Life: A Love Story by Elizabeth Berg
3/17/26; 208 pages
Random House
Life: A Love Story by Elizabeth Berg is the very highly recommended story of a life. This is a heart warming, intimate novel that captures the many forms love takes in a lifetime and will certainly be on my list as one of the best books of the year.
Ninety-two-year-old Florence "Flo" Greene has learned from her doctor that she has four-to-six-weeks left to live due to terminal cancer. In this novel she is writing a letter to Ruthie, the woman who grew up next door to her. For Flo, Ruthie was like a daughter and she is leaving her house and everything in it to her in her will. In the letter Flo reminisces about events in her life and describes the items she is leaving Ruthie.
In between excerpts from the letter, which Flo is working on writing throughout the novel, are events happening and people Flo is meeting right now, including neighbor Teresa, who is a death doula.The letter quickly becomes an autobiography of a life well-lived with plenty of ups and downs along with lessons Flo learned. It is uplifting and positive, while also being honest and everything shared is wrapped in warmth and wisdom. Even while knowing the end is near, Flo also takes a chance and tries something new.
The writing is exceptional in this short, lovely novel. Yes, it is clear from the start the Flo is nearing the end of her life, but Berg gives us a the chance to spend time with a character whose wisdom, kindness, warmth, and honesty are all traits to aspire to. May we all have a Flo in our lives or be the Flo for others.
Life: A Love Story is an exceptional, heartwarming story that would be a perfect choice for those who can appreciate a life well lived. Thanks to Random House for providing me with an
advance reader's copy via NetGalley . My review is voluntary and
expresses my honest opinion.
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