Thank you publisher for the free copy of this book.

I really enjoyed this story. At first, it was hard to get into. I re-started it a couple of times. The pacing is kind of slow and Bo comes off as a grumpy old man. And while I do believe Bo is a mostly grumpy old man, his story is worthwhile. I believe that people tend to accept that we are aging but reject or are resistant to many of the things that come with aging, like necessary lifestyle changes. Such is the case of Bo and Sixten.

While Sixten's care is the hottest topic, this is a great story about life and what it entails: relationships throughout our lives, the things we value, and the realities we face when growing old. I would definitely recommend this book. It will make you a bit emotional, but hopefully in a good way.

When the Cranes Fly South is the story of 89 year old Bo. It is told from Bo's point of view, talking in his head to his beloved wife Fredrika, who is now in a nursing home due to her dementia. His health is declining rapidly, so he is mostly confined to his small home in Sweden, with visits several times a day from caregivers as well as frequent visits from his son, and the company of his beloved Elkhound Sixten. We learn about Bo's background as he dreams about his childhood and younger life, with abrupt return to reality when someone or something wakes him up.

This novel is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, a reminder to us all to talk to each other while we can. Through Bo's eyes we see his anger towards his son who feels he needs to take the dog away for both the dogs and Bo's safety, but the author also makes us see how hard it is for the son and how much love he has for his father. In the end he and most of us who care for loved ones, are just doing the best we can. This is a slow and quiet character driven story and will not be for everybody, but for the right people it is a true gem of a story. Thank you to net galley and Knopf, Pantheon and Vintage publishers for the e galley of this book.

4.25 ⭐️

Swedish debut novelist Lisa Ridzén gives readers a peek into the mind of an almost 90 year old man whose body and mind are failing in WHEN THE CRANES FLY SOUTH. Bo clearly needs the companionship of his dog Sixten, but the dog puts additional pressures on his son Hans and his other carers and also additional risk to Bo.

On its face, this seems like a small, or even micro, story: an older man’s caretakers want to remove this elderly man’s dog from his home and rehome the dog. But Bo’s dog has immense meaning to him, and, while his mind is not completely there, he can remember incidents from his childhood and young adulthood very well. This is also a larger story because losing agency as parents age (or even peers or yourself) will be an important issue that will affect people’s mental health.

As you might expect, this is a slower novel, and I enjoyed learning about Bo’s life, his son Hans, his wife Fredrika, and his best friend Ture. While this novel is sad in places (and very sad in one in particular at about 70% in), it does resolve in a way that you can see coming and makes sense.

This won’t be a hit for every reader. Most notably, it is a very slow novel, and the subject matter of an ailing 90 year old might not be a favorite. But I’m pretty sure this one will stick with me, and it will always remind me of my stepfather.

WHEN THE CRANES FLY SOUTH publishes in the United States on August 5, 2025. Thank you to Vintage and Netgalley for the Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wept.

Bo is an elderly man who is facing mortality as his b0dy betrays him. He misses his beloved wife, who is in a care facility, snd his son believes his dog should be placed elsewhere.

Along with those issues, Bo struggles with painful memories of his father and longs for a better connection with his son.

“At dinner one day, I snapped and asked what the hell the point of life was if I was too old for a dog.” Truly. I hate to think of the day I’m no longer capable of having a dog.
Bo is 89, is still living at home but with the help of caregivers. His wife has Alzheimer’s and has already been moved out of the house. Now his son wants to rehome his dog. Bo’s thoughts, which are basically a monologue to his wife, are a look back at his life - his domineering father, his loving marriage, his best friend and his fraught relationship with his son. These thoughts are interspersed with the log from his caregivers which provide a realistic look at his current life. Ridzen has done a wonderful job of fleshing out Bo, including his own beginning stages of dementia and his failing physical body. He realizes time is running out and there are things he wants to say.
This story just grabbed my heartstrings. It hit home, as I’m dealing with an elderly mother. I can see her world shrinking. And it’s definitely a balancing act between trying to allow her to make her own decisions and keeping her safe. I’ve even had the same discussion over the hospital bed but haven’t gone so far as to make the swap. I appreciated that other than the log, the story is solely from Bo’s point of view. It was easy to understand Hans’s motives, but Ridzen keeps us tightly focused on Bo and his desires.
It’s not an easy book to read and it becomes more emotional as it goes on. Keep the Kleenex handy for the ending.
My thanks to Netgalley and Knopf for an advance copy of this book.

