“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
more
I LOVED this book! Arthur Truelove is a man who can show all of us how to really live and love. Wonderful story!
Such a sweet look at the interactions between generations, how we do sometimes get to choose our family. There were a couple of places where there was way more sexual description than needed, out of step with the tone of the book and I almost decided to shut the book. The characters kept me pushing on, the story got back to its course.
This was enjoyable and heartwarming. A great break from murders and other crimes.
I have a special place in my heart for each of the main characters. The ending was predictable, but well worth the read.
I loved this book. I enjoyed every word. It helped me see life differently. The characters were real tome and I learned so much. I would like to be a little bit like each one if them. I miss it already having finished it. I looked forward to my evenings with a little bit of Truluv to sit with.
Really liked this book.
This was a really enjoyable book. I was hooked from the first page.
Just a nice easy read and I loved Arthur. Wish he was my neighbor!
I just fell in love with the characters. I was sad when I finished the book. I want to know what happens next! This was a great ‘brain-candy’ book.
At first I didn’t think I would like this book. But then all of a sudden, I couldn’t put it down and I could not wait to see how it ended. Then I really loved the ending! Kind of a tear jerker.
Proof that geriatrics have so much more life in them, and for the younger generation, the relationship is invaluable.
I had seen this book recommended but didn’t really know what to expect. What I found was a beautiful story that was beautifully written.
This is the story of a widower, Arthur, as he lives his life seeing through the eyes of love. He befriends a troubled high school girl and gently, through love and acceptance, changes her life. He does the same for his older neighbor.
The tenderness and kindness make Arthur a character we all want and need in our lives – or maybe he sets the example of how we should live with open hands, open minds, and open hearts. This was a truly uplifting story!
I LOVED Arthur Truluv! Went on to read the 2 sequels within the weeks and loved them both as well Character development was supurb and each story was engaging.
A wonderful story with very wonderful people. We all need an Arthur living next to us so we can see what kindness and devotion really mean. I didn’t want this novel to end so I could live there a little longer!
Charming and very well-written novel about an informal family drawn together between two lonely elders and one young woman in great need of love and affection. It’s sweet and pared down almost to the point of becoming a parable, but it’s not at all cloying. Older folks are likely to sympathize with Arthur’s attitude about doctors — dare I call this novel death-positive? For writers, it’s an absolutely beautiful example of alternating close third person POV.
Such a sweet book… love Elizabeth Berg
Wonderful book!
I was looking for a light read and this was perfect. The smooth paced plot centers around a widower and his unusual friendships. It’s a story of people dealing with grief and change, coming together and living life. Charming, witty and just an all around feel good novel about finding a family amongst the most unlikely of circumstances. I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series!
love love loved this book .
Lovely, lovely story! A quick read with Hallmark-like qualities, except with a much deeper and substantial plot. I laughed and cried. A good Christmas season read.