The Story of Arthur Truluv

By: Elizabeth Berg

Narrated by: Elizabeth Berg

Length: 6 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's Summary

A life-affirming novel about an unforgettable character, a wise and loving man whose humor and unconditional love create for himself and others second chances at happiness.

Three people find their way back from loss and loneliness to a different kind of belonging in this deeply moving novel. Arthur, an old widower struggling to overcome his grief, meets Maddy, a troubled teenage girl who avoids school by hiding out where Arthur goes every day for lunch. The two strike up a friendship that draws them out of isolation. Maddy gives Arthur the name Truluv for his positive responses to every outrageous thing she says or does. When Arthur's nosy neighbor Lucille horns in on their friendship, they create an unconventional family, sometimes bickering but most often believing that life's most precious moments are sweeter when shared.

©2017 Elizabeth Berg (P)2017 Recorded Books

Sweet novel of three interconnected lives

This novel follows three people: Arthur (a old, recent widower), Lucille (the old nosy, needy next door neighbor), and Maddy (a misfit teen). Arthur and Maddy meet at a cemetery, a place they frequently visit. This book was touching and felt real from the start. I found myself believing and caring about these characters. Well, maybe not Lucille, who can be hard to take, but she means well, and was a great character.This novel went from good to excellent when the three lives become very intertwined. After that, I loved this story, boosting this from a 4 star to a 5 star novel. The author is the narrator, which is usually not good. Berg, though, brings the sweetness and emotions to the listener. She is great with the female voices, but falls short when reading the male dialogue. This is common among professional readers of both genders. That said, I think that she added to the listening experience as narrator. This is a relationship story, but I think it is quality writing and should appeal to both men and women (I am a man). While somewhat predictable, this "feel good" novel worked for me, and earned a rare 5 stars from me.

Disappointing at best

I choose this book because it was on a list of “If you liked that, then read this”. This book was pared with A Man Called Ove which I loved. Maybe I have not given it a chance, maybe if I hadn’t read Ove first I would feel differently but The Story of Arthur Truluv is flat in comparison. Also, someone needs to convince authors not to read their own work. It’s possible the reading is what left me disappointed at best.

Sickly Sweet

I have a hard time being happy for a 17 year old girl getting pregnant ( without having sex) and deciding to keep the baby. Her boyfriend wants nothing to do with her. She hasn't finished high school. Her father is distant and her mother is dead. No job, no money, no family.The old people she befriends of course come to her rescue. The author reads the story her voice is too sweet and cute. She needs to hire a reader.

Sweet story

I always love stories that remind people to get to know different generations of people! This one was sweet! Gave some insight on the older generation coming to the end of their lifetime- losing loved ones ad their purpose in life.
It also visits a younger crowd and the stresses of high school - and in general feeling like you don’t belong.

I, personally, do not like when authors read their own books! I’m glad I didn’t see it was her prior- her voice took a long time to get used to- but was worth hanging in there for the story. I think though, I will have to read, rather than listen, to her study in the future if she continues to narrate her books

I was in Trulove

I loved how the characters were so different than what is expected of their ages. And how their personalities should have never made them be near each other. This book was just a great story. Great character development. And lovely ending. I was sad when it ended.

predictable

this story was so predictable from the moment I started to read it there were no surprises at all. I never got invested in any of the characters because they seem so very one-dimensional. it was a struggle to finish. The only reason I did is because a friend of mine recommended it so it wanted to see it through. The narrator was not very pleasant to listen to it all. she had that off-putting wet mouth sound while talking. if after reading what this book is about you still want to read it I wouldn't listen to it I would recommend reading it. but all in all either way I wouldn't recommend this book.

A really good story

I enjoyed this story very much. I listened to it on a long car ride and I didn't want to turn it off. it was poinant and sweet.

Heartwarming

An very unlikely pair of souls support each other through beginnings and endings, and changes in life.

A Love Story for All

This book is a feel good book. That doesn't mean that there aren't sad moments, but the overall story redefines that a life well lived is possible for all. You can learn to love even those that have a hard time expressing their love for you. I was reminded to live and love without blame or regrets.

The characters were well developed and the story line flowed without confusion.

I think you will enjoy this book

She’s done it again

I feared Elisabeth Berg was done . That she wouldn’t write another book. But she has, and it’s wonderful. Thank you Ms Berg