“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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A really enjoyable book
Yes, I found this book both tragic and funny. Characters developed beautifully.
Feel good book worth reading
This was a wonderful book from start to finish. Endearing characters in a very sweet story.
Loved this book. This one is one of several I’ve read lately that deal with old age & how the characters deal with it.
A touching story about a sweet old man who forms a friendship with his elderly neighbor and a young high school graduate. It’s a light read that’s full of heart.
I chose this book based on reviews, but I will pass on the sequel.
I loved THE STORY OF ARTHUR TRULUV. Absolutely loved it! I ant an Arthur Truluv in my life. Better yet, I want to BE an Arthur Truluv in somebody else’s life. For me, this book is about finding goodness even when you think it might be hard to come by. It’s about coming alongside someone in need. And as it turns out, they shore you up, too. I highly recommend this book.
Very enjoyable story with heart.
Touching book that is an easy read. Shows that strangers can learn to love & help each other.
Loved the book. Recommend it highly – in fact I did for my book club.
It’s a love story. But the two main characters are so unlikely to get along I had to keep reading faster to find out if they do finally figure out how to like each other and, even better, how they impact each other. No spoilers allowed but I would highly recommend this book to anyone especially older folks who might live alone and wonder why they should keep living.
OK, spoiler alert: you will never forget this story no matter who you are.
I loved this book and would recommend it for young and old alike. A simple story, but it could happen if more people were like Arthur.
The story line is so beautiful yet so controversial. I think everyone should read this book and realize that there are still good people in the world and that we should respect and care for our family and close friends. Life doesn’t always go according to our plans and love knows no bounds.
I really liked this book.
What an amazing story! This book has stayed with me for days. The philosophy of life that Arthur practiced was and inspiration.
Everyone needs a Truluv in their life. An unforgettable character.
The Elizabeth Berg I love is back! It’s such a sweet story.
Great characters who come together to form an unexpected family.
Wished that the story never ended – but the ending that does come is quite satisfying.
The characters are not what one initially expects them to be. Their lives intersect mainly because of loss in their personal lives, but they find a great deal of caring and respect in one another.
A Man Called Ove, which I also liked very much, has a main character who is almost the opposite of Arthur. I found myself thinking often about the different ways these two men handle their relationships.
Loved this book. How one generation can affect another without even realizing it. Cute story and a quick read.