The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife

Sarah H, Reviewer

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

Cheyenne D, Reviewer

"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.

Reviewer 1319230

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.

Fran E, Reviewer

“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.

susan l, Reviewer

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.

“Anna Johnston has created a wonderfully diverse cast of funny, flawed, and completely relatable characters, and she tells their stories with humor, honesty, and compassion. Fred is one of life’s unsung heroes—a loveable rogue with a big heart for whom kindness towards others comes as naturally as breathing—and I was rooting for him from the start. It was an absolute joy to follow him on his poignant, hilarious and at times precarious journey to find the happy ending that he so richly deserved. What a glorious story, I absolutely loved it!” - Ruth Hogan, bestselling author of The Keeper of Lost Things

“Anna Johnson's funny and moving debut had me hooked from the first page. Fred is truly someone to root for, and with a cast of quirky characters at his side, this is the warm hug of a novel we all need in our lives.” - Richard Roper, author of Something to Live For

“Warm, witty and heartfelt, Frederik Fife is a loveable character you’ll want to cheer on from your armchair. This is a sweet, touching life-swap adventure you won’t want to miss.” - Phaedra Patrick, bestselling author of The Messy Lives of Book people

“I was completely swept away by Anna Johnston’s charming and clever debut. Frederick Fife is an easy character to root for, someone warm and a touch mischievous, who can’t help but improve the lives of those around him. A life-affirming and hilarious tale of mistaken identity, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife insists that it’s never too late for a second chance.” - Amy Meyerson, bestselling author of The Bookshop of Yesterdays

“A sweet story of mistaken identity and second chances…. Johnston places the painful realities of grief and aging alongside Fred’s puckish antics and lands a convincingly hopeful ending. The result is a triumphant last act story.” - Publishers Weekly

"Johnston gifts readers a story brimming with every kind of love—everlasting in marriage, buried in broken relationships, treasured among new friends.... This touching narrative explores themes of community, family, and the redemptive power of new beginnings, illustrating the impact of past choices and the potential for personal transformation.” - Booklist (starred review)

“Johnston’s first novel is a heartwarming story about growing old, grief, and learning to navigate life’s many challenges….This book is the perfect summer read for those looking for a funny, heartfelt story about found family and seeing the silver lining in life. Fans of Fredrik Backman’s A Man Called Ove and Shelby Van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures will especially enjoy this new novel.” - Library Journal