to NetGalley and William Morrow Publishers for the ARC of this heartwarming story.

This will be made into a film, it is way too good of a story and so cinematic.

Therefore here is my dream cast.
Fred- Robert DeNiro
Dawn- Blythe Danner
Hannah- Amy Adams
Albert- Dustin Hoffman
Val- Sofia Loren

This is one of my top ten books of the year. For fans of A Man called Ove and Remarkably Bright Creatures- in a word, this is HEARTWARMING.

Our hero grows a heart of gold. About Schmidt, but make it Australian.

A case of mistaken identity, Frederick Fife becomes Bernard and lives his life, despite his protestations. You’re gonna love this one, chat. If you roll your eyes at cheesiness, stay away.
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow books for the ARC. Book will be released September 10, 2024.

What a joy to read! I have to admit I have a special affinity for books with elderly characters who find joy!! This book was full of humor and hope and love and joy and pain and found family...AND ALL THE FEELS. if you are looking for a lovable character to fall for The Borrowed Life of Fredrick Fife will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart!!

What a wonderful, touching, laugh out loud, emotional story taking place in a long term care facility where there is a case of mistaken identity!
Frederick Fife needs a miracle to happen for him.
He has no family, no money and is losing his living quarters all at eighty-two years old.
What did he ever do wrong? He has always helped everyone and tried to be a "good" guy.
While on a on a walk one day, he winds up with a head injury and then finds himself in a nursing home.
He realizes that life may not be so very bad. The food is great and people seem to care.
However... his name has changed and nobody believes who he really is. Could it be dementia?
Now what to do?

I loved Fred and I surely know anyone who picks up this story will truly like Fred and all his "new" friends.
I will add: tissues are definitely needed at times.
Thank you to @NetGalley and @William Morrow for this ARC and allowing me to read and provide my own review.
I will be looking for more from this author. Well done!

This is one of the very best books I have read in a long time! I was so very sad when it ended!!!! Whatever happens to turn a book into a movie needs to be happening now! This story is far too amazing to only be in print! This book ran the gamut of characters and emotions, drawing you into characters lives with skill and understanding. Such a great book, can not recommend it enough!

I received a free ebook from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. I like fiction. Fiction is hit and miss. I don't like when I read a novel and I can figure out what is going to happen from the beginning. The book kept me surprised the entire book. It was a light and meaningful book.

I thought the book was about one thing when I started. The book ended up being about something very different. The characters were multi dimensional. All the characters were perfectly flawed. All the characters had pain and trauma.

I didn't truly understand the book when I started. The book was written from a few different points of view. Most of the time, I don't like books written from different POV. However, in this book it made the story better. .

It's a book written about so much. It's nice to see a book with older characters. A book that makes you think. A book that doesn't demonize our mistakes.

This is a book that I would probably reread. I would look at the book differently from a second read. There are so many themes in this book. It is a book about love, family, forgiveness, happiness, friendship, the elderly, listening, purpose, addition, and more.

I am so thankful to the author and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this wonderful book. I look forward to reading the authors next book. I would be interested in seeing the author if she does a book tour

A very charming debut novel! Loved the character of Fred, the second half of the this book was wonderful. I wonder if perhaps some of this will get edited as I read an early copy and there were parts that I felt could be edited (mall scene, looking at you). Sometimes you just need a lively heartwarming story about found family, an old guy and a serious turn of luck.

Frederick Fife is 82 years old, without family, and newly homeless. He encounters an elderly man who has peacefully passed away in his wheelchair on his daily walk, and through a series of quirky events Fred accidentally assumes his identity. The man, Bernard, lives at a well-appointed elder care facility where no one believes Fred’s pleas that he is not, in fact, Bernard. As Fred finally settles into the home, making friends with carers and neighbors alike, he finds information that complicates his ruse.

This is giving "a man called ove" with the pull-at-your-heartstrings level cranked all the way up. Fred and his relentlessly positive attitude create happy little ripples at wattle river nursing home - standing in as a devoted brother for a lovely man in the memory-care facility, offering patience and gratitude for the overworked carers, and testing out his matchmaking skills for two young nurses.

This is really such a lovely book to read at times like this, when things out of our control don't have much upside. It's an endearing reminder that we can make our own circles into glens of kindness.

This was an unexpected treasure of octegenarian wisdom, community, and confusion - I loved it. (And for what it’s worth, my 14 year old son read and highly recommends it too!)

Such a delightful romp with geriatric friends. Fred touched lives in many ways despite the circumstances in which he had encountered them. This is one is found family at its finest! It easily compares to “A Man Called Ove” and “All the Lonely People.”

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is universally charming, heartwarming, tear-jerking, and oddly enough, healing. This book had me rolling in laughter at one point and sobbing into my kindle the next. If you read nothing else this year, this is the one.

Anna Johnston is a debut author and she will be on my list of writers to watch from here on out. What a beautiful book about second chances and the power of love and connection. By a series of unfortunate events, Frederick Fife is mistaken for Bernard Greer at a nursing home. Though trying desperately to correct the mistaken identity, he cannot find anyone who will believe him as Bernard had just been diagnosed with dementia. Eventually, as Fred was homeless and had no where else to go, he decides he may as well just live there as not; after all, he isn’t harming anyone by living out his days as Bernard, right? Until one day Fred learns something about Bernard that makes it more and more challenging to continue the ruse. When everything is at stake, how can you choose?

I adored this book. What a powerful story of love and redemption. Bring your tissues.

I’d like to thank William Morrow and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 *****

This is an absolute gem! An antidote to the negativity of daily life. .If you need a dose of human kindness, read this book!

I assume everyone reads the provided synopsis before looking at reviews so I won’t repeat the plot outline. Major and minor characters were well drawn; I was never confused among them though there were a good number of characters involved. And, they evolved (most of them) and blossomed thanks in no small part to Fred’s good nature.

The story was well written, flowed well. I was never jarred out of the story by an awkward turn of phrase or a poor segué. The plot was well crafted, with key turning points and the inevitable challenges. The complicated pasts of various characters were revealed bit by bit, organically as scenes unfolded. It was very well structured, but more than that, it just flowed. I devoured this story!

I HIGHLY recommend this book. I enjoyed every minute of it and will impatiently await more by this author.

My appreciation to the publisher and NetGalley for this advance review copy; my opinions are my own, and freely given.

I'd like to that NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me access to this book. This book was so heartwarming and I really loved Fredrick's character. I would highly recommend even to people who don't typically read this type of book.

Fred has completely warmed my heart. I was rooting for him the entire time, he was such a delight to everyone who got the pleasure of meeting him. The mishap that brought him to the nursing home was such a blessing to him and to the other residents. I absolutely adored this book, it is the same style of feel good story as those written by Phaedra Patrick. I will absolutely be looking out for the author's next book!

This was the heart warming story of Fred, who mistakenly takes over the life of another older gentleman after an accident. He moves into his home at the senior care facility and the reader gets to see what happens as a result.

Favorite parts:

+ Fred’s character was endearing, quirky, and easy to love.
+ I loved the found family troupe and seeing Fred find “his people”, even if it was later in life.
+ I enjoyed the commentary on the treatment of seniors and the plights that they face that are often overlooked, such as, loneliness, financial instability, loss of purpose, dementia, less than stellar care, etc.

