The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston is a feel-good, 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.
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, that he has no one left to borrow from. At 82 he’s desperately lonely, broke and on the brink of homelessness.
Fred’s luck changes, however, when, in a freakish case of mistaken identity, he takes the place of the fractious Bernard Greer, who was formerly residing at Wattle River Nursing Home. Suddenly Bernard has a roof over his head once more and comforting meals in his tummy. But, most importantly, he has the chance to be part of a family again.
Fingers crossed, his poker face is in better shape than his prostate, or the game will be up and he’ll be out on the streets!
As Fred begins to walk in Bernard’s shoes (and underpants), he soon discovers more about the man’s past, and what it would take to return a broken life to mint condition.
Laugh and cry with the wonderful Frederick Fife, aka Bernard Greer. Proving that age is no barrier to enjoying life, no matter what it throws at you!
A rollercoaster ride of happiness and sorrow, regret and forgiveness, and the gift of love, laughter and belonging.
The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is a glorious and heart-rending must-read for 2024!
ISBN: 9781761347597
The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is available in paperback, e-book and audiobook
About 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 lifelong passion for screenplay, theatre and creative ageing.
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