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THE STORY OF ARTHUR TRULUV

by Elizabeth Berg ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 25, 2017

Aims for profound but settles for pleasant.

In a small Missouri town, a widower finds solace by reaching out to other troubled souls.

Arthur Moses, 85, goes every day to the cemetery to eat his lunch at his late wife Nola’s grave. At night, he dines on whatever canned goods he can cobble together, tries to prevent his cat, Gordon, from running away, and dodges the busybody next door, Lucille, who keeps trying to entice him onto her front porch with her delicious baked goods. (This book depicts so many luscious-sounding confections it should come with its own FDA label.) One day at the cemetery, Arthur meets Maddy, a teenager with a nose ring, who hangs out there. They strike up a friendship born of mutual isolation, and she dubs him “Truluv” for his enduring devotion to Nola. As the point of view shifts among these three characters, we learn that Maddy, now a senior in high school, has been ostracized by her classmates. Her problems stem in part from the fact that her father, who raised her alone, irrationally blames her for her mother’s death in a car crash soon after her birth. A retired schoolteacher, Lucille, also in her 80s, never married because Frank, her high school true love, wed someone else. However, Frank has recently resurfaced and is trying to rekindle romance in their twilight years. Maddy’s social life consists of hookups with an older man she met at Wal-Mart, and one of these trysts leaves her pregnant. When her father urges her to terminate the pregnancy, she takes refuge at Arthur’s house. He and Lucille become Maddy's surrogate parents, and, by taking over housekeeping chores, Maddy helps them age in place. Both are childless and look forward eagerly to the birth of the baby, giving Maddy the unconditional moral and financial support she has always craved. The life-affirming messages are far from subtle, and the fine line between sensitivity and sentimentality is often breached.

Pub Date: July 25, 2017

ISBN: 978-1-4000-6990-3

Page Count: 240

Publisher: Random House

Review Posted Online: May 1, 2017

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2017

LITERARY FICTION | FAMILY LIFE & FRIENDSHIP

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BOOK REVIEW

by Elizabeth Berg

THEN SHE WAS GONE

by Lisa Jewell ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 24, 2018

Dark and unsettling, this novel’s end arrives abruptly even as readers are still moving at a breakneck speed.

Ten years after her teenage daughter went missing, a mother begins a new relationship only to discover she can't truly move on until she answers lingering questions about the past.

Laurel Mack’s life stopped in many ways the day her 15-year-old daughter, Ellie, left the house to study at the library and never returned. She drifted away from her other two children, Hanna and Jake, and eventually she and her husband, Paul, divorced. Ten years later, Ellie’s remains and her backpack are found, though the police are unable to determine the reasons for her disappearance and death. After Ellie’s funeral, Laurel begins a relationship with Floyd, a man she meets in a cafe. She's disarmed by Floyd’s charm, but when she meets his young daughter, Poppy, Laurel is startled by her resemblance to Ellie. As the novel progresses, Laurel becomes increasingly determined to learn what happened to Ellie, especially after discovering an odd connection between Poppy’s mother and her daughter even as her relationship with Floyd is becoming more serious. Jewell’s ( I Found You , 2017, etc.) latest thriller moves at a brisk pace even as she plays with narrative structure: The book is split into three sections, including a first one which alternates chapters between the time of Ellie’s disappearance and the present and a second section that begins as Laurel and Floyd meet. Both of these sections primarily focus on Laurel. In the third section, Jewell alternates narrators and moments in time: The narrator switches to alternating first-person points of view (told by Poppy’s mother and Floyd) interspersed with third-person narration of Ellie’s experiences and Laurel’s discoveries in the present. All of these devices serve to build palpable tension, but the structure also contributes to how deeply disturbing the story becomes. At times, the characters and the emotional core of the events are almost obscured by such quick maneuvering through the weighty plot.

Pub Date: April 24, 2018

ISBN: 978-1-5011-5464-5

Page Count: 368

Publisher: Atria

Review Posted Online: Feb. 5, 2018

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2018

GENERAL THRILLER & SUSPENSE | SUSPENSE | FAMILY LIFE & FRIENDSHIP | SUSPENSE

More by Lisa Jewell

by Lisa Jewell

THE PERFECT COUPLE

by Elin Hilderbrand ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 19, 2018

Sink into this book like a hot, scented bath...a delicious, relaxing pleasure. And a clever whodunit at the same time.

A wedding on Nantucket is canceled when the bride finds her maid of honor floating facedown in the Atlantic on the morning of the big day.

