The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston

A lovely debut about mistaken identity and second changes, octogenarian style.

Frederick Fife is a good man. At 82 he’s lonely and has lost the love of his life years ago, and while out walking one day tries to help an elderly man who ends up being his doppelgänger. When Fred’s brought back to a nursing home and tries to explain he’s not the other man, nobody listens, and after some warm meals and company, he wonders if this mix up wouldn’t be the worst thing to happen. While his guilt grows, so do new friendships, connections and a strong purpose in life.

Heartwarming, cozy and original, Netflix has optioned it to be a movie and it won’t take you many chapters to see why.

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston is a mesmerizing novel. It begins with a truly amazing beginning that is just realistic to feel authentic. From there, the book flows to its natural conclusion. Overall, it is a really solid read. There was something really sweet and life affirming about this story. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

A feel-good story for readers looking to cheer on likeable characters in some poignant and delightfully absurd situations.

At 82, Frederick Fife is lonely, broke, and on the verge of homelessness. But when a fall lands him in a nursing home and the staff mistake him for another incoming resident, Fred unexpectedly finds himself with a warm bed, hot meals, and something else he hasn’t had in a long time: a sense of belonging. As Fred steps into a life that isn’t technically his, he begins to rediscover purpose, friendship, and maybe even a shot at redemption.

This is a heartwarming and heartfelt debut. For a story rooted in grief, aging, and family tension, it somehow manages to strike a perfect balance between emotion and humor. Fred’s voice is equal parts grumpy and endearing, and his interactions with the other residents had me both teary-eyed and full-on laughing.

I especially loved how Johnston gave such depth to the supporting characters. This isn’t just Fred’s story, but one about a whole community of people who are often overlooked. It’s a reminder that everyone has a story worth telling, no matter their age.

This is one of those books that sneaks up on you in the best way. It warms your soul like a mug of something hot on a rainy day: bittersweet, comforting, and quietly hopeful. If you’re in the mood for a story that makes you feel everything and reminds you it’s never too late to start over, Fredrick Fife is waiting.

Can’t wait to see what other stories Anna Johnston brings to life next!

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is out now. Huge thank you to William Morrow for my copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof.books.
Tiktok @speakingof.books
Website: SPEAKINGOF.ORG

Finally got to this and I’m so glad I did!!! This is now one of my all time favorite stories. It’s just so sweet/charming and well done. This should be required reading for every person on earth. It’s that good.

This was a sweet book, reminiscent of A Man Called Ove but instead of a grumpy old man it follows a happy old man who is down on his luck and lonely. I loved the main character and he gets himself into all sorts of hilarious situations. A bit sappy at the end, but still a good uplifting book.

My interview with Anna Johnston on Meg’s Reading Room podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/megs-reading-room/id1761060886?i=1000676182913

A lonely octogenarian widower, Fred, with no family and friends, is about to become homeless. While out for a walk, he comes across a man his age sitting in a wheelchair by the riverbank. Fred realizes that the man is dead and he tries to get help. However, the man falls into the river and is swept away. The nursing home staff sees Fred and they mistake him for the man who was in the wheelchair, Bernard. (They could be twins!!) Fred is taken to the nursing home. He tries to tell them that he is not Bernard, but no one listens because Bernard has dementia. Fred gives up trying to tell them and he slides right into leading Bernard’s life. However, he is not like Bernard. Physically and mentally, he is in better shape. He is also a very nice man, which apparently Bernard was not. Trying to impersonate a stranger is not an easy task, but Fred seems to be able to pull it off.

The premise of the novel seems a bit far-fetched. I would have thought that the staff of the nursing home would realize that Fred is not the same person as Bernard. The doctors didn’t seem to question his identity either – even when test results showed major differences. The reader needs to buy into the premise.

This novel had some humorous laugh-out-loud moments, but it also was very depressing at times. Parts of it were heartwarming. I can’t say I loved it, but I didn’t dislike it either.

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for providing me with an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.

What a heartwarming story of an elderly man trying set the wrongs of another right while also getting something he's missed out on in life. While the premise is a bit far fetched it just seems to work here and you're rooting for everyone involved in personal struggles.

Anna Johnston's The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is an absolute gem, tackling the often-messy realities of aging and family with a pitch-perfect blend of humor and heartbreak. Seriously, get ready to laugh out loud one minute and feel a lump in your throat the next.
The story centers on Frederick Fife, a man navigating the complexities of his later years, and his relationships with his family. Johnston has this incredible knack for capturing those universally relatable moments — the hilarious misunderstandings, the well-meaning but chaotic interventions, and the quiet aches of growing older. It's not sugar-coated; she dives into the frustrations and indignities that can come with age, but always with immense warmth and empathy. You'll recognize bits of your own family, for better or worse, in the pages. This book is a wonderful reminder of the enduring, sometimes challenging, but always deeply loving bonds that tie us together. It’s a genuinely delightful and incredibly touching read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston is a heartwarming, gently humorous tale of mistaken identity and second chances. It follows 82‑year‑old Fred, teetering on homelessness, who inadvertently assumes the life of a nursing‑home resident. Full of quirky characters, emotional depth, and kindness around every corner, it strikes a lovely balance between laughs and poignancy. A feel‑good debut with a thoughtful look at aging, grief, and found family—sweet, uplifting, and quietly profound.