Parts I could’ve done without:

- The pacing felt a little slow to me at times. This is a much more character driven novel; I wish a little more had happened in the plot.
- It definitely requires a suspension of disbelief.
- Lots of senior citizen “potty talk”, sometimes it was funny, sometimes it felt over the top.

Overall: This was a heart warming read with some deeper social commentary on problems that senior citizens face. I recommend it for readers who are looking for a feel good story with a slower pace and a charming protagonist.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing a digital ARC of the book to read and review.

So precious and heartwarming! I loved this story about elderly and homeless Fred, and how he came to "borrow" the life of Barnard, another old guy with a significant case of dementia. Fred, because of mistaken identity, moves into the nursing home where Barnard has lived and assumes his identity, contributing love, help, and guidance to the staff and other residents. A special person enters his life, and he begins to have purpose and dignity. This story is sweet (maybe a little sappy!) and satisfying. Anna Johnston moves the action along at a well-paced clip so I was never bored, and I never needed to reread for details. I read the book in record time - just couldn't put it down. Highly recommend for those who love a sweet story!

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife.

Australia - Present Day

Life is getting difficult for 82-year-old widower Frederick Fife. Broke, achingly lonely, and on the verge of homelessness, with no family or friends left in the world, Fred has no idea what he's going to do next. Ten years after the death of his wife, Dawn, he still gets hit with a jolt of grief when he least expects it. And now he must somehow figure out how he will survive his last years. Wandering by the river where he finds a bit of peace, he comes across a man in a wheelchair, all alone. Fred approaches and realizes that the man has died. Always one to do the right thing, Fred covers the old man with his own jacket, and proceeds to wheel him away from the shore. But the uneven ground forces the wheelchair to tip over, and the man slides into the river, and is washed away!

As she sees one of her charges out of his wheelchair, Denise, a carer at the Wattle River Nursing Home, panics. Helping the old man back into his chair and then into the transport vehicle, she just hopes she doesn't lose her job! Grumpy old Bernard had insisted on feeding the seagulls, and now he's jeopardizing Denise's position. Settling Bernard back in his room at the nursing home, Denise just hopes nothing more comes of this incident.

Fred wakes up in a strange room, with no clue how he got there. On the table next to him is a photo of him at his 83rd birthday party. But he's sure he's 82, and he doesn't remember this cake! What is going on?

Fred and Bernard could easily have been brothers, looking so much alike that no one in the nursing home has any doubt that it's Bernard being, well, Bernard. Although today, he seems different. He's less grumpy, he seems friendlier, in fact, and that's not the Bernard the staff knows. How will Fred deal with this sudden change in his life? Well, he tries to explain to everyone that he's not Bernard, but the staff was aware of Bernard's growing dementia since his stroke, and no one believes him. What's a man to do but go with the flow? A warm bed, three delicious meals a day, and people to take care of him.

THE BORROWED LIFE OF FREDERICK FIFE is an absolutely wonderful story of a lovely man who deserved a better life, and the cockeyed way he may have got it. Fred is a kind, gentle soul who has always done what is right, and while he feels a little unsettled about being "Bernard", he is relishing the feelings of being cared for, and cared about. As Fred learns more about Bernard's past, however, he wonders what he would have done in the man's shoes. A story that also shows the plight of the elderly in our world, THE BORROWED LIFE OF FREDERICK FIFE is so worth everyone of every age reading.

Every now and then, I just need something truly sweet and heartwarming. The Borrowed Life of a Frederick Fife fits that bill.
Things aren’t going well for Fred - he’s being evicted from his apartment and he’s out of money. When through a fluke, he’s mistaken for a man from a nursing home (a man that had the misfortune of dying and floating away in the river) he decides to go with the flow, just long enough to get a decent meal and a good night's sleep. But one thing leads to another and he decides to borrow Bernard’s life.
Fred is the polar opposite of Bernard - sweet, willing to go the extra mile. While no one questions the physical differences, many notice the improved outlook on life. And then, Bernard’s estranged daughter shows up and she’s not looking to forgive. But the story is a great reminder about the power of kindness.
This story has a lot to say about grief, loneliness and the invisibility of the elderly. But it also has positive messages about not giving up on life and finding new friends and family.
There’s a great twist that led to lots of tears on my part. (Have the Kleenex handy.)
My thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for an advance copy of this book.

“The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife” by Anna Johnston
LOVE, KINDNESS, FORGIVENESS and LEARNING
It has been just short of forever since I last read a story that had my tear ducts flowing so furiously and at such a volume. There were so many quotable tidbits that anyone thinking of making a life long commitment to another should read, commit to memory, and agree with their life-partner to live up to. IF you are already in a committed relationship read this story and learn that it takes both partners to be committed and to make a loving relationship a happy and life-long joyous journey (even when the bad, hard, times occur, which they will). This is also a very happy, and whacky fun story. If this is not the best story I have read this year, it is in the top two. Happy Reading ! !

Beautiful, heartwarming, hilarious and precious! The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is an amazing story of love and how we find it in the most unexpected ways. Laugh aloud funny, the book grabbed me from the first line, immersed me in the story and didn’t let go until the uplifting end.

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this glorious ARC.

What a lovely heartwarming story! This will definitely be one of my best books read for 2024.

Eight two year old, lonely, widowed Frederick Fife is on the verge of being homeless. He gets in a situation and is mistaken for Bernard who is on a nursing home outing. As Fred borrows Bernard’s life, he starts to have a purpose in life again. The story talks about loneliness, dementia, addiction, found family and finding new family.

Get your tissues ready! This story is funny at times and tear jerking at times. The ending was just perfectly written.

Thank you to NetGalley, Anna Johnston and William Morrow for the advanced copy of this wonderful written book.

Honestly this one had me feeling all the feels. I think we all need to reflect on our lives sometimes and readjust if needed. I want to share this with all my patrons at the library because it just SO GOOD.

A delightful, heartwarming story that needs to be read by all! I was either smiling or choking back tears the entire time. The unique premise of "borrowing a life" is such a profound idea and really provoked my thoughts as I followed along with Fred on his journey. What started as an accidental case of mistaken identity turned into a nostalgic, life changing opportunity. A cure for loneliness and grief and lost love. There are so many beautiful messages in this book that resonated with me. What struck me the most was the importance of finding joy in the little things. I think the author did a tremendous job showcasing the shattered innocence of Fred and Hannah in their varying POVs. Hannah, as a traumatized child, and Fred as a lonely old man that time had forgotten. I fell in love with them both, especially Fred, and absolutely adored all of the characters. There's so much more I could say about how much I loved this book, but I will keep it short and to the point. This book is a definite must read and I highly recommend it!!

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for granting me early digital access in exchange for my honest review!

What a great surprise! Received this read-now from Netgalley with no info or expectations as this is a new author for me!
What a lovely book!
A lonely 82 yo man, evicted and down in his luck soon takes over another man’s identity. Through a series of coincidences, he is in a nursing home under a new name. Genuinely kind and helpful, he makes friends with clients and staff.
A sweet sweet story! Yes, I shed a few tears along with some laughs. Highly recommend!
Out 9/10/24.

