The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife

A Novel

By: Anna Johnston

Narrated by: Tim Carroll

INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER

“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.

Be sure to check out Anna Johnston’s next book, When Lemons Give You Life, available on August 4.

Heartwarming Story!

Very Hallmark-ish, but so very heartwarming! It’s rare to read a story that ties up all loose ends. It was a pleasant story with a happily ever after ending.

Love and kindness What a wonderful book!

What a wonderful book! I loved every minute of it! It’s so hard to find a book about people who are interesting, funny and not out to cheat, kill or steal something from others. Just a book about an ordinary man who shows others you can be forgiving and happy. This is a real feel good book.

Heartwarming

There are lots of side stories. Gets you untested early on. Definitely one for when you want a heart warming story.

A New Favorite

I will be listening to this book again. I don’t want to leave Fred’s world. This is one of those books I couldn’t put down, but I didn’t want to end. I hope we’ll all be blessed with more books by this very talented author.

So touching without being sappy!

Whether you’re reading or listening to this novel, it is more than worth every moment of your time. Don’t skip this one. I’m hoping a movie is in the works.