Life: A Love Story

A Novel

By: Elizabeth Berg

Narrated by: Elizabeth Berg

A warm, intimate novel that reminds us of the richness that can be found all throughout our lives—by the New York Times bestselling author of The Story of Arthur Truluv and Open House

“This gentle story of appreciation for the people and things that make up a life will renew your spirit.”—Oprah Daily (Best Books of Spring)

As ninety-two-year-old Florence "Flo" Greene nears the end of her life, she writes a letter to Ruthie, the woman who grew up next door to her, describing the items Flo is leaving Ruthie in her will. But as it goes on, telling surprising stories about those “little” things Flo will leave behind (What could possibly be the worth of a rubber band kept in a matchbox tied up in red ribbon?), an unforgettable portrait of the life she has lived emerges.

The letter starts off as an autobiography in things, but it turns out to do much more than that: ultimately, it will transform Flo and those around her. In the time she has left, Flo decides to take herself up on tiny dares. She encourages Ruthie to reconsider her impending divorce by sharing a startling, long-buried secret about her own perfect-seeming marriage. Flo has never had a pedicure before now, and as long as she's going to a beauty parlor, she arranges to have a blue streak put in her hair, too. And as these adventures lead her to make new friends, Flo helps them, too, find the fulfillment that living a full life has led her to understand.

Full of Elizabeth Berg's characteristic mix of warmth, humor, and poignancy, Life: A Love Story is a reminder that whatever your circumstances, as long as you're alive, you can keep on investing in life. The joy will inevitably follow.

Critic reviews

“[Inspires] readers to laughter and tears alike . . . Berg brilliantly injects profound thoughts on finding beauty amid life’s difficulties through the wise words of unforgettable Flo. Life resonates with relatable characters, consequential little things, and the power of forgiveness. Fans of Anne Tyler and Sue Monk Kidd will appreciate Flo’s evocative story. . . .The prolific Berg has a huge following, and this is the author at her heartwarming best.”—Booklist, starred review

“Bestseller Berg serves up a deceptively simple story with hidden depths [and] exhibits great range in her portrayal of the folksy Flo. . . . Readers will be charmed by this heartening tale.”—Publishers Weekly

“An unforgettable portrait.”—Chicago Review of Books

“Elizabeth Berg has spent her illustrious career crafting tender novels that open her readers’ hearts unlike any other. Life: A Love Story reminds us of the beauty of life and that new experiences are not limited to the young.”—Bookstr

“This gentle story of appreciation for the people and things that make up a life will renew your spirit.”—Oprah Daily

“[A] lovely . . . feel-good novel.”—AARP

Sweet story

Not nearly as good as prior EB books but still a sweet, wholesome read Flo is lovable and quaint.