Some people adore books that leave them with a warm feeling, but I adore books that leave me with tears streaming on my face. This book is one of the latter. Originally a bestseller in Sweden, it’s now translated into English (and other languages) for the world to contemplate. In the story, Bo is facing aging as his own body is breaking down. His wife is in long-term care with dementia, unable to recognize even her family, and his son begins to worry that he’s unable to even care for his dog Sixten.
This threat awakens Bo to reevaluate all his life’s relationships as he approaches his remaining days. He vacillates between memories, dreams, and the challenges of the present. The entire book is a conversation with his wife who no longer acknowledges him. In the end, he comes to terms and peace with his life as it is, not as he necessarily wants it to be.
Therefore, this book is a tragedy of sorts with a penetrating lining of hope. It conveys that if we cling to all our shortsighted desires for what life would give us, we’re going to fall short. We must give up on our emotional anger, rage, and self-absorbed temper tantrums to become grateful for life as it really is. Then – and only then – can we come to terms with our own mortality and live a good life, at peace with those closest to us.
This is a book worth reading. It proceeded quickly with pages turning more quickly than anticipated for me. Again, any book that leaves me with tears in the final paragraphs is a winner to me. I’m glad it’s been translated from the Swedish for the English-speaking world. It has a universal quality to it that portrays our human nature as it really is. I, for one, am grateful to have stumbled across it.
When the Cranes Fly South: A Novel
By Lisa Ridzén
Translated by Alice Menzies
Copyright (c) 2025
Vintage Books
ISBN13 9798217006731
Page Count: 308
Genre: Fiction
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