Adult Program 

Join as we discuss The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston. (details below)

This book will be available in limited physical quantities at the library circulation desk about a month before we meet. There are no holds fees for Shelf Indulgence titles. E-book and audiobook formats are available in Libby and Hoopla. Please register so we can prepare seating, send discussion questions and a Zoom link in case you decide to attend virtually.  This is a hybrid event - attend in person or virtually via Zoom. You must have a valid email address to use Zoom.

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston

For readers of Remarkably Bright Creatures and A Man Called Ove, a warm, life-affirming debut about a zany case of mistaken identity that 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 there’s nobody left in Fred’s life to borrow from. At eighty-two, 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 grumpy Bernard Greer at the local nursing home. Now he has warm meals in his belly and a roof over his head—as long as his poker face is in better shape than his prostate and that his look-alike 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.

Please register by calling 225-8951 or online: https://greecepl.librarycalendar.com/event/shelf-indulgence-book-club-50271

Disclaimer(s)

The Greece Public Library is accessible to people with disabilities. To request specific accommodations, call 585-225-8951 at least 10 days prior to the event, or you may contact us via email through our website.

Staff often take pictures at library programs. The library uses photos in its publicity, in social media, and on its website. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let us know before the program begins.