29/05/2026
RRL Reads: The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by
The Borrowed Life Frederick Fife is one of my favourite books from the past year.
I can see why Netflix snapped it up. It’s funny and sweet, with a cast of lovable and relatable characters. The main character, Frederick Fife, is in his 80s. He has unexpectedly found himself homeless and unbearably lonely after his beloved wife Dawn passed away. Without her pension, he can no longer afford the rent on his apartment.
Fred is out walking when he bumps into a group of nursing home residents. When one resident has a heart attack and falls into the river, Fred is accidently mistaken for the missing man, Bernard Greer. Bundled into a wheelchair and taken home with the rest of the nursing home residents, Fred finds himself trapped in a bizarre case of mistaken identity.
While Fred feels some guilt about taking Bernard’s place and living on his dime, he soon learns that Bernard had a few holes in his life that need patching up. So Fred decides to borrow Bernard’s life and to live it as well as he can, for now.
Slowly, Fred’s kindness, and his ability to really see people, changes things for all those who come into his orbit.
This book touches on some challenging issues - the grief of losing someone you love, relationship breakdown, and the terrible impact of dementia on sufferers and their loved ones.
But it’s also a story of forgiveness, redemption and finding family. It’s funny and heart-warming and it will leave you with a smile on your face.
I think it’s the perfect winter read. Also available as an audiobook on BorrowBox.
***MEET THE AUTHOR, Anna Johnston at our BOOK CLUB LIVE event on Friday 14 August at Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory. Tickets are on sale now for RRL Book Club members and their guests.***
- Katrina Roe, RRL
