This is a slow-moving story of a man in the final days of his life, told through his narration and the counterpoints of his carers’ notes to each other.

It mixes the petty troubles of elderly life with the memories of a life’s relationships, good and bad, and the current companionship of his four-legged friend.

It tells of Bo’s struggle to recall and relive those memories, all the while his body relentlessly stopping him from doing so.

When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén is a profoundly moving debut novel that delves into the emotional complexities of love, fatherhood, and the difficulty of atonement. The story revolves around Bo, an elderly man who is grappling with the declining years of his life and the emotional turmoil that accompanies them. Though his days are marked by quiet moments and the presence of his loyal elkhound, Sixten, Bo's world is disrupted when his estranged son, Hans, insists on taking the dog away. Hans believes Bo is no longer capable of properly caring for Sixten, and this looming threat forces Bo to confront the imperfections in his relationships and the love he has struggled to express over the years.

What makes this novel truly remarkable is the way it explores the universal themes of regret, the longing for resolution, and the difficulty of communicating feelings that are often left unspoken. Ridzén’s portrayal of Bo is heartbreakingly real, and readers will find themselves deeply connected to his journey of emotional reckoning. The tension between Bo's desire to reconcile with his son and his fear of losing his beloved dog is a poignant reflection of the complexities of ageing and the deep-seated need for connection that doesn’t fade with time.

Through Bo's eyes, we witness the struggle of living a life that feels incomplete and the quiet ache of wanting to say what matters before it’s too late. This is not just a story about a man and his dog; it’s a story of family, of relationships tested by time and distance, and the effort to find peace within the limits of one’s existence. The writing is tender and evocative, capturing the raw emotions that come with ageing, regret, and the pursuit of healing old wounds.

When the Cranes Fly South is a book that stays with you long after the final page. It’s a tale of reflection, love, and the intricacies of life that will resonate with anyone who has ever faced the challenge of making amends or grappling with time. Ridzén has crafted a story that not only touches the heart but also invites deep reflection on what it means to truly live and love. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a heartfelt and thought-provoking read.

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I wanted to love this book with all of my heart but found myself skipping parts of it. Perhaps I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to read something so character based. I did empathise with Bo and the ending was hopeful, I just wanted more to ‘happen’. Other readers will adore this book.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.