This was such a sweet, emotional story with many layers. Initially, I thought it was going to be a light, laugh out loud read and was quite surprised (almost halfway through) at the turn of events. You can’t help but fall in love with Fred and Albert as well as empathize with Bernard’s story. There are some sensitive and sad topics that brought me to tears but I also enjoyed the continued twists/turns and great characters of this book as well as the wonderful ending.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A delightful feel good Story. Elderly Fred Fife is living a lonely existence missing.His wife passed away and having no other family around. After a mishap at the park one day a caregiver mistakenly identified Fred as their missing patient bernard. Fred decides to take advantage of this mishap.Even though he first tries to explain who he is, but no one listens.He decides that the three meals a day in the lovely room and activities at the nursing home are just what he needs.

The story moves back and forth between chapters about fred and the other patients at the Nursing home with chapters about a young girl named hannah who is losing her older sister to cancer and living through a lot of family trauma.

There are a lot of fun.Shenanigans as Fred meets the other patients and caregivers at the home.And begins to have a new rewarding life. Meanwhile, Hannah has grown up and is looking.
At becoming a single mother in the next three months with none of her family left to help support her.

You will find yourself rooting for fred and hannah and the other characters in the book All while reading forward in the book to find out what the relationship will be between fred and hannah. This was an enjoyable raid with a happy ending.

Frederick Fife is 82, still grieving for his wife, gone these several years. He's run out of money, and his landlord is giving him the boot. He has nowhere to go, when he stumbles into another man's identity.

He's the main POV, trading off with Hannah, some years before, when her family is hit by bad news.

How the two meet, and what Fred does with his new life, makes up this poignant story. Though life sometimes deals cruel blows, there is always room for kindness; the writing is vivid, sometimes painfully funny, especially in dealing with the indignities of age, but the story is imbued with how much being kind to one another matters. Even in little things.

I devoured this book in one day.

You know a book is going to be good when you read the first line, laugh and text your friends about it.

This charming, delightful book gave me all the feels.

Thank you to the author, publisher and. NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

This book was so completely sweet and lovely! The main character is so sincere and likable and even the unlikable characters have some satisfying growth and end up likable.

I loved the Australian elements, which were fun and interesting. I learned about some foods unavailable in the US that sound pretty yummy!

This book is like a warm hug nearly all the way through and I loved it. There is some mild peril but just enough to make the story interesting. It has a very similar vibe to Have You Seen Luis Velez by Catherine Ryan Hyde, which I also loved.

I would recommend this book to folks who like relationship stories that aren’t romances. It’s realistic fiction with the vibe of a cozy.

What an absolutely delightful story! Spending most of my healthcare career working with the elderly , I especially enjoyed this book which follows the story of 82 year old Fred as he navigates the unexpected.

The way the author layered the story with background on several of the characters as well as threw a couple of “surprises “ into the book really made it a page turner for me. You can’t help but root for Fred.

I found myself self tearing 😭 up at the end as it has such a sweet and satisfying ending.

I would recommend this book highly to everyone!

How could you not love a book that has this for its first sentence?
“The single drop of pee made a pitiful splash.”
I sure couldn’t! I loved The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston. I don’t want to give too much away because it’s such a delightfully fun journey reading this book. Fred Fife, through no fault of his own, is mistaken for Bernard Greer, a resident in Wattle River Nursing Home. The story turns every which way and back again. It’s definitely a feel good story with lessons along the way. It will make you laugh out loud in places and get teary eyed in others. I would definitely recommend it. Thanks so much to NetGalley for this wonderful ARC.

If you're in the mood for an incredibly heartwarming book, look no further! I'd love to see it made into a movie. This is a fabulous debut by this author and Fred is sure to provide you with all the feels. Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review - pub day is 9/10/24!

“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 there’s nobody left in Fred’s life to borrow from. At eighty-two, he’s desperately lonely, broke, and on the brink of homelessness.

Fred’s luck changes when, in a bizarre case of mistaken identity, he takes the place of Bernard Greer at the local nursing home. Now he has a roof over his head, three meals a day, and, most importantly, the chance to be part of a family again. All he has to do is hope that his poker face is in better shape than his prostate and that his look-alike never turns up.

As Fred navigates life in Bernard’s shoes, he learns about the man’s past and what it might take to return a life in better condition than he found it.

Bittersweet and remarkably perceptive, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is a feel-good, clever novel about grief, forgiveness, redemption, and finding family, from an exciting new voice in fiction.

My Take

There is no way this is a debut album! I fell in love with Fred immediately and then cheered his successes, cried his losses and cheered again for other wonderful things that happen! I found the book moved beautifully from the beginning to the end. I was particularly happy with all the characters and how Anna Johnston made each of the lovable with all their flaws. I wanted the book to end so I'd know the story, but then, I didn't want the book to end. My life is a little less hopeful without Fred. Fabulous humor.

About the Author

Anna Johnston is a former baby, aspiring octogenarian and emerging Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives joyously with her husband and daughters by the beach. Anna left an imminent career in medicine to follow her heart into her grandfather's nursing home where she became the social support coordinator, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care, she began to write about it, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna has enjoyed a lifelong passion for theatre, screenplay, travel, and creative writing.

Wonderful heartwarming story that will make you wish you knew Fred in real life. This was so well written and made you feel as if you were part of Fred's world. Loved this and highly recommend it!

Absolutely loved this book! It’s a marvelous feel good story that will make you laugh and make you cry. The characters were well developed, and the different personalities made the book even more interesting. The underlying current of dementia kept things real…..it is a sad disease that affects so many. Well written and an overall enjoyable read.

Is forgiveness only available to those who are forgivable? In "The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife", we join Fredrick Fife, an elderly widower, down on his luck and hitting a crossroads in his life. Fredrick has an encounter with his doppleganger, Bernard Greer, shortly after Bernard has passed away while on an outing with his nursing home. Fredrick is swept up into Bernard's life and begins a mission to right wrongs and help others a long the way. You see, Bernard was a mean old man, while Fredrick is a kind hearted man with an uncanny knack for helping others when they are down. Fredrick's big mission comes as he seeks to mend the broken relationship between Bernard and his estranged daughter, Hannah.

All throughout this book, I found myself constantly rooting for Fred, even though he really is doing something wrong in impersonating someone else. His heart is always in the right place and never seeks to take advantage of those in Bernard's life. In the end, the reader will be left with peace knowing that Fred helped so many people in Bernard's life, while mending hurts and regrets of his own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishing for allowing me to review this book as an ARC. It was a pleasure reading this one and it will stay with me for a long time!

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston is a story about Fred Fife, an 82 year old soon-to-be homeless widower who finds himself in quite the pickle when he’s mistaken for another elderly gentleman named Bernard. Fred ends up at Bernard’s nursing home and now just decide if he wants to “fess up” or live his life as Bernard.

I LOVED this book! The story was unique and funny but tactfully covered some important life issues that many of us face. Frederick is the most delightful old man and I loved loved loved his character. His inner dialogue was funny and he was so sweet and compassionate. I cried about four times while reading this. Themes related to grief, chronic illness (dementia), forgiveness, found family, and morals were all present in this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for granting me an ebook ARC. The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is expected to be published on September 10, 2024.

