When the Cranes Fly South: A Novel
by Lisa Ridzén
When the Cranes Fly South (7/2/2025)
From the first few pages, I was drawn in. The story is built around a deeply sympathetic character—Bo, a fiercely independent elderly man whose world is closing in. What remains are the few things he still holds dear: his beloved wife, now in memory care; his over worked and overwhelmed but devoted son; his granddaughter, away at school; his best friend, Ture, too ill to visit; and most of all, his beloved dog, Sixten. But Bo is no longer in charge of his life. Others care for and make decisions for him. Bo struggles to maintain his dignity and some modicum of control over his life as others intervene.
The central conflict revolves around Bo's dog, Sixten, his loyal, constant companion. But his son, believing Bo can no longer adequately care for the dog, wants to re-home Sixten. Bo cannot fully articulate what this loss would mean, but we feel the truth: losing Sixten would mean losing everything. This is a familiar story of the emotional tension between aging parents and adult children trying to help, as well as an analysis of the often difficult father-son dynamics and the pain of being misunderstood.
The novel is beautifully written, especially in its portrayal of Bo's reflections about his life, his parents, his family, and his present situation. Poignant and often heartbreaking, it offers a tender, nuanced glimpse into the end of life. We may not fully understand Bo's world until we reach a similar place ourselves, but this book takes us one step closer with grace, honesty, and empathy.
