By Anna Johnston – William Morrow, 2024
Lonely 82-year-old Frederick Fife, down on his luck, unexpectedly finds a second chance at family when a zany case of mistaken identity lands him in a nursing home in place of the grumpy, now-deceased Bernard Greer. Suddenly, Fred has a roof over his head, friends, warm meals and hope—contingent upon his charade staying a secret, that is. Denise Simms, a caregiver at Bernard’s facility, feels suffocated by her crumbling marriage and her daughter’s health concerns. After being hurt by her husband, she becomes wary of deceit and grows suspicious of the kindness Fred leaves in his wake, so unlike the man he’s pretending to be.
Anna Johnston’s writing seamlessly blends humor with poignant observations on aging and the need for connection, making this a charming and emotionally relatable read that offers an uplifting escape when you’re feeling down.
