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The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife: A Heartwarming Story of Redemption and Forgiveness, Discover the Power of Second Changes and Found Family

“A funny, heartfelt story about found family and seeing the silver lining in life. Fans of A Man Called Ove and Remarkably Bright Creatures will especially enjoy this new novel.”—Library Journal

A zany case of mistaken identity allows a lonely old man one last chance to be part of a family.

“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, at age eighty-two, there’s nobody left in Fred’s life to borrow from, and he's broke and on the brink of eviction. But Fred’s luck changes when he's mistaken for Bernard Greer, a missing resident at the local nursing home, and takes his place. Now Fred has warm meals in his belly and a roof over his head—as long as his look-alike Bernard never turns up. 

Denise Simms is stuck breathing the same disappointing air again and again. A middle-aged mom and caregiver at Bernard's facility, her crumbling marriage and daughter's health concerns are suffocating her joy for life. Wounded by her two-faced husband, she vows never to let a man deceive her again.

As Fred walks in Bernard’s shoes, he leaves a trail of kindness behind him, fueling Denise's suspicions about his true identity. When unexpected truths are revealed, Fred and Denise rediscover their sense of purpose and learn how to return a broken life to mint condition. 

Bittersweet and remarkably perceptive, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is a hilarious, feel-good, clever novel about grief, forgiveness, redemption, and finding family.

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336 pages

Average rating: 8.09

64 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

LucyCarrillo
Apr 17, 2025
2/10 stars
This book is just trying to hard. Far too many poop/fart/senior citizens having sex jokes. I wanted to like this book as it came highly recommended. But it’s just implausible from the beginning. There’s no explanation why Fred is destitute and about to be homeless in a day. Which the whole book hinges on, as he then takes on the life of Bernard, who died in a wheelchair and then fell in the river while Fred was there. Like the review of a TV show, “this is what straight people think gay people are like“. I want to say “this is what younger people think senior citizens act like.” Except they really don’t, I think people have a better understanding of the subtleties of human nature. While the author dedicated it to her beloved grandparents, all of the senior citizens in this book seem to be caricatures and far too many jokes at their expense. Overall, the book just didn’t hold together - no nuance whatsoever.
Amac
Apr 02, 2025
10/10 stars
This is a feel good story that keeps you rooting for the main character.
BunnysHoney
Mar 10, 2025
9/10 stars
Loved this book.
Margaret.n.f
Jan 03, 2025
10/10 stars
Great book to start a year of reading! Brimming with empathy and compassion, Anna Johnston illuminates geriatric loneliness and homelessness with humor and grace. Full of wonderful passages to be savored.
JL Reads
Dec 10, 2024
8/10 stars
A sweet book that reminded me of a novel about Hendrick Groen and his nursing home escapades. Heartwarming and yet full of hilarious drama. I enjoyed this sweet story. Book #112 in 2024

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