“I dare you to read this novel and not fall in love with Arthur Truluv. His story will make you laugh and cry, and will show you a love that never ends, and what it means to be truly human.”—Fannie FlaggAn emotionally powerful novel about three people who each lose the one they love most, only to find second chances where they least expect them“Fans of Meg Wolitzer, Emma Straub, or [Elizabeth] … Wolitzer, Emma Straub, or [Elizabeth] Berg’s previous novels will appreciate the richly complex characters and clear prose. Redemptive without being maudlin, this story of two misfits lucky to have found one another will tug at readers’ heartstrings.”—Booklist
For the past six months, Arthur Moses’s days have looked the same: He tends to his rose garden and to Gordon, his cat, then rides the bus to the cemetery to visit his beloved late wife for lunch. The last thing Arthur would imagine is for one unlikely encounter to utterly transform his life.
Eighteen-year-old Maddy Harris is an introspective girl who visits the cemetery to escape the other kids at school. One afternoon she joins Arthur—a gesture that begins a surprising friendship between two lonely souls. Moved by Arthur’s kindness and devotion, Maddy gives him the nickname “Truluv.” As Arthur’s neighbor Lucille moves into their orbit, the unlikely trio band together and, through heartache and hardships, help one another rediscover their own potential to start anew.
Wonderfully written and full of profound observations about life, The Story of Arthur Truluv is a beautiful and moving novel of compassion in the face of loss, of the small acts that turn friends into family, and of the possibilities to achieve happiness at any age.
Praise for The Story of Arthur Truluv
“For several days after [finishing The Story of Arthur Truluv], I felt lifted by it, and I found myself telling friends, also feeling overwhelmed by 2017, about the book. Read this, I said, it will offer some balance to all that has happened, and it is a welcome reminder we’re all neighbors here.”—Chicago Tribune
“Not since Paul Zindel’s classic The Pigman have we seen such a unique bond between people who might not look twice at each other in real life. This small, mighty novel offers proof that they should.”—People, Book of the Week
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This was one of the best books I have read in a while and it exceeded my expectations. Can’t wait for the “sequel”
Becoming a widow myself recently, it helped me see how others deal with losing their spouse/life partner/love of their life. Yes, I know it fiction, but helped me to relate.
Very unique. Quite enjoyable story & characters. So good to read something “different”
Great story..coming of age…young girl meets this elderly man at a cemetery..never dreams that they would become friends..read it and catch the continuation of the story in November..2nd book coming out!
Heartwarming characters. Pure Elizabeth Berg at her best.
This was a lovely little story. I wish they wrote more like this one.
I’m a big Elizabeth Berg fan. We all need an Arthur in our life. The young character was great, too, and believable. Enjoyed the book and quite different than expected; I bet they will make a movie out of it. I’d go see it.
Touching, funny, poignant, life affirming.
This is a delightful, feel-good book. Perfect for the era we’re living through. It’s a simple tale of people helping people thru rough times. You’ll be glad you spent a few hours with these characters. Even teenagers will like it.
Once a year, I need a sweet book. This is the one this year. While not terribly original, the story is well-told and heart-grabbing. I liked it very much.
What a lovely book! If only we were more like Arthur Truluv-decent, kind, loyal and so loving. It’s a shame that it is sometimes only after we age that we learn a little patience, some empathy and openness.
I laughed and cried. Such a touching story of three people that were all alone yet found each other. Arthur gave love and new beginnings to both his friends.
Just sweet.
Loved this book. The characters were all ones that tug at your heartstrings. It also gives inspiration to life and goads you to spread kindness in your day.
This was one the rare books where I didn’t peek at the ending to decide if it was worth finishing. I really enjoyed this book.
It was a quirky little story, but it had a lot of heart. I loved the characters and the story . It’s one of those stories that sticks with you well after the last page.
Easy read and heartwarming. Everyone needs an Arthur Truluv in their life!!
Loved, loved loved this book!!
Sweet, easy, quirky. Likable characters and not too predictable.
Loved how the young girl lived happily ever after.
The people were very real and you will enjoy and grow from going on their journey.