The Story of Arthur Truluv (Mason #1)

I went looking for this book after reading the review of a GR friend (Thanks Bam). My friend’s review specifically stated that this book is not to be compared to “A Man Called Ove”. I guess I can agree with that statement. The two books are different, their characters are different, the cultures they live in and so forth. However, if you, like me, enjoyed, actually raved about, “Ove” then you will almost certainly enjoy this book as well. “Arthur” is a book that will engage you and charm you in much the same manner as “Ove” and it will be a reading experience that will linger within you for quite some time.

The book is about Arthur Moses, an 82 year old man that lost his much loved wife some 6 months prior to the beginning of this story. He befriends a 17 year old girl whose mother died 2 weeks after her birth and whose father has suppressed all of his emotions. There is also a spinster neighbor that is a retired teacher and avid baker. All of these people have suffered losses that have seriously afflicted them and their abilities to deal with life. This book is about how they go about filling the void that their losses have created. The relationships these characters form takes them on individual journeys of realization and discovery foremost of which is that sometimes no matter who you are or how strong you might be you must rely and accept the help of others. Once you accept your own frailty and acknowledge your weakness then you can set about helping yourself get on with living your life. A most moving and impressive book and I highly recommend it. (less)

This is a disgustingly disappointing book!
Nothing like review. Morally depraved characters with too many f expletives. Could not complete this trash.

This charming story evokes just about every emotion – sadness, humor, pathos, joy – and causes the reader to laugh and cry. Arthur is in his 80’s and has recently lost his wife. Lucille, next-door, is also an octogenarian who has found love, and Maddy is a teen nicknamed “Saddy” by her bullying classmates. Arthur brings his folding chair and lunch on a 17 block bus ride each day to sit in the cemetery to visit his wife’s grave. There he meets Maddy, an intelligent mis-fit, who spends her lunch hours at the cemetery thinking of the mother she never knew,, taking pictures, and contemplating life. When Maddy hits a particularly rough patch in life, it’s Arthur who her helps her through by allowing her to become his housekeeper in exchange for room and board. It isn’t long until Louise moves in,too, and they form an unlikely trio of friends and allies. All are sympathetic characters you would be glad to know. Even Maddy’s father, Steve, whose wife died in a car crash, has redeeming qualities. The ending is quite heartbreaking. It is also uplifting. Ms. Berg has written a quality, memorable novel. I’m sorry to have finished it….

I am giving this 3 stars because the last chapters of the book are almost worth the time. But dont in any way think this is like A Man Called Ove even though they both feature an old man, a pregnant woman and a cat and are written in present tense. I cant quite put my finger on what is wrong with the writing other than it is completely uninspired. I am cleansing my palate today by re-reading Ove. That seems harsh, but parts of it are worthwhile. Be warned that there are naughty bits in the first part of the book that frankly were not necessary. It could have been so much better.

Sweet story about love and grief, and healing. Heartbroken Arthur Moses visits his wife’s grave every day.Eighteen-year-old, Maddy Harris hangs out in the cemetery because it’s the only place she feels comfortable. Unhappy at home with a distant father still grieving the death of his wife eighteen years before, she becomes infatuated with a local boy who treats her like a jerk.
Lucille, Arthur’s nosy neighbor reconnects with her long-lost high school love and appears to be heading for the altar, despite her advanced age. Each of the characters is alone, isolated by their losses, yet find themselves making an improbable trio. They learn that there are all types of families, that very often don’t need to be connected by blood. Sometimes the bonds you choose are stronger and more supportive than the ones connected by blood.
Heart-warming, and at times sad, Berg writes an intimate book, where you feel the inevitable pull of the human soul to love another. Arthur’s description of his loneliness, Maddy’s isolation, and Lucille’s desperation that she’s missed out on everything come together in a sweet story of the magnetic human heart that despite being bruised, will reach out to find a kindred spirit.

Galaxyaudiobook Member Benefit

- Able to comment

- List watched audiobooks

- List favorite audiobooks

- Bookmark will only available for Galaxyaudiobook member