Inspired by notes from her grandfather's caregivers, Swedish author Lisa Ridzén's debut is a realistic, poignant retrospective on the last months of a life. When the Cranes Fly South is 89-year-old Bo's first-person meditation during his final summer. His carers' brief, perfunctory reports introduce each passage and contrast with Bo's vivid memories and hopes for his last days.
As his body grows weary, Bo is secure in the home he grew up in and shared with his beloved Fredrika for almost 60 years. His narration of richly detailed recollections is addressed to her. His reliable comfort is his faithful elkhound, Sixten, but his son, Hans, has determined Bo can't care for the dog and plans to re-home him. The heartbreaking possibility of losing Sixten exacerbates the rocky relationship between Bo and Hans, but Bo doesn't "want there to be any hard feelings between us at the end." When the Cranes Fly South ruminates on a long life lived with care, a deep appreciation for natural surroundings, and a commitment to leaving a legacy of love. --Cheryl McKeon, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, N.Y,