The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife: A Novel

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of pregnancy loss, illness, death, substance use, addiction, and child death.

“I should have come home sooner. Fifty-seven years had done little to dull its jagged edge. An ache too great to bear crescendoed in his heart. He took one more longing look at Dawn’s face before forcing his eyes open to what was now his reality.”

Though the exact circumstances—returning home late to discover Dawn had experienced a pregnancy loss—are not revealed until later in the novel, the novel immediately establishes regret as a primary motivator for Fred. This refrain—“I should have come home sooner”—becomes a mantra that haunts him: He lives with a sense of responsibility for the death of their child.

“‘I’ve been waiting for you. I’m so glad you’re here, Fred,’ Albert said, squeezing his hand.

A smile crept across Fred’s face. ‘You know what? I think I’m glad I’m here, too.’”

The above exchange is heavy with irony, as Albert’s belief that Fred is his brother inadvertently allows Fred (who shares the brother’s name) to speak in his own voice without fear of being discovered: As Fred finds friendship and acceptance among the residents of the nursing home, he begins to enjoy his new life, as he here tells Albert. That he also brings meaning to Albert’s life by pretending to be Albert’s brother lends nuance to the novel’s exploration of The Ethics of Deception, as Fred’s actions are not merely self-serving.

“A seed of possibility sprouted in his mind. Could it be that he was being offered a rare and unusual gift? A gift from his Dawn, even? He tapped his fingers on his cheek. Staying here meant he would be looked after for the rest of his life. He’d have a home—no more rationing food or worrying about the electricity being turned off.”

Though initially Fred is alarmed at the mistaken identity, he soon discovers that Bernard’s life is preferable to his own. Viewing his situation differently allows him to make the most of the situation.