This poignant narrative struck a deep emotional chord with me. The story revolves around Bo, an elderly protagonist residing in Sweden alongside his dog, Sixten. Bo frequently visits caregivers, but faces pressure from his son, Hans, to relinquish Sixten for safety reasons. Struggling with anger issues, Bo grapples with painful memories of his challenging childhood and his relationship with his father. Compounding his struggles is the profound loss he feels for his wife, who resides in a memory care facility due to dementia. "When the Cranes Fly South" prompted me to reflect on what my life might resemble as I age. I would rate this book a solid four stars.

I extend my gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance reader's copy. This review reflects my genuine thoughts.

When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén is a quietly devastating novel that follows 89-year-old Bo as he navigates the loss of autonomy in his rural Swedish home. Receiving round-the-clock care—and grappling with his son’s insistence that his dog Sixten be rehomed—Bo embarks on an emotional reckoning, piecing together memories of childhood, marriage, and lifelong friendships as he confronts the reality of his dwindling time.

Narrated in Bo’s gentle, unadorned voice and punctuated by the log-book entries of his caregivers, the structure deftly mirrors the fractured nature of his mind and the fragments of a life well lived. Ridzén’s prose is unpretentious yet evocative, capturing small moments, such as sunlight on snow or the soft weight of a loyal dog in your lap, that add to the atmosphere of the book.

Bo’s internal monologue rings true, especially in his poignant conversations with the memory of his wife. The interspersed care-team logs offer an objective counterpoint to Bo’s subjective reflections, underscoring how the everyday becomes extraordinary in hindsight. Aging, regret, and the struggle to express love are explored with compassion and insight.

While Bo is richly drawn, figures like his son Hans and longtime friend Ture occasionally felt underdeveloped. I wished that more had been written about what Hans was thinking and feeling. The novel’s gentle pace perfectly suits its meditative tone. The momentum felt slow at times but fit perfectly with the tone of the book.

Overall, When the Cranes Fly South is a moving meditation on memory, dignity, and the quiet heroism at the end of life. It offers a profoundly life-affirming portrait of love and loss and is highly recommended for readers drawn to character-driven stories that balance sorrow with soulful tenderness.

Thank you to NetGalley and Vintage for providing me with a copy of this book. It will be published on August 5, 2025.

I heard about this book on a podcast, and as someone who loves translated works and reflective stories set in unfamiliar landscapes, I was intrigued. The Swedish setting, the premise of an older character looking back on his life, and the exploration of love, loss, and memory made this a compelling read. I was grateful to receive a copy from NetGalley and Vintage.

This is the story of an 89 year old man in his final days. Bo is a son, husband, father, and best friend, reflecting on the life he has lived and the people who shaped it. It is a quiet novel, introspective and unhurried. While I appreciated its craft from the beginning, it took me some time to feel emotionally connected. Bo isn’t immediately easy to relate to. He is emotionally reserved and focused on the aches and routines of aging, but as the story unfolded, I came to understand him more and feel more emotionally invested in his story.

One of the most touching aspects of the book is Bo’s love for his wife, Frederika, who is no longer able to live with him due to a cognitive decline. The second-person narration, with Bo addressing “you” as if she were still by his side, created a sense of tenderness that will stay with me.

The story moves between past and present in a seamless way that slowly reveals the depth of Bo’s emotional life. I was especially struck by how central his relationship with his father became. What seemed at first like a distant childhood wound turned out to be a lasting source of pain. It helped explain the depth of Bo’s bond with his dog, Sixten, and why the thought of losing him was so devastating.

This novel is about love, aging, regret, community, and saying goodbye with dignity. The translation was excellent. The ending was both sad and beautiful, and I appreciated how the author brought it all together with quiet grace.

Elderly Bo is trying to hang on to control of his life but sadly, as each day passes, he becomes more and more under other's control. Alone since his wife was moved to a "carer" hospital when he could no longer manage her worsening dementia, Bo now relies on his faithful dog, Sixten to keep him mentally and physically present. As more and more of his days are spent sleeping, we view Bo's life through dreams of his childhood, early adulthood and later years. Interspersed among Bo's thoughts are journal entries from his daily carers who give an outside perspective on Bo's true condition. Finding he is now powerless against his own son's wishes, Bo wonders how their relationship evolved into its current antagonistic state. When his beloved dog, Sixten is taken away by his son, readers will be torn between what is the best care for Sixten and what his removal will mean for Bo.
A beautifully written look into the expanse of one man's life and the harsh reality of aging. Seamlessly blending different time periods of Bo's life with the observations of those currently caring for him. A true gem of a book , not to be missed.

captivating story and very enlightening I enjoyed reading the novel and the Author's perspective . I am appreciative of the chance to read the arc thank you neutrally.

This is a beautiful book that is emotional and thought provoking. