Anna Johnston’s debut THE BORROWED LIFE OF FREDERICK FIFE is joyful and triumphant. Granted, the premise is unique and maybe a little over the top, but it definitely proves its point that older adults aren’t seen as they should be.

Fred is 82 and down on his luck after losing his wife a decade prior and falling on hard financial times, and he stumbles upon a dead body that looks like himself in a wheelchair. The dead body falls into the river, and Frederick is presumed to be the wheelchair’s occupant Bernard and taken back to Bernard’s nursing home. This case of mistaken identity leads Fred to have endearing moments with several of the nursing home residents, including a man with dementia who thinks Fred is his own brother who passed away many decades ago. Fred’s charm also impacts the staff. 

Fred’s wife Dawn couldn’t keep a pregnancy and he regrets never being a father, so when he finds out Bernard has been estranged from his adult daughter for over 30 years, Fred’s goal is to mend that relationship and possibly learn what it’s like to be a father. 

It’s really difficult for a novel to navigate humor, being endearing, a touch of sadness without too much sentimentality. There is a lot to love here when with some more developed side characters than I’m used to and wanting the best for all of these characters, especially Fred and Bernard’s daughter. 

I think fans of REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES and THE STORIED LIFE OF A.J. FIKRY will enjoy this novel. Solid writing with memorable characters. This debut novel will publish September 10, 2024, and is well worth your time.