Thank you to the publisher for an ARC of this lovely book that reminds us all that kindness can make everything better-even loneliness and heartbreak. This is just as good as a Man Called Ove and manages to do so in way that avoids a teary ending. It also made me chuckle quite a bit

Anna Johnston's The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is a wonderful story of a mix up between two elderly gentlemen at a nursing home. Frederick accidentally becomes "Bernard" and the story just rolls from there. It's cute, fun, heartwarming and all things good rolled into a great cast of characters. This is a book that will make you want to hug your own family and stays with long after you've finished reading it. The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is definitely on my top 3 list for 2024.

What an absolutely charming heartwarming story. Fred Fife has just lost his home, is depressed about losing the love of his life, his wife Dawn so when he stumbles across Bernard Greer who just happens to be dead and happens to resemble Fred, life get muddled. When Fred accidentally falls with Bernard in his wheelchair, hurting himself and hurling Bernard into the river, a new chance at life begins.

This story is about second chances, about forgiveness, and making the most of your life. Anna Johnston has created a beautiful story, where different characters are given opportunities to have another perspective on their life. Wonderfully written, the characters are diverse and appealing. I laughed, I cried, I wanted to know the characters and visit with them. Just lovely, you don’t want to miss it.

I finished this book a few days ago. I read it in one day! I was lucky to have the time and wanted to find out what the ending would be, so I pressed on until its conclusion. I feel so blessed to have discovered this wonderful book! I have already recommended it to several fellow reader friends.

I am attracted to books with the older population as central characters. When I saw that the main character, Frederick Fife was 82 I knew this was a book I would enjoy. As I began reading, my excitement for a lovely tale increased, as I discovered the story was taking place in a care home for the elderly! Oh Joy! I could not wait to enter this journey!

I was not at all disappointed in my anticipation. I immediately fell in love with Frederick and my heart broke when learning of his situation. Then I found myself laughing out loud over and over again (which I don’t do often enough). As the story unfolded, I also found myself in tears. That is a sign of an excellent author, when they can draw out so much emotion from a reader.

I love this book so much! I wish I had better writing skills to convince all to read it. I think everyone could benefit from knowing Frederick Fife. I have been fortunate to have several older friends as I pass through my life, and I see many of their wonderful traits in Fred. He has warmed my heart in helping me remember how very blessed I have been, and am.

This is the first book I read by Anna Johnston and look forward to reading many more of her creations.

Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of reading this amazing book. I will be telling all my reader friends to grab this book and begin reading it at once.

This is my favorite book of 2024 so far!!!! The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is the feel good book I have been craving this year.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

What a charming and wonderful story! I really enjoyed reading. Fred Fife's takes a unexpected turn when he is mistaken for another man who is the same age and looks just like him. Fred was on the verge of being evicted from his home and ends up in the Wattle River nursing home when he is mistaken for Bernard. He tries to say he is NOT Bernard at first but he is not believed. So he borrows Bernard's identity.He now has a place to stay food to eat. He is a very kind man who starts to make friends with the staff and residents. A couple people wonder why Bernard's personality is different, Bernard had the beginning of dementia that Fred does not have so one staffer wonders how this is reversed. For months Fred continues to live as Bernard but brings friendship and happiness to the residents. The POV is seen mostly from Fred. but also a character named Hannah who does tie in to plotline. A very well done "feel good" book. I found myself rooting for the wonderful Fred wishing a "happy ending" for him. I would give this book a 4.5.
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Easily one of my favorites reads of the year! THE BORROWED LIFE OF FREDERICK FIFE is deeply profound and emotional story about forgiveness and found family told in such a sweet and heartfelt way. 82-year-old Fred lives in a small apartment he can no longer afford after paying for his late wife's medical bills years ago and feels homeless without his wife at his side. Due to crazy circumstance, he finds himself in a rather peculiar situation, being mistaken for 83-year-old Bernard who lives in a nursing home. No one believes Fred, when he tells the nursing home staff that he is not Bernard, and just assume it's Bernard's dementia talking. Between the staff and other residents he's enjoyed the companionship of, does Fred keep trying to tell the truth but risk the home he's found and felt for the first time in years? Being miserable and lonely, he has the chance to say good bye to his own life and live someone's else's, allowing to even right Bernard's wrongs including healing a relationship he's not apart of that ends up healing Fred in return. Fred Fife is the sweetest, most wholesome identity-stealing criminal out there. The writing is so endearing, funny and entertaining to read and absolutely adored the plot and characters. A beautifully moving book that overfilled my heart with so much love.

Many thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 🌟

I dare you to read this book and not fall in love with Frederic. ❤️

Seriously, this book is everything I love in a book. Fred is such a lovable character - I've never wanted a happy ending for a character so bad (🤐 if he actually gets it). The supporting characters around him are all lovable and this book will have you both laughing and crying.

Thanks, Netgalley for the ARC of this book!

I LOVED THIS BOOK! The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is a story of redemption and kindness and love. The writing is top notch with so much humor and joy and tenderness. I slowed down while reading because I wanted to stay in this world with these characters who were complex and inspiring. This is the book I'm buying everyone for holiday gifts this year - everyone will love - 100%. Thanks to the publisher for gifting me a copy. I'm so grateful.

Frederick Fife is in the twilight years of his life, lonely and houseless. His beloved wife died, and he wasn't able to keep up with the house payments. On the first day of no secure shelter for the night, Frederick has an interaction with a fellow octogenarian that results in a crazy case of mistaken identity. When nighttime falls, instead of wondering where he will bed down for the night, Frederick finds himself in the room of Bernard Greer at the local home for the elderly. Frederick tried clearing up the mistake but everyone just thought he was speaking out of the dementia that Bernard has. Giving up for a full night of sleep and a full belly of food, Frederick determines to right the problem the next day. But then the next day leads to the next day, which leads to the next, and before Frederick knows it, he's living Bernard's life - but better than Bernard ever did, which is why everyone who lives and works at the home is slightly baffled but pleasantly surprised by the new and improved Bernard that came home from the outing. The longer Frederick is getting medical care, sleep, and consistent meals and the more he learns about Bernard, the harder it is for him to come clean and right the mistaken identity. And in the end, it may be that nobody wants to know what happened to Bernard and who has taken his place.

This is an absolute delight of a story from the first word to the last. Frederick Fife is a lovely man, a beautiful soul, and a ray of sunshine. Anyone lucky enough to enter his orbit will walk away inspired and encouraged. Johnston's execution of mistaken identity was clever and very funny. The side stories Johnston included to round out the story as a whole really gave depth to both the characters and the overall tale. There were so many endearing characters in this story, in addition to Frederick, that I found myself wishing they were real and I could go visit these lively elderly folks. Highly recommend for the moment you need your faith in humanity restored and need a hug for your heart.

“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.

Frederick Fife, a kind, elderly, and lonely widower finds himself with no family and almost homeless. Circumstances occur and he ends up taking the place of a grumpy, elderly man in a nursing home. They look uncannily alike. Anna Johnston has brought the reader a book filled with sadness, forgiveness, and hope while showing us the many different ways by which family can be defined and redefined.

I have been waiting for the next “OVE” to love-and I just found him in Frederick Fife! An EASY 5 STARS! ⭐️

Frederick Fife lost the love of his life-his wife Dawn-and all of their money-trying experimental treatments with the hope of beating her Cancer. And now, after months of being unable to pay his rent-he has also found himself homeless.

