The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife Audiobook By Anna Johnston cover art

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife

A Novel

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The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife

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
Family Life Friendship Genre Fiction Literature & Fiction World Literature Marriage Funny Witty Heartfelt Feel-Good
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Heartwarming Story • Humorous Writing • Outstanding Narration • Emotional Depth • Uplifting Message
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Excellent narrator. Interesting story development. Wonderful characters. Warm, humorous takes on some of the hardships of life… loss of loved ones, dementia, aging, addiction.

Love and humor

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The exquisite description of forgiveness and joy in relationships between fathers and daughters even after a lifetime of distress suggests the great hope that lies in forgiveness if we are brave enough to let go of our anger. Thank you for this lovely story.

A great heartfelt story capturing the subtle joys of long term care.

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If I could give more than 5 stars this one would be the one I’d give them to!

Best book I’ve listened to in a long time

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I absolutely loved this book! It was the most beautiful, heartwarming story I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to. Also written with the cutest touch of humor. The narrator for Fred’s character was pure perfection! I grew to love Fred more and more with every chapter. Be prepared to cry your eyes out! Give this beautiful story a listen. I guarantee you will love it.

Love and kindness great for the soul

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sweet and touching. even though you knew the ending it was such a cute read

very sweet

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I will not soon forget this heartwarming story of grief, loneliness, kindness, and unconditional love. I laughed and I cried. This story made me grateful and warmed my heart. Tim Carroll is a fabulous performer.

This is one of my all time favorite books.

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Both the story itself and the narration were spot on. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.

Engaging story

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Loved the whole story, the narration was wonderful. Not all family has to be blood related.

Very sweet and heartwarming

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Great story about the loneliness of getting old and the ability of people to sooth a yearning soul.

The raw emotion in the story and the reader

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I absolutely loved this book. The story was so believably inspiring, giving me hope that love will come to me, as I am now getting close to Fred's age.

Beautiful

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