One of the supporting characters in Hilderbrand's ( Winter Solstice , 2017, etc.) 21st Nantucket novel is Greer Garrison, the mother of the groom and a well-known novelist. Unfortunately, in addition to all the other hell about to break loose in Greer's life, she's gone off her game. Early in the book, a disappointed reader wonders if "the esteemed mystery writer, who is always named in the same breath as Sue Grafton and Louise Penny, is coasting now, in her middle age." In fact, Greer's latest manuscript is about to be rejected and sent back for a complete rewrite, with a deadline of two weeks. But wanna know who's most definitely not coasting? Elin Hilderbrand. Readers can open her latest with complete confidence that it will deliver everything we expect: terrific clothes and food, smart humor, fun plot, Nantucket atmosphere, connections to the characters of preceding novels, and warmth in relationships evoked so beautifully it gets you right there. Example: a tiny moment between the chief of police and his wife. It's very late in the book, and he still hasn't figured out what the hell happened to poor Merritt Monaco, the Instagram influencer and publicist for the Wildlife Conservation Society. Even though it's dinner time, he has to leave the "cold blue cans of Cisco beer in his fridge” and get back to work. " ‘I hate murder investigations,’ [his wife] says, lifting her face for a kiss. ‘But I love you.’ " You will feel that just as powerfully as you believe that Celeste Otis, the bride-to-be, would rather be anywhere on Earth than on the beautiful isle of Nantucket, marrying the handsome, kind, and utterly smitten Benji Winbury. In fact, she had a fully packed bag with her at the crack of dawn when she found her best friend's body.

Pub Date: June 19, 2018

ISBN: 978-0-316-37526-9

Page Count: 464

Publisher: Little, Brown

Review Posted Online: April 15, 2018

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2018

FAMILY LIFE & FRIENDSHIP

More by Elin Hilderbrand

by Elin Hilderbrand

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Reading Ladies

The story of arthur truluv [book review].

October 9, 2020

The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg

Genre/Categories: Contemporary Fiction, Uplit, Found Family, Multi-generational Friendship

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

At first glance, Arthur shares certain things in common with Ove ( A Man Called Ove ): each is an older, mature character, each is a widower grieving the loss of a beloved wife, and each finds “family” in unexpected ways.

On one of Arthur’s routine trips to the cemetery to have lunch and conversation with his wife, he meets Maddy, a troubled teenage girl who hides in the cemetery to avoid school. She discovers that Arthur is a friendly, understanding, trustworthy, and positive person and gives dear Arthur the nickname “Truluv.” Arthur and Maddy develop a friendship and when Arthur’s nosy neighbor, Lucille, becomes involved, they discover the joys of “found family.”

My Thoughts:

Uplit: If you’re looking for an uplifting, heartfelt story of friendship, found family, second chances, unconditional love, and kindness, you’ll find it in The Story of Arthur Truluv . Amidst lockdown conditions ( COVID-19 ), dire weather reports (hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico), inner city violence, or political battles (2020 Election), this might be your next soulful, escapist, feel-good read!

Arthur: Older but less curmudgeonly than Ove, Arthur will win your heart from page one with his gentlemanly and friendly ways and compassionate heart. What a difference kindness can make in this world! How many of us would show compassion for a teenager and take them into our home? We would all be fortunate to know an “Arthur.”

Themes: Thoughtful and poignant themes include grief, loneliness, friendship, second chances, unconditional love, hospitality, acceptance, found family, and good people.

Recommended: The Story of Arthur Truluv is highly recommended for readers looking for light, quick-reading uplit; for fans of A Man Called Ove and The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett , and for book clubs.

Content Considerations: grieving the loss of a spouse

My Rating:  4 Stars

The Story of Authur Truluv Information Here

Meet the Author, Elizabeth Berg

Elizabeth Berg won the NEBA Award for fiction for her body of work, and was a finalist for the ABBY for Talk Before Steep. Her writing has appeared in numerous publications, including Ladies’ Home Journal, Redbook, and the New York Times Magazine. She has also taught a writing workshop at Radcliffe College. She lives near Boston, Massachusetts.

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30 comments.

Wonderful review Carol. Another to add to my pile! 📚📚📚📚📚

Thanks Sandy! It’s enjoyable!

I read this back in September of 2017 and still remember it as an enjoyable 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read. Glad you liked it too.

Yes…Arthur Truluv is definitely a throwback ….I started my blog in July of 2017 so this slipped past me I guess. Never too late to read a good book, amirite?

Good fiction never goes out of date. 📚👍❤

Yes, this was a sweet book.

