The Story of Arthur Truluv

The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg    270 pages

This is perhaps one of the sweetest stories I’ve read in a long time, and one of Berg’s best.

Eighty-two-year-old Arthur Moses lost his wife, his everything, six months ago. To combat his loneliness, he takes the bus to the cemetery to have lunch with her. Every day. Regardless of the weather.

Lucille, Arthur’s next-door neighbor, is dealing with her own loneliness. A spinster and retired teacher, Lucille has little to keep herself occupied, other than pay attention to what’s going on in the neighborhood. She is also an avid baker, always with a sweet treat for Arthur.

Maddy Harris is an eighteen-year-old girl who is depressed and hangs out in the cemetery. Her classmates bully her; her father is still absorbed in his grief over Maddy’s mom, who died two weeks after she was born. The cemetery is the only place she feels comfortable. She has dreams of becoming a photographer, but doesn’t see how it would be feasible.

Arthur and Maddy strike up a rather unusual friendship. Maddy nicknames him Arthur Truluv because of his devotion to his late wife, the love of his life, Nola. Arthur and Nola never had kids, and before he realizes, Arthur begins to feel parently toward the lonely young woman. One rainy afternoon, Arthur invites Maddy over to his home. That could either be creepy or sweet, depending on the writer. If this story was penned by say, Stephen King, then YIKES! But as it is penned by a bestselling author who is known for her sweet, intimate stories, this story is sure to touch the hearts of every reader who opens its covers.

As the three main characters try to make their way in the world, they begin to lean and depend upon each other.  A truly sweet story. “The Story of Arthur Truluv” receives 5 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.