The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife
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  • Published: 2 July 2024
  • ISBN: 9781761347597
  • Imprint: Michael Joseph
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 368
  • RRP: $38.00

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife

Formats & editions
Tr. Paperback
2 Jul 2024
EBook
2 Jul 2024
Audiobook
2 Jul 2024
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The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is a warm, life-affirming debut about a bizarre case of mistaken identity that allows a lonely old man one last chance to be part of a family.

'A sincere, heartfelt and laugh-out-loud debut . . . a genuinely delightful read.' The Australian
‘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 and polished, with a full tank of petrol. The problem is, he has no one left to borrow from. At 82 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 cranky Bernard Greer at Wattle River Nursing Home. Suddenly he has a roof over his head, warm meals in his belly and, most importantly, the chance to be part of a family again.

Fingers crossed his poker face is in better nick than his prostate, or the jig is up.

As Fred walks in Bernard’s shoes (and underpants), he discovers more about the man’s past - and what it would take to return a broken life to mint condition.

Bittersweet and remarkably perceptive, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is a feel-good novel about forgiveness, redemption and finding family.

'You’ll be utterly charmed by this stunning debut. We all need a Frederick Fife in our lives.' Amanda Hampson, author of THE TEA LADIES

'An endearing story about an Aussie battler with a heart of gold. This book is like a big, warm hug - I couldn't get enough of Fred Fife and his borrowed life.' Kerryn Mayne, author of LENNY MARKS GETS AWAY WITH MURDER

'I adored this big-hearted novel that shows it is never too late to find a family. Tender, wise and laugh-out-loud funny, it is a tonic for the soul.' Joanna Nell, author of MRS WINTERBOTTOM TAKES A GAP YEAR

'What a glorious story it is – I absolutely loved it! Anna has created a wonderfully diverse cast of funny, flawed, and completely relatable characters. Fred is one of life’s unsung heroes – a loveable rogue with a big heart for whom kindness towards others comes as naturally as breathing. It was an absolute joy to follow him on his poignant, hilarious and at times precarious journey to find the happy ending that he so richly deserved.' Ruth Hogan, author of THE KEEPER OF LOST THINGS
  • Published: 2 July 2024
  • ISBN: 9781761347597
  • Imprint: Michael Joseph
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 368
  • RRP: $38.00
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About the author

Anna Johnston

Anna Johnston is a former baby, aspiring octogenarian and emerging Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to 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 social support coordinator, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care, she began to write about it, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna has enjoyed a life-long passion for screenplay, theatre and creative ageing.

portrait photo of Anna Johnston

Praise for The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife

Australian debut author Johnston gifts readers a story brimming with every kind of love—everlasting in marriage, buried in broken relationships, treasured among new friends. Fellow Australian Carroll flawlessly intertwines Johnston’s three narratives: earnest Fred, who tries to help a fallen stranger; bewildered Hannah, struggling with family illness; and desperate Denise, barely coping with caregiving challenges at work and home. Fred is the linchpin: he’s nearly homeless since losing his beloved wife to cancer. But on an outing, Denise mistakes him for her look-alike charge, Bernard, and takes Fred back to the care home. Given Bernard’s dementia, no one believes Fred’s repeated attempts to set the record straight. Unlike grumpy Bernard, Fred’s kindness quickly earns him friends (and a warm bed), particularly Albert, who mistakes Fred for his long-lost brother. In Bernard’s stead, Fred has the chance to repair Bernard’s decades-long estrangement with his daughter. But can relationships based on lies, regardless of their good intentions, truly last? Carroll is a wondrous cipher for Johnston’s vast cast, his empathy particularly shines through his own tears during Hannah’s eulogy. Johnston—who reads her own gratitude-inspiring acknowledgements—couldn’t have ordered a more perfect aural incarnation.

Terry Hong, Booklist