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The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife

A Novel

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The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife

Written by: Anna Johnston
Narrated by: Tim Carroll
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About this listen

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

“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

“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.

But Fred’s luck changes when, in a bizarre case of mistaken identity, he takes the place of grumpy Bernard Greer at the local nursing home. Now he has warm meals in his belly and a roof over his head—as long as his poker face is in better shape than his prostate and that his look-alike 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.

©2024 Anna Johnston (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers
Friendship Genre Fiction Literature & Fiction Marriage Funny Witty Heartfelt Feel-Good

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Lovely Adventure

A real gem! It’s so refreshing to see stories written through the lens of our elders, their struggles and triumphs big and small. Very touching, excellent narration, highly recommend!

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Beautiful and Wonderful Story

Just amazing. All about what is good in the world, written in such an approachable and touching way. Makes you want to be the best you can be. One of the best books I have listened to.

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The story is fantastic

This book is one of my top 10 favourites ! It will stay with me forever in my heart

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I love it so much I want this to be a movie

This whole book is excellent and the narrator brought so much life to every character (especially Patricia LOL). Wholesome, full of love, moral challenges - I want this to be a movie.

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Choose Joy

While doom scrolling my way through the Washington Post or the NYTimes, I came upon a list of feel good books that might serve to lighten a dark mood. I followed a harmless little sale book involving time travel with this 1 credit gem.
Living in Canadian ski country, I've heard the particular Aussie accent many times but the dizzying array of idioms and food was a bit challenging. The plot was contrived and predicable but lovely. Neither book is Booker or Pulitzer material but 2.99 and a credit are infinitely cheaper than a therapist and I feel better.

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Heartwarming

Loved the story and the narrator! Great story that you don’t want to put down!

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heartfelt true love so deep, so well & eloquently captured by the author.

Life's is filled with ups n downs, yet Fred is ALWAYS Finding naturally, Positives in every Life situation, naturally instinctively helping others, bringing Smiles n joy, knowing being Kind VIBRANT Joyful is a way of life even when one is broken inside. as I always say Mate, it's all in your attitudes that sets your mind for every twist n Turn. Plus I'm Joyful, feel upbeat Inspirational with what really could be a TRUE happy ending.

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