“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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What a sweet, feel good book.
Enjoyable characters and a great story about finding the good in tough situations.
I absolutely loved this book! I also read “A Night of Miracles” the sequel. The characters are wonderful and I fell in love with each one. Here’s what the book shows so clearly, no matter how quirky, how old or damaged a person is, if someone gives them love, it heals, it understands and it forgives. Read this book you will be in for a real treat!
Family is more than who’s genes you carry, but more about who helps carry you through hard times and celebrate the good times.
Read this before Night of Miracles.
I loved everything about this book. Characters were well developed, great interaction. I will reread this book because it’s a feel good story without being cloying.
Much like ove
Somewhat predictable but a very nice story.
This is the story of Arthur Moses whose wife died 6 months ago. He visits her grave every day to have lunch and speak to her. While at the cemetery he meets a young girl named Maddy Harris. Maddy – who is picked on at school, whose mother died and father is less than affectionate, befriends Arthur. When Maddy finds herself in trouble, it is Arthur who takes her in and gives her a safe place. Both who are lonely find comfort in their friendship. Maddy – who nicknames Arthur “Truluv”- is moved by his eternal love for his wife. And when Arthur’s lonely neighbor – Lucille joins their clan, they become a family that depend on each other.
This book was….fine. It was sweet, and the underlying story was cute. It is no “Ove”. The story is so similar, but not as well written. I find myself wanting to skip over passages due to them being boring or seemingly unnecessary. And the story of the young Maddy borders on ridiculous.
I don’t really recommend this book unless you feel like reading something that doesn’t take much time or much thought. Otherwise – stick with “Ove”
This book was heart warming in a delightful way. Not syrupy, but with a great message. I typically love Elizabeth Berg’s books and this was no exception.
Fun read. Characters are realistic and sure to be involved in all family events. Promotes a sense of happiness – Happy New year.
Absolutely fantastic story! Wonderful characters who felt like real people. Sad for the story to end, but it’s an easy one to read again.
Loved this book!
I loved the characters in this book. I was sad to say good-by to them when I finished it. Very inspirational
It is nice to f ish reading a novel and you feel happy and optimistic.
A lovely story about love and loss and how to cope. It is a great read to remind us of tolerance for each other regardless of age or background. Definitely a “feel good” read.
Everything Elizabeth Berg Writes is amazing and this book is wonderful. Do yourself a favor and read this.
A feel good story.
This was a great read.
Loved this book. The characters were very engaging, if a little quirky. Read the sequel and loved it too.