Perhaps it’s fate that intervenes, when he witnesses an elderly man in a wheelchair, fall while feeding seagulls, during a group outing of the Wattle River Nursing Home. He attempts to assist but the man, clearly deceased, falls into the river, and is washed away along with Frederick’s wallet.

Remarkably, he resembles this man, Bernard Greer, closely enough to pass for him-and despite his protests and explanations-the staff chalks off his ramblings as dementia and he is whisked into the wheelchair, onto the bus, and into the man’s room and pajamas.

He can’t really remember when he last had a warm meal, and the bed is so comfy-surely being Bernard for one night couldn’t hurt…

Fred soon discovers that Bernard seems to have no family left either and maybe, just maybe, he can borrow his life and have a place to live out his days? He has been so lonely, and the staff and some of the residents are already starting to feel like “found family” with each passing day.

This is a POIGNANT DEBUT which is equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming. And, it had a better twist than some of the thrillers I have read this year!

If you enjoy character driven novels, which have you missing the “people” you meet, as soon as you turn the last page-this is a book for you! I needed tissues more than once!

I dare you to not fall in love with Mr. Frederick Fife!

Available September 10, 2024

Thank You to William Morrow for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!

"A warm, life-affirming debut about a zany case of mistaken identity that allows a lonely old man one last chance to be part of a family."

This book is absolutely heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I laughed, and I cried through the entire book. Digging deep into dementia, nursing homes, death of loved ones, divorce, cancer, and estranged relatives is tough, but this book and the stories woven within it are so beautiful. Fred, Albert, and Val are all characters I would be honored to cross paths with when I'm in my 80s. As this was a debut for this author, I look forward to what she has in store for us next. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Fred is the most likeable old man I've ever met (read). He'll give anyone the shirt off his back, and he'll do it with a smile and happiness in his heart.
After he ends up pretending to be someone he's not in an assisted living facility, he feels the loneliness life after his many years without his deceased wife. He makes beautiful friendships and connections. But when he learns that the person he is pretending to be has an estranged daughter, everything changes.

This book is a wild ride. One minute you're laughing out loud at some of the residents' antic or Fred's quips, and the next you've got tears dripping down your face as you watch people walk through grief, dementia, loss, heartbreak and more.

In the end, this book felt so beautifully redemptive and left me utterly charmed.

A truly charming story of second chance, forgiveness, and redemption. I loved every second of it and it left me filled with hope.

This story pulled on my heartstrings. All the feels!!! Yes, there was sadness, loneliness and heartbreak ... yet all so heartwarming. The setting in the Nursing Home is unique, but the author does a great job developing her characters and connecting relationships. You will fall in love with these characters and find yourself rooting for happy endings.
I kept wanting to read more, yet I didn't want the story to end.
This was a debut novel for author Anna Johnston; well done! I will be on the lookout for her next.
I am so happy I was able to receive an Advance Copy to read!

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing this book, with my honest review below.

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is the kind of feel good, compelling, and guaranteed to appeal to all book that I love reading as a bit of a palate cleanser after diving into unknown authors and books that could go so well or terribly badly. Frederick is a character that, even when doing objectively bad things, helps you understand why they can be questionable and why what’s beyond the surface can make you root for those things to be done.

A simple story in many ways, Frederick Fife represents the good in a life that takes some dark turns and how love and hope can keep you going even when there seems to be not much left. Frederick has live a good life with his love Dawn, but after she passes he finds himself flirting with homelessness (having spent all their money to try to save Dawn) and borrowing the life of a strange deceased man he stumbles upon, Bernard. While in his place in a nursing home Frederick endeavors to pay back this favor of a borrowed life while also simply being himself as much as he can. The consequences are ripples of good and provide hope for Frederick and so many others.

This story is an easy read but masterfully layers in different characters, emotions, and even some ethics so that by the time you’re deep in the story you have an echo of an idea that this is something special, but don’t realize how much so and how well done it is at getting its ideas across until it’s done. If you too need a palate cleanser or just a warm and embracing place to retreat to, this is the book that will provide it to you. We need more like it.

Grief is one of the most universal constants of life. It is the opposite of love. The absence of anyplace to emote the love you feel, and it comes in many forms. Death. Abandonment. Betrayal. Lost opportunities. Failure. Illness. We all have to find ways to cope when grief finds us. We must keep hope alive - it is what allows us to carry on. The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife resounds throughout all the hollows of grief, touches all the raw and jagged edges of it, and teaches us to celebrate the opportunities still ahead of us through an unlikely hero with a heart of gold.

Frederick Fife isn't having the best day. After stretching his pennies as far as they can go, his landlord finally kicks him out. Unsure of what to do next, or where to go, Fred takes a stroll in the park and stumbles across the only person who might be having a worse day than him: his doppelgänger, a man who died peacefully in his wheelchair by the river on a nursing home outing. Frederick and his hero's heart tries to help get the man back to his group when they both slide down into the river. At 82 years old, Fred's body isn't what it used to be, and he is unable to recover the body. Just as it floats around the bend (with Frederick's dropped wallet), the nursing staff find Fred and mistake him for Bernard, the dead man. Bernard was in the early stages of dementia and was often confused, and as it happens, his carer that day is overwhelmed with her own personal issues and is only half listening. Frederick tries several times to set the record straight, but no one believes him. Turns out, Bernard had a pretty nice situation at the nursing home, and the warm bed and hot meals are impossible to ignore for a man like Frederick, who would otherwise still be in that park, sleeping on a bench. When he overhears Bernard has no visitors or family left, Fred stops struggling so hard to be understood. Perhaps the strange twist of fate is some kind of cosmic gift from Dawn, his late wife. Who is it hurting? Maybe it would be okay to borrow Bernard's life for awhile. After all, he's not using it!

This book does an incredible job of balancing humor with the intrinsically soul crushing themes of grief in all its holographic colors. Somehow, through all of the darkness, the story never feels unbearably heavy. Though it made me cry, they were the good kind of tears, brought on by the deepest empathetic connection to the characters during the epic finale.

Frederick is a gregarious guy. He's had a long life and has learned many tough lessons. This new life in the nursing home is his big second wind. Suddenly, he's not so lonely. He finds himself able to help the people around him in the simplest of ways. Conversations. Shared meals. Forgotten letters sent. He is a good and patient man. He is the embodiment of forgiveness and understanding. He is the medicine many of his cohorts are in need of, and they are the same for him.

Speaking of which, the cast of characters at the nursing home is quirky and endearing, and their antics help color the narrative with playfulness and heart. Not all of them are bubbly and positive in the monotony of assisted living, but together they brighten the setting and make it a wholesome place to spend 300 pages.

If you can't tell already, I greatly enjoyed this novel. It made the topic of grief feel approachable. I'm still astonished at how many facets of the concept were explored, and while none of it felt glossed over, it also never felt overwhelming. What an accomplishment!

What a wonderful book. Octogenarian Fred is walking by the river and discovers another elderly man in a wheelchair who seems to be alone and, well, dead. Fred looks over the hill and sees a care home van so he assumes this gent is with them. He tries to push him and the wheelchair tips and the poor deceased chap falls into the river. The nurse from care home comes running and thinks Fred is Bernard. Fred doesn't try very hard to tell them he is really Fred because he was about to be homeless and this gave him a chance for a meal and a bed.

