The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife: A Novel

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

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Did you enjoy the novel? If so, what aspects of the novel made it enjoyable? If not, what did you find off-putting?

2. Did you find the mix-up between Bernard and Fred plausible? If so, why? If not, did this detract from your experience reading the novel?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Which character did you most identify with, and why?

2. How did the book shape or change your understanding of what it is like to be an elderly person in modern society?

3. Choose one or two specific dilemmas that Fred faced when masquerading as Bernard. Would you have handled them similarly? Why or why not?

4. What does the novel suggest about what makes a strong parent-child relationship? What advice on parenting would you give to Fred as he embarks on his new role as a stand-in father and grandfather?