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for a digital advanced reader copy. All comments and opinions are my own unless otherwise noted.

This was a sweet, heartwarming story about family, grief, loneliness, friendship, and forgiveness. I was drawn in by the title and cover, but it was the entertaining and poignant story as well as the excellent writing that kept me turning the pages.

I highly recommend this warmhearted tale of mistaken identity and finding a place to love and be loved.

Thank you, NetGalley, for an e-ARC of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston.
The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is a sweet story of a lonely man who makes the world a little better! A book for fans of Fredrick Backman. A book that teaches the importance of forgiveness, and the need to make the most of every moment you have. A book that warms your heart and makes you want a Frederick Fife in your life.

I really enjoyed this one. It was hard to put down. It kept me wanting more. The characters are amazing! And I love the title and the story line. Such an amazing book!

Fred Fife has been struggling both financially and emotionally since the death of his wife from a long battle with cancer. He is about to be evicted. While on a walk to clear his mind and assuage his anxiety, he discovers an elderly man (Bernard) dead just sitting in a wheelchair near the river. After a series of mishaps, Fred is mistaken for Bernard and Fred is transported back to the nursing home where he decides to "borrow" Bernard's life. After all, Bernard has no relatives and this gives Fred a place to live and food to eat. Of course, things don't quite work out so easily.

I loved this book. Fred is a great character, and although he is certainly being deceptive, it actually seems like a logical step for him to take. There are several secondary characters who are equally engaging. Yes, it stretches the imagination a bit, but just go with it and you'll get sucked in. As the days turn into weeks and into months, Fred learns more about Bernard and often battles with his conscience. I think this would be a great book club book. There are many things to discuss here. I'm sure there will be differences of opinion about Fred's actions as the book goes on. (FYI - the story ends with a satisfying solution to Fred's problems.) One of my favorites so far this year!


NOTE: There was a period early in the book that I was a bit confused about a couple of the secondary characters. I don't know if this was purposeful on the part of the author or if I just wanted reading carefully enough. By about 1/3 of the way in, though, everything cleared up.

This is very sentimental story about an elderly man who is mistaken for someone else and finds himself living that man's life. It's a story about family and kindness.

This book was a solid 4 star read for me.

It was impossible not to fall in love with the characters in this novel, and to find yourself rooting from them all along the way.
While the overall vibe of the story was a light-hearted, sometimes funny/sometimes sad feel-good story, the book does touch on some pretty heavy topics, but I felt like instead of dragging the book into the deep end, they kept it real and relatable while still giving you an overall hopeful feeling most of the time you were reading.

Frederick Fife lands himself in a seemingly impossible situation. The day before he is slated for homelessness, he finds himself wrapped up in a case of mistaken identity. After no one believes him that he is not in fact Bernard, he decides to just go along with it. After all, Bernard has a roof over his head, nice caregivers, a built-in social community within the nursing home he lives at, and wonderful cooked meals delivered right to his room!

Things get a little more complicated when Bernard's estranged daughter shows back up in the picture, pregnant and in need of a father figure.
Will Frederick come clean, or keep playing along? Will he get caught, and what will be the ramifications? Read on to find out!

Heavy topics covered: alzheimer's, divorce/child abandonment, childhood cancer, spousal loss, miscarriage, infertility, aging hardships, alcoholism, gambling addiction. (But trust me when I say, this is much more of a feel good story than it is a heavy read!)

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I read this with one lovely relaxed and warm smile pasted onto my face.
I can't believe it's a debut. it's such a good read. And Fred, our MMC is one of the best characters I've read in a while. Just gorgeous.

Sometimes we need these sweet, feel good books just for an easy read. This one is silly, heart warming but also touching and a little sad. There's some silly humor, parts to suspend your disbelief just to roll with a sweet, easy story that reminds us we're all human. Lovely, sweet, and a quick read.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

Frederick Fife is an 82 year old widower with financial difficulties who is about to lose his place of residence. On his last day in his flat, he takes a walk and tries to figure out what to do about his housing and financial situation. He comes across a man in a wheelchair, seemingly feeding birds. As Frederick tries to speak to the man, he realizes that the man has passed away. In his effort to get the man back to his nursing home group, Frederick falls and sets off a chain of events that lead to a case of mistaken identity. At times humorous, this lovely story is about deep love and forgiveness. The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston deals with situations experienced by many: cancer, dementia, addiction, betrayal, loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, loneliness, and housing insecurity. It was a deeply moving novel and was a wonderful read, which I have recommended to many.
I was given an ARC of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#annajohnston
#theborrowedlifeoffrederickfife
#netgalley
#realisticfiction
#dementia
#addiction
#betrayal
#homelessness
#financialinsecurity
#love
#loneliness