What readers think of The Story of Arthur Truluv, plus links to write your own review.

The only thing bad about this book is that it ended. The story is a simple one about an old man mourning his wife, a girl with a nose ring and a busy-body neighbor. It's that simple, but oh how these characters can get into your thoughts and your heart. The key character in an Elizabeth Berg novel is or comes to be firmly confident in his own life, no matter how offbeat she may seem to others, and how in answering his own life questions she influences those lucky enough to know him or her. As Arthur says: I am the audience. I am the witness. I am the great appreciator, that's what I do and that's all I want to do."

The Story of Arthur Tuluv is a very tender read. Everyone grieves the death of a loved one differently and on their own time. We see that in each of the characters.

The portrayal of Arthur, Maddy and Lucille has you knowing them deeply. Maddies mother died when she was two weeks old and her father raised her. Maddy has alot to deal with at home and school until her path crosses with Arthur.

The merging of the three characters brings warmth, hope and joy.

The Story of Arthur Truluv is a small book with a wonderful story to tell. Elizabeth Berg writes heartwarming stories and this novel does not disappoint. You will fall in love with the three main characters in this novel.
One never knows who you might meet in a cemetery. Two of the three characters meet when Arthur is coming to have lunch everyday with his recently deceased wife and Maddy comes to the same cemetery to avoid the loneliness she feels as she attends high school where no one likes her. She has experienced abandonment at home because her mother dies in a car accident when she was just a newborn baby and her father awkwardly tries to raise her by himself.

The Story of Arthur Truluv is a charming book. It's a book you just want to hug after reading it.

Each of the three main characters lose a central figure in their lives only to find a second chance where they least expect it. While there is not a great deal of character development, you know and can relate to all of the characters from their dialog.

I thoroughly enjoyed this "feel good" book. Elizabeth Berg does not disappoint!

One hallmark of a good book is that the author makes the reader care about the characters. Elizabeth Berg has accomplished this. Arthur was a sad and lonely widower who enjoyed making up life stories for the people whose graves he passed on his daily cemetery visits. I felt for Arthur, who, like many men of his generation, did not know what to do without the love of his life. I also felt for Lucille, Arthur's neighbor, who believed she had nothing to live for until she became involved in the lives of Arthur and Maddy. I felt for Maddy, isolated at home and an outcast at school, whose life was forever changed by the kindness and love of two old people. This was a short yet satisfying read.

I loved this book for several reasons. The first is that Arthur Truluv is 85 and so am I..not that age should deter you at all. The second is the story, with happiness and sadness stirred together like one of Lucille's cakes. Then there is Maddie..but I could go on and on. Any way do read this beautiful tale of love and friendship.

Lovely story of how three different people become friends/family. Moving, sweet, some surprising turns. Left me ready to read other books by the author.

What a lovely read. This quiet, simple story deals with important questions of what it means to love, seek happiness and be connected to others. The characters of Arthur, Maddie and Lucille are well drawn. As all three are battling their personal form of loneliness, they are learning to be open and trusting of each other. Arthur misses his wife Nola. Maddie laments being excluded by her peers. Lucille mourns what her life could have been. Their interactions are honest, insightful and often humorous. I especially liked the amusing life stories Arthur creates for his wife's cemetery neighbors. It would have been a nice addition to have the author share the recipes for Lucille's baked treats.