“When The Cranes Fly South” by Lisa Ridzen
“When The Cranes Fly South” by Lisa Ridzen
This prize-winning book was Swedish book of the year and is sold in 35 languages around the world.
A very elderly former sawmill worker, Bo, lives alone in rural Sweden. His health is fading now, and he is trying desperately to maintain some independence. Also, he would so like to make peace with his son. But Hans is very concerned about his father’s safety and insists that Bo’s beloved dog, Sixten, must be re homed.
This is a profoundly moving yet unsentimental story spoken in Bo’s own words, often to his absent adored wife Fredrika who has Alzheimer’s Disease and is now living in a Care Home. The practical words penned by Bo’s carers after every visit provide a foil to his sometimes-rambling reminiscences and dreams. A picture of his character gradually develops as we hear of his life past and present as a man, as a friend, as a son, a father a grandfather and not least as an extremely loyal and loving dog owner.
In our group “When the Cranes Fly South” not so much divided opinion as fuelled discussion regarding such sensitive topics as dying and end of life care. All of us appreciated the soft tender simplicity of the language used. However, for some the subject matter was depressingly upsetting and hard to read.
Our scoring was between 5 and 10 out of 10.
A delicious home baked carrot cake to follow was greatly enjoyed, thank you Babs!