Then let the shenanigans ensue. Fred makes a new friend, avoids an old woman who is determined to get him into her bed (evidently she had succeeded with Bernard), and is generally the opposite of Bernard in his helpful attitude.

Having a father living in a nursing home, I especially found this a fun story for the escapades. But the story has much more depth to it than that. Fred becomes Bernard - and saves many lives, especially his own.

I high recommend this book - it made me laugh out loud and it made me cry.

I was given this by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is a heartwarming story about an 82-year-old widower who finds himself faced with loneliness and despair. His story of facing homelessness to suddenly finding himself living in a nursing care facility, is filled with many aspects of the human condition and how to process both grief and joy. Frederick finds himself mistaken for another resident, who met his untimely death, and Fred begins a journey of living the life of Bernard. Fred travels through so many emotions from loneliness to despair, to finding hope in many other people. He makes friends, he finds community, and he finds family. He finds HOPE! Even through the twists and turns of his journey as Bernard, his convictions to honesty and truth win out in the end, as he is a man of integrity who truly cares about those friends and new "family" he has made while at the nursing care facility. I highly recommend this heartwarming story to inspire you and encourage you to see the beauty in kindness, friendship, care of those who face dementia and even just the elderly at large. We all have value. This story shows the importance of seeing the value in another and being other focused in all you do each day! Thank you for NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

Fred is one of the kindest people you will ever meet but has recently lost his wife to cancer and the medical bills he was left with have caused him to be evicted from his flat. When he notices a man is slumped over in his wheelchair at the park he rushes to help him but stumbles & falls which causes the man (Bernard) to fall out of his wheelchair and into the river. The nursing home caregiver rushes over to help Fred and mistakes him for Bernard who has dementia even though Fred keeps insisting he is not Bernard. They wheel him back to the nursing home where he has the most food he has had in years. He feels guilty and tries to go back to his flat to retrieve his most precious possessions before the eviction but the police are called and they again take him back as a confused dementia patient. Bernard has given him a gift of a home and wonderful friends and feels it is temporary until Bernard's body is found with his wallet and they pronounce Bernard as the deceased Frederick Fife. Everyone can't believe the change in Bernard and they come to adore him. He finds letters of regret Bernard wrote to his daughter that had not been mailed or had been returned in his room. He decides he owes it to Bernard to try to right the wrongs from long ago and in doing so finds the daughter he never had but what will she say if she finds out he is not her Dad?

This is the most heartwarming book I have read in ages and it made me smile, laugh, and cry but in the end you feel like you've gotten the most amazing hug or blessing just from reading it! I absolutely LOVED this book of loss, love, kindness, friendship and forgiveness and it makes us all want to try hard to be a little like Fred. This is a must read for 2024!

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. #TheBorrowedLifeofFrederickFife #NetGalley

“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.

The very first page had me laugh out loud: ‘The single drop of pee made a pitiful splash … Was there a job in the armed forces for people who could urinate in Morse code?
Fred has lost his beloved wife decades ago and now, at 82 years old, he is unable to pay his rent and is facing to be evicted from his humble apartment. Things don’t look good for him. But then, by a strange incident, he is mistaken for Bernard, a deceased resident of the Wattle River Nursing Home and ‘borrows’ his identity. At first, he tries to tell the truth but nobody listens to him, and it sure is uncanny how much he resembles Bernard. In the Home, he enjoys regular meals, he finds friends and receives care. And in return, he spreads kindness, friendship and compassion. Only Denise, one of the caregiving staff, suspects something is not quite right because Bernard has changed from a grumpy old man with health issues to a kind and active soul. But she has problems of her own with a cheating husband and a sick daughter at home. And then Fred meets Bernard’s estranged daughter, the child he was always hoping but never had. How long will he be able to keep living a lie?
What a darling book. I adored the main character and wish everyone could have a Fred in their life. Or, maybe everybody could be a little like Fred. The writing style is delightful, the story heartwarming but also heartbreaking at times. I laughed a lot and also had some tearful moments. Anna Johnston’s debut could not be more enjoyable. She packed an array of emotions in her book: happiness and grief, loneliness as well as hope and also true love, and it gripped me from the beginning to the end. She deals with dementia, cancer, a miscarriage and addiction. Despite some sad parts and dark memories, this is a feel-good novel and a celebration of life. Clearly a 5-star read for me, and I can’t wait for her next book.
I thank Netgalley, William Morrow and the author for the opportunity to read this advance copy. It was an honor and pleasure, and the above is my honest review and own opinion.

A sweet and charming book, that will make you fall in love with Fred.. a lonely 82 yr old man who gets a second chance at life after a very unlikely occurrence!

Loved it so much!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC!

William Morrow eARC
This will be one of my favorite books of 2024. I fell for Frederick right away. I just love stories with sweet old men, and this one was so heartwarming. It had the reminder of why community is important, how friends can make such an impact with little thoughts, how grace and forgiveness can change someone's life, and just so much more. I laughed and cried. I was surprised. I felt sad and hopeful. The author created such rich, vivid characters that were easy to fall for and connect with. I just loved this book so much and will recommend it widely. So, so sweet and will be thinking about it long term.

Fred is a nice guy. He always has been. At 82 though he is all alone. Everyone in his life gone and no way to make rent. He's looking at homelessness with no one to turn to.

Bernard is not a nice guy. He's grumpy and hard to deal with. He's alone as well. No one visits him in the home he is living in thanks to recent falls and a stroke.

Fred never meant to lie. But, after a sudden death and an unfortunate accident trying to return Bernard to the home, when everyone mistakes Fred for Bernard he still tries to set the record straight. But what can it hurt to enjoy a few good meals and a warm place to sleep?

Denise works at the same facility where Bernard lived. Her life is going in all of the wrong directions with a husband she cannot trust and a daughter who may have a serious medical condition. Denise is suspicious of the sudden change in "Bernard".

This was such a sweet read. I love a book in which people find exactly what and whom they need at just the right time.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC!

This book!! Wow! Tugged at my heart strings! Such a good book. Easy quick read and I could not put it down.

4.25⭐️

This healed my soul 🥹

It reminds me a lot of the storied life of AJ fikry so if you like that, I think you should give the one a try (my personal opinion is that The Borrowed Life of Fredrick Fife is actually better)

Fred is a very kind 82 year old man with no friends or family who just got evicted from his apartment and has an empty bank account. While looking for a place to sleep in the park he spots an elderly man who fell out of his wheelchair. Turns out the man is dead but he looks eerily like Fred but in a tragic mix up the nursing home helpers mistake Fred for the man and gets whisked off to the nursing home. As he try’s to tell the nursing assistants that he’s not who they think he is, Fred starts to see maybe there are perks to being here. A warm bed, free meals, and most importantly, he’s able to keep company.

The was just the most tender and wholesome book I’ve read in a while. I think it handlers topics like grief and death really well. It’s kind of a boring read but at the same time it has so much emotional depth to it. All the characters were fleshed out, it’s a small cast of characters but each was done so well. Now I really wish Fred was my grandpa 😭

<i>Thank you Net Gallery for giving me this copy for the exchange of an honest review</i>

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a sweet, tug at your heart strings story with many laughs mixed throughout. The concept is unique and plot is well executed. It borders on being overly saccharine, but it was still a great read with a few plot twists to keep the page turning.

Ideal for fas of Iona Iverson and A Man Called Ove.

This book needs to be far more popular than it is, and BookTok needs to catch up! It's giving A Man Called Ove vibes, but is an entirely unique story all its own. I loved this book with all its quirky characters.

This was a wonderful story!!! I can’t believe it’s the first novel by the author. She really amazed me with this! I read this in one day because I could NOT put it down! Fred’s adventures made me both laugh and cry, and his developing relationship with Hannah was so sweet! I will recommend this book to everyone! Absolutely loved it!

Kindhearted Fredrick Fife is eight-two years old. He’s has lost his beloved wife Dawn to cancer. His life’s savings has been exhausted and he’s been told that he must be out of his current living arrangement due to non payment of rent. He’s lonely and desperate and hasn’t had a decent meal in a very long time. While out walking trying to decide what to do about finding himself with no family and homeless, a bizarre circumstance unfolds. The local nursing home residents are at an outing along his route. Denise is a caregiver who falsely identifies Frederick as one of their residents Bernard Greer because Fred’s likeness to Bernard is uncanny. He tries telling Denise and the other staff members that he is not Bernard but they think he is confused because Bernard has dementia. As the story continues some difficult subjects are dealt with such as childhood terminal disease, abandonment and alcoholism. The author writes in a way that makes these subjects palatable through the eyes of her characters. Yes, it’s a bit predictable but sometimes it’s just the right way of finishing the novel. I needed a heartwarming story and this filled the bill. This ARC was provided by Harper Collins Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, by Anna Johnston, is a fabulous book.  It is a heartwarming story of an elderly man who finds himself in a peculiar situation and makes the best of it.  I can't find enough good to say about this one.  I've already recommended it to so many friends and a few book clubs. It has the makings of a bestseller!
Thanks, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with the ARC ebook I read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.

I cannot begin to express how much I loved this book! It’s a heartfelt (and humorous) tale of loneliness, friendship, family, loss and love. I will miss all of these wonderful characters immensely. From the very start of this unbelievably beautiful book you will be rooting for Frederick and all of the people he has come to love.
(I may now be a wee bit in love with the extraordinarily sweet octogenarian Frederick Fife 😍)
This is a magnificent debut novel from Australian author Anna Johnston. Publication date is September 10th.
This book will live in my heart forever. Read it. You won’t regret it.

This year's "A Man Called Ove". Like Ove, Fredrick is an older gentleman who is recently widowed and at a loss as to how to go on, but for different reasons. Through a highly unbelievable, but completely plausible, case of mistaken identity, much like "While you Were Sleeping, Fredrick assumes the life of Bernard, who lives in facility, where he finds friends and acceptance, and creates a new life for himself. Like Ove, this book is in equal turns laugh out loud funny, and painfully heartbreaking. This is a lovely and poignant book about finding a family when all is lost. Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC opportunity for this sweet and charming book.

5 stars. Ever since reading Remarkably Bright Creatures, I've seen a lot of books touted as "the next" version of that book. It seems like every book that features an elderly main character is given that moniker, but few have come close to reaching the emotional depths that Remarkably Bright Creatures did (at least for me). The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is indeed one of those books. But it feels wrong to call it "the next" Remarkably Bright Creatures, because this book is so damn good that it deserves to stand on its own. When homeless Frederick Fife gets mistaken for the recently deceased Bernard Greer, he decides to borrow Bernard's life. Just for a bit. But Frederick does more than just borrow Bernard's life. He gives it meaning for the first time in 50 years. This is an emotional story, and truly, I ended the book in tears. But these were good tears, because they meant that this book moved me in a way that even the best books rarely do (it is VERY infrequent for me to cry while reading a book, even emotional books that I love). But it was just impossible not to fall in love with Frederick. And although he was lying to basically everyone, he didn't set out to hurt anyone. And in doing so, he actually ended up enriching literally everyone's life in the process. I don't really want to say or give away too much, because the book is perfectly paced, with more and more information revealed as the story progresses. With that said, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is one of (if not) the most heartwarming books I've read this year. I absolutely loved it. And highly recommend it to basically anyone. But yes, especially to those who loved Remarkably Bright Creatures (or A Man Called Ove).

Thank you so much to Johnston, Netgalley, and William Morrow for an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book brought me back to the days when I started my nursing career in a nursing home. It’s such a unique story that more people should be talking about. Some say Fred is the next Ove, but I think Fred is in a league of his own. This book is funny, thought-provoking, and really pulls at your heartstrings. I’ve read a lot of books, but I’ve never loved a character as much as Fred. He’s going to stick with me for a long time. Trust me, do yourself a favor and pick up this book – you won’t be disappointed! Thank you, @annajohnstonauthor , for giving us Fred! And a big thank you to @netgalley and @williammorrowbooks for allowing me to read this fantastic book! The glasses on top? If you know, then you know 🤣

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars

Frederick is a lonely widower this is facing homelessness when in a twist of fate, he is mistaken for Bernard and taken to a local nursing home. Despite trying to warn everyone that he is not Bernard, they don't believe him so he decides to borrow Bernard's life for awhile. While at the nursing home, his big heart and kindness begin to transform everyone he encounters.

This was an absolute charmer of a book. I love a found family story and this one delivered that in a unique way. I don't want to write too much about how that found family comes together because it genuinely took me by surprise, but I loved it.

** I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

5+ life-affirming stars

There are times when you read a book, and it feels perfect, a great premise that delivers with characters that will stay with you. I will remember Frederick Fife!

Frederick, 82, is about to be thrown out of his apartment, his savings gone for medical costs for his wife. He’s wondering what to do next. He’s out for a walk, and by a bizarre turn of events, he’s mistaken for a senior out with his nursing home group.

Frederick tells people he’s not Bernard, but nobody will believe him. It turns out they look very similar, so he goes along with it, thinking he can just walk away the next day.

It turns out that this nursing home is quite lovely. It offers delicious home-cooked meals, and there are interesting residents and staff who care about their jobs. It doesn’t take long before Frederick feels right at home.

We also get the story of Denise, one of the staff at the nursing home. She has heartbreak at home, and she’s turning to the bottle too often.

This one grabbed ahold of my heart as Frederick navigates someone else’s life and is just the most amazing man! From trying to reconcile with Bernard’s daughter to being a friend to a fellow resident, he faces life with a great attitude and perseverance. I wondered if anyone would figure out, and what would happen to Frederick.

With humor and great characters, this debut wowed me! Anna Johnston, can’t wait to read what you write next!

I loved everything about this book! It's about a man in his eighties who ends up stepping into another man's life at a nursing home by accident. There are numerous missteps that lead to that happening. Some are sad (poor Barnaby) and some are hilarious.

The author has managed to blend the best in old age and the worst in old age in such a way that there is honesty, but enough humor to keep it from getting too dark. Yes, old age sucks. But this book shows that the possibility of friendship and love still exist. There was no huge action mystery to keep me attached to this book, it was feelings.

The story is told mainly through three different characters. Part is about Fred's action and feelings, part is about the life of one of his caretakers whose marriage is falling apart, and the third is about the life of the daughter, Hannah, of the man who's life Fred has stepped into. Hannah and Barnaby have been estranged for years. Each is told with the PERFECT mix of empathy and humor. It really was lovely to see what impact Fred had on the lives of the other two and what he received in turn.

