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Bookseller recommendation
“A variety of human experiences and personalities are explored in this debut novel, as a lonely and poor older man finds himself becoming the newest project of the “Club” – a group of older women lifelong friends. Reluctantly, as the title states, Norbert Z. uses his gifts to read the cards of the people who join him at a local café. In the end, no life is left untouched by his quiet observations. Another delightful story to add to the list of books about older adults enjoying a full (and often surprising, even to them) life.”
— BrocheAroe • River Dog Book Co.
A retired accountant becomes the town’s fortune-teller in this witty and charming debut
Norbert Zelenka has always lived life on the sidelines. It’s why at seventy-three years old he’s broke and alone except for the company of a Chihuahua. But when “Carlotta’s Club”—three strong-willed seniors with plenty of time on their hands—decide to make Norbert their latest project, he reluctantly agrees to their scheme: establishing himself as the town’s fortune-teller. Soon his life begins changing in unexpected ways.
It turns out that years of observing other people make Norbert an excellent card reader. As Norbert’s lonesome world expands with new friendships and a newfound self-confidence, he finally finds himself in a place where he belongs. But disaster looms on the horizon. When a troubled young woman goes missing after a bad reading, Norbert must find a strength beyond the cards to bring her home safely.
A heartfelt story of coming-of-age late in life, The Reluctant Fortune-Teller is a poignant reminder that we’re never too old to learn new tricks.
Keziah Frost holds master's degrees in English and counseling. She developed The Reluctant Fortune-Teller while enrolled in the Faber Academy online course. She shares her life with five little dogs, one audacious cat and her encouraging human family. The Reluctant Fortune-Teller is her first novel.