Between the Lines: The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston

Between the Lines is now held on two different days, either in person or on Zoom. Titles are always available on Hoopla, as well as other library ebook platforms. New members are warmly welcome! 

Book Synopsis: 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.