A beautiful rendering of age as a senior, what they have to give and what we receive by sharing life with them. The author says that Fred is based on her grandfather. I can't think of a more spectacular tribute!

Thanks to William Morrow Books and NetGalley for this touching book. All thoughts are my own.

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife might be my favorite book of 2024!

I loved the characters so much. They were funny and I wanted to hug them the entire time. For a book that has depressing themes it was so ended up being so joyful and lighthearted.

I do recommend having some tissues close by because there are definitely some tear jerking moments.

Highly recommend this for everyone but definitely those who like Fredrik Backman books and Remarkably Bright Creatures (sorry but there’s no fun animals in this one)!

There are some TWs: Death of parents, dementia, child death from illness (briefly discussed)

Thanks to Netgalley and William Marrow for a copy of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife in exchange of an honest review.

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.

This beautifully written novel had be laughing and crying all the way through. The plot was creative and very original. Fred is on the cusp of rock bottom and homelessness when Fredrick “Fred” is mistaken for a resident of a nursing home and borrows the life of “Bernard”. Everyone is baffled by Bernard’s sudden change of personality from a grumpy old man to a kind, loving, friend of everyone. Fred’s life in the nursing home is full as he makes best friends, sets up a couple of care workers, and gets to be the father her never had the chance to be. This novel really dives into concepts of family and chosen family as well as what it truly means to love someone. 5/5 stars. Thank you NetGalley for this beautifully written arc in exchange for my unbiased review.

Man, this was a pallet cleanser. I read a lot of mystery and thriller books so everyone once and a while it's good to read something more lighthearted. This hit the mark! Such a clever premise, and I was rooting for Frederick through and through! Pick this one up!

I received an ARC of this outstanding debut novel through NetGalley.

Normally, I would not expect to give a 5-star rating to a book premised on an 82-year-old man assuming the identity of another elderly man confined to a nursing home. Though I was intrigued by the description of the book, I did not expect to be taken in by Frederick Fife's story as much as I was.

Frederick Fife was a widower who was never able to have a child. He gave everything he had to try to help his deceased wife beat cancer. But, sadly, she died and Frederick was both lonesome and penniless. Somehow, not to spoil it, identities become confused and Frederick ends up in a nursing home, accidentally assuming the late Bernard Greer's identity, right after being evicted from his home for failing to pay his rent.

Though tinged with sadness, this ends up being quite an upbeat story. Though the premise seems unbelievable, the author got me to buy into it. Frederick is quite a character and he deftly handles the many awkward moments that confront him as he copes with Bernard's past and present life.

One thing bothered me as I completed the book. A good deal of time in the book was devoted to a subplot centered around a troubled nurse (Denise) who was caring for Bernard/Frederick. Unless i missed it, I don't think the author got around to concluding Denise's story.

Nevertheless, I highly recommend this. Five stars.

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.

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.

“Grief was love with nowhere to go.”

I am absolutely emotional after reading this wonderful debut novel. 😭 Fred absolutely stole my heart. This book makes you laugh, makes you angry, but definitely made me cry. It was such a heartwarming story of a lonely man that borrows a life (after not being believed multiple times).

It makes me sad to think how many older people are alone, not by choice but because they’re the last ones around. It shows how broken the system is for seniors, whether it’s in Australia or anywhere else.

Absolutely recommend this book! Thank you so much NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Frederick Fife is widowed, 82 and at the end of the day will be homeless.
He’s out walking, trying to figure out where he could sleep that night when he sees a man in a wheelchair. As he approaches, he realizes the man has passed. He determines that the man is part of a retirement home group outing, and as he is trying to push the wheelchair, he loses balance and the man and Frederick’s wallet wash down the river. Frederick is mistaken as the recently departed, and tries to explain he is not the other person. No one listens and he ends up staying at the retirement home.
As the story proceeds Frederick learns a lot about himself, forgiveness for him and the recently deceased.
I didn’t know how this book would unravel, but I ended up living this story.
Thank you to @netgalley for the arc.

A marvelous debut novel! This is a heartwarming and touching story about second chances, the power of forgiveness, living your life to the fullest, and finding "family" in unusual places.

Unlike the main character, in the book A Man Called Ove, Frederick Fife is far from being a curmudgeon. Fred is the kind of guy that everyone wants for a friend or a family member. He is kind, caring, considerate, and totally lovable.

Down on his luck, penniless, homeless, and grieving, 82 year-old Frederick Fife finds himself smack dab in a case of mistaken identity. He tries to tell the truth and explain to the staff at the Wattle River nursing home that he's not Bernard, but no one believes him. Bernard wasn't a perfect man or a perfect husband or father, but Fred is given a chance to make amends and quite possibly put Bernard's legacy back together again, while helping others along the way. Of course, for Fred, hot showers, regular meals, and a soft bed beat sleeping out on the street any day. You'll be dying to find out how Fred gets out of one sticky situation after another.

I fell in love with Frederick Fife, this story, and several other characters in this book too. If you are looking for a story that will tug on your heartstrings, but also make you laugh, then this is the book for you.

My sincere thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley who made it possible for me to read an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book digs into some tough themes like grief, dementia, regrets and even childhood cancer. But it’s written so beautifully and with such humor that it’s more heartwarming than heart-wrenching. You will both laugh and cry, but mostly you’ll get a kick out of Frederick Fife for his humor and where life ended up for him.

Due to circumstances mostly beyond his control, Frederick Fife ends up in a nursing home living life under the guise of another resident who has passed on. Though he regrets “stealing” another life, he loves the nursing home, the people who care for him and the safety the home provides for him.

I loved every moment of this. It’s a feel-good book, even though parts of it are sad. Frederick Fife will forever be a favorite character of mine and I’ll be sure to wrap this book up and gift it for Christmas to my reading friends. Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow for the eARC.

This is one of those books that I'll forever wish I could read again for the first time.

In a mix-up on a Nursing Home outing, Fred gets mistaken for Bernard, a resident who happened to just pass away and float down the river. Fred tries to correct the mistake, but between Bernard's dementia diagnosis and Fred's shockingly similar appearance, no one listens. Fred is widowed and facing homelessness, so he decides to stay at the nursing home, living life as Bernard.

Everything is going well until Bernard's estranged daughter comes back into "his" life and Fred is faced with the daughter he always wanted, but never had. Bernard's daughter needs closure from her past issues, while Fred is caught between his growing feelings toward her & telling her the truth about her identity. It's a masterclass about found families.

This book was everything I was hoping for and MORE. It's fantastic for readers who enjoyed A Man Called Ove, since Fred gives off the same grumpy old cinnamon roll vibe.

5 HUGE STARS for The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife!

A delightful and funny book about a wonderful man in a precarious situation. I loved Fred much and his joy and kindness jumped from the pages. Some of the scenarios he got himself in were tricky but a pleasure to read. I enjoyed this story tremendously!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

I laughed, cried and loved this remarkable heartwarming story. A story of regrets, forgiveness and learning how to love again. I truly enjoyed getting to know Fred. I could appreciate the person that he was.

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.

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.♥️

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.

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.