The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife: A Novel

Written by Anna Johnston

Narrated by Tim Carroll

“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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Sep 10, 2024
• ISBN: 9780063397323

Anna Johnston

Anna Johnston is a former baby, aspiring octogenarian and emerging Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She lives in Melbourne where she lives joyously with her husband and daughters by the beach. Anna left an imminent career in medicine to follow her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the activities coordinator, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. Anna also developed an award-winning local government program teaching older widowed men how to cook. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care, she began to write about it, channeling her love for older people onto the page. During the pandemic, Anna completed several novel writing courses with the Australian Writers’ Centre, where her debut novel, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, was born. Anna has enjoyed a lifelong passion for positive ageing, creative writing, theatre, screenplay, and all things Australiana.

Reviews for The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife

[shea knowles · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a heartwarming story about how we can help one another heal in some very unusual yet meaningful ways. Didn’t know it is going to become a movie? Can’t wait! Already curious about who will be the actors. I love our wise elderly friends…not so very far from becoming one myself. So I can relate.

[Gillian BENNEWITH · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a delightful book. It’s an unlikely humorous tale about love lost and found in a nursing home. Kindness goes a long way.

[Megan Harvey Larson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was great, heartwarming and funny and very relatable characters.

[keri hellinga · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Brilliantly written to evoke laughter, love and tears. Such a beautiful story of love and relationships

[Alison DeMartin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Inspiring quirky and fun. Enjoyed getting to know each character in this wonderful novel

[Allisen Greathouse · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely adorable and a great read. I would definitely recommend. Also if you’re going on a road trip with family parents or a casual group, it could be a great book to listen to.

[GwenEllyn Anderson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a delightful and clever book! It touches upon so many aspects of life in a retirement home and life at the end of life - and the beginning - I love the characters and how they inter-relate on so many levels. I couldn't put it down and will share it with my book club. Thank you Anna Johnson!

[Melissa no.more.shelf.control · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A funny and poignant story of life and found family at any age.

[Helen Garcia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This has become one of my favorite books! It is so entertaining, touching, and sweet.

[Amy Webster · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful story. What could possibly go wrong when Frederick borrows Bernard Grier’s life or what could possibly go right? This beautiful bittersweet story that people have compared to others in this genre stands out as a beautiful story of forgiveness, hope, and second chances. The audiobook is amazing!

[Jessica Williams · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Everyone needs a Frederick Fyfe in their life. Such a beautiful read, gentle and full of love. A memorable and heart touching book!

[HAHoward · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

There are very few books I give 5 stars but this book was beautifully written. It touched many emotions, laughter, loneliness, sorrow, grief and most importantly love. I hope to have many more books by this author. Well done.