[…] To Read – Mini Reviews Linda’s Book Bag – The Salt Path Reading Ladies – The Story of Arthur TruLuv HayleyReviews10 – Confess – The Untold Story of Dorothy Good Sarah’s Vignettes […]

Thanks so much for the shout out Nicki! 👍🙌😍

Hi Carol, I’m from Dr. Perry’s website visiting you. I love your header art it’s beautiful. I’m also following you! Have a lovely Sunday. (◡‿◡✿)

Thank you for visiting and commenting Michelle! Returning the follow! 🙌😍

Hi Carol thank you so much. Have a wonderful day. 💕💞

[…] 4 Stars. A delightful and heartwarming story of found family reminiscent of A Man Called Ove. My review of The Story of Arthur Truluv here. […]

Great review Carol. Great minds think alike as I just downloaded the audiobook of this one from my library. I am enjoying these stories with older characters. Maybe because I am getting too close to their ages.

It’s fun to read from a mature perspective occasionally! Enjoy this sweet story!

[…] Poignant story of found family. My review of Arthur Truluv here. […]

[…] Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero South of the Buttonwood Tree Convenience Store Woman She Come By It Natural The Story of Arthur Truluv Beartown and Us Against You The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett Force of […]

[…] ***UPDATE: 4 Stars. Heartwarming story of found family. My review of Arthur Truluv here. […]

[…] (A heartfelt story of found family) My review of The Story of Arthur Truluv here. […]

[…] The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg. (older characters, found family) My review of Arthur Truluv here. […]

[…] Stars. Contemporary women’s fiction (Arthur Truluv #3). Of the three, my favorite is The Story of Arthur Truluv! Confession Club is not […]

[…] The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth BergGenre: Contemporary Fiction4 Stars […]

[…] Stories that have these types of endings include The Book Thief, A Man Called Ove, Castle of Water, The Story of Arthur Truluv, and The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett. I think of these endings as bittersweet rather than […]

[…] Fourth Degree: Connecting to the strong theme of a quirky character is Arthur in The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg. […]

[…] Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman and The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg (both quirky, endearing, unforgettable […]

[…] The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg […]

[…] Welcome to #ThrowBackThursday where I highlight an older review or post a current review of a backlist title. Today, I’m resharing a unique story with a quirky character, The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg. […]

Once upon a time, Elizabeth Berg was a never-miss author for me. But I’ve drifted away from light fiction and missed her last five or ten books.

I read a couple after Truluv and didn’t enjoy them as much so I have drifted away as well.

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Submitting a book for review, write the editor, you are here:, the story of arthur truluv.

In the six months since his wife Nola’s death, octogenarian Arthur Moses has kept busy. He enjoys doing the kinds of things Nola never let him do (like smoke a cigar at the dinner table and eat cookies in bed), he has grown friendly with his neighbor Lucille, and most days he packs a sandwich and takes the bus to the cemetery to have lunch at Nola’s grave. He misses her desperately, but also has found a way to continue finding happiness in small things.

However, Arthur doesn’t realize how lonely he’s become until he begins interacting with Maddy Harris, a 17-year-old with dyed hair and a nose ring, of all things. Maddy, like Arthur, enjoys spending time at the cemetery, though in her case, she delights in finding small scenes to photograph. One day, their paths cross, and Arthur confesses to Maddy that he can hear the stories of those whose bodies lie beneath his feet, and that he enjoys imagining their lives lived, whether recently or long ago.

"Calling THE STORY OF ARTHUR TRULUV 'heartwarming' doesn’t do it justice; Berg satisfies readers’ hopes but also acknowledges the messy realities of lives and relationships."

Maddy comes off as tough and independent, but she may need Arthur’s help. Like Arthur, she’s lost someone --- in her case, her mother --- and when she learns she’s pregnant, she needs to find an adult who’s more supportive than her grieving father. Arthur, who never had children of his own, finds himself warming to a paternal role with Maddy, and eventually he discovers that it’s never too late to find your purpose in life.

Elizabeth Berg, who has been a perennial book club favorite with novels like OPEN HOUSE and THE ART OF MENDING, pens another winner here. Calling THE STORY OF ARTHUR TRULUV “heartwarming” doesn’t do it justice; Berg satisfies readers’ hopes but also acknowledges the messy realities of lives and relationships. Her narrative, which easily could have traveled down paths of predictability or sentimentality, avoids both, with some surprising plot developments and earthy language that help keep the novel grounded in real life, relatable characterizations and plausible situations.

It’s convenient that THE STORY OF ARTHUR TRULUV is being published right before Thanksgiving; it would make a wonderful gift and, given its relatively slim length, could also offer the opportunity for informal family book discussions during the holidays. As generations of families come together for the holidays, it’s fitting to read and discuss a book that considers --- and celebrates --- what the old and the young have to learn from one another.

Reviewed by Norah Piehl on November 21, 2017

The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg

• Publication Date: July 10, 2018
• Genres: Fiction
• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• ISBN-10: 1524798711
• ISBN-13: 9781524798710

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“The story of Arthur Truluv” by Elizabeth Berg – Book Review

Not since “ A man called Ove ” have I been so charmed by a book.  “ The story of Arthur Truluv ” is one of those novels that give you a book hangover (you don’t want to start another book because you are still living in that book’s world.)

“He’s an old man living an old man’s life”

When he is not at the cemetery, Arthur spends his time talking to his cat, Gordon, and his next-door neighbor, Lucille, octogenarian and expert baker of cookies.

It is in the cemetery where Arthur meets Maddy Harris – a seventeen year old girl who comes to the cemetery on her lunch break from school. Maddy does not have any real friends. She lives with her father, but theirs is a cold relationship with little, if any, overt displays of affection.  She loves to write poetry and take pictures. Maddy is very intelligent, but she has always been an outcast among her peers. She is teased, bullied, and made to feel alone.  But then… she has always felt alone.

“But the longer I live, the more I come to see that love is not so easy for everyone. It can get awfully complicated.”

When Arthur and Maddy become acquainted, Maddy is in a sexual relationship.  She thinks that if she makes Anderson happy sexually, that he will come to love her. Above all else, Maddy craves love and acceptance.  As can be predicted this relationship ends badly, as there was not any real love on Maddy’s side and Anderson was just using her.

She is astounded at the love that Arthur has for his dead wife and she gives him the nickname ‘Truluv’. Arthur is a true friend – and she secretly thinks he is cute with his large ears and big brown eyes.  When Maddy’s life takes an unexpected turn it is Arthur that she goes to for support.  And support her he does. He invites her to live with him in his big rambling, old-fashioned, house.  Before long, Lucille sells her house next-door and moves in with Arthur and Maddy. Mason, Missouri is a sleepy little town of five thousand souls. And now it is the home of Arthur, Maddy and Lucille.

“What is it that makes a family? Certainly no document does, no legal pronouncement or accident of birth. No, real families come from choices we make about who we want to be bound to, and the ties to such families live in our hearts.”

This wonderful novel is due to be published this coming November, but you can pre-order it now!

Elizabeth Berg  is the New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including  We Are All Welcome Here ,  The Year of Pleasures ,  The Art of Mending ,  Say When ,  True to Form ,  Never Change , and  Open House , which was an Oprah’s Book Club selection in 2000.  Durable Goods  and  Joy School  were selected as ALA Best Books of the Year, and  Talk Before Sleep was short-listed for the ABBY Award in 1996. The winner of the 1997 New England Booksellers Award for her body of work,  Elizabeth Berg  is also the author of a nonfiction work,  Escaping into the Open: The Art of Writing True . She lives in Chicago.

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17 responses to “the story of arthur truluv” by elizabeth berg – book review.

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Good review. Thanks for sharing it. When my assessment of a book does not line up with others, I don’t worry about it. We all bring something different to a book when we read. I must admit, however, that when opinions agree, as in our views on The Story of Arthur Truluv, a very special book, it does feel good!

Great review! I really enjoy Elizabeth Berg, and I have this one in my lineup. Now I’m even more eager to read it! Since you enjoyed Ove and this one, I’m wondering if you have read (or heard of) The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick? Very quirky, similar premise as Ove and this book, highly entertaining and very well written.

On your recommendation I have just added “The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper” to my TBR. Thanks!

Very nice review Fictionophile. This would be a good antidote to psychological thrillers with demented protagonists 🙂

Like Liked by 1 person

I have not read an Elizabeth Berg book in a long time either. This one sounds delightful. I have seen mixed reviews but you have written a wonderful one that has won me over.

Thanks Carla. I hope you love it as much as I did.

Beautiful review, Lynne. and thanks!

Your reviews are always so fun, but this one sounds particularly good 😊.

I haven’t read a book by Elizabeth Berg for a long time and this sounds wonderful!

Sounds gorgeous, I loved A Man Called Ove, will have to watch out for this one! Great review. 😁

Now I know, what I’ll be reading in November.

Cool! I see she lives about one hour north of us (in Chicago)! loved your mention of “book hangover.” that state at which you don’t want to start a new one as you are still engaged with the last one. SOO true! been there. and seldom do I manage to follow up with an equal or better. sad to say (not for the trying, however!).

Wow, Lynne, great review. This sounds so good!

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Read advance reader review of The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg

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The Story of Arthur Truluv

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• First Published:
• Nov 21, 2017, 240 pages
• Jul 2018, 272 pages

• Literary Fiction
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• Mary B. (Laguna Woods, CA) Delightful read A charming story of an older man who meets a high school girl at the cemetery where he visits his wife's grave for lunch every day. A bond develops between the man, the girl & his neighbor and they all help each other. Fans of Major Pettigrew's Last Stand would like this book.
• Annemarie J. (Buffalo, NY) The Story of Arthur Truluv Elizabeth Berg's novel is one of several books about unlikely partnerships between old and young and how caring is ageless. I enjoyed Billie Letts' WHERE THE HEART IS, Stephanie Kallos' BROKEN FOR YOU and Kent Haruf's PLAINSONG, but of all the characters who inhabit these books, it is Berg's Arthur I will remember most. In his old age, Arthur still sees his glass as half full. Even while grieving for his wife Nola, he is able to find "sorrowful gifts", like being able to leave the toilet seat up or eating cookies in bed. He is a self-described "great appreciator" who considers himself lucky in life. Young Maddy finds her own luck when she heeds Mr. Rogers" TV advice to "look for the helpers" and finds one in Arthur. This is a story about family. It's about love and loss and optimism. It's about Arthur, a really good man. You ought to meet him. A dose of his kind of sunshine will be good for you!
• Katherine D. (Rochester, NY) Second chances, Harry Trulove Given: one widowed cemetery-visiting man, Arthur, one cranky old lady, Lucille, and one angry, vulnerable goth teenager with nose-ring. In lesser hands this cast might lead to a rather predictable tale of the problems inherent in connecting several different generations, a recipe for a contrived melodrama. Instead, this author never resorts to character cliches, and this reader found bits of herself scattered throughout this family-by-selection. By no means a "and they all lived happily after" tale, it is a story of the possibilities presented to each of us by taking the risk of second chances. Although you may read it through in one sitting, you may well find yourself living with these people after you turn the last page.
• Robin M. (Newark, DE) Truluv is True Love I had no pre-formed ideas about this book, having not previously read anything by Elizabeth Berg, but I will seek out her other books because this one was excellent. I loved this bittersweet coming of age story about loneliness, intergenerational relationships and the power of love. The author developed her main characters well, created a thoughtful and interesting story and made me FEEL sadness, happiness, loss, joy and contentment. I will be suggesting this to my book club in 2018. We're scheduled through the end of this year.
• Beth G. (Royal Oak, MI) Truluv Family I adore Elizabeth Berg and have read most of her novels. I was so happy to receive this ARC. Elizabeth Berg's stories are warm and hopeful. The Story of Arthur Truluv is no different. I felt throughout this experience as if I was part of Arthur, Maddy and Lucille's growth.
• CoventryReader Another Winner Elizabeth Berg has done it again! She has created another loveable character, Arthur Truluv. Having lost his wife a number of years ago, he continues to visit her grave daily. He brings a stool to sit on and proceeds to eat his lunch while he talks out loud to his deceased partner. It's such a sweet thing for him to do that it makes him an endearing character whom I grew to love. There is a subplot which also demonstrates his love and kindness. I have been reading Elizabeth Berg's novels for thirty years and she never fails to enthrall me with her unusual characters and their development. She makes them come alive on the page and reading her novels is such a pleasure.
• Betty T. (Warner Robins, GA) Totally Delightful What a truly delightful read! It's like "A Man Called Ove" but without the crabbiness. Arthur Moses, 85, has lunch each day with his wife Nola – at the cemetery. Nola has been dead six months. Arthur is a truly sweet man and has a positive attitude toward pretty much everything. Eighteen-year-old Maddy often visits the cemetery to get away from the other kids at school. It is here that Arthur and Maddy meet and develop an unusual friendship. Because of his devotion to Nola and his kindness Maddy gives Arthur the nickname "Truluv". Maddy's mother died in a car crash when Maddy was only two weeks old. She doesn't get along with her father and the kids at school pick on her. To ease her loneliness, Maddy escapes into her world of photography. Also dealing with loneliness is Arthur's elderly neighbor Lucille. While quite nosy, their lives all change as the three of them form a compassionate bond creating their own version of a little family – oh, and mustn't forget Gordon, the cat – to deal with life's struggles and to find hope and a new purpose in life. This book is a delightful escape from with these delightful people – and Gordon. Smile, laugh, cry – I love a book that taps into my emotions and makes me what the characters in the story feel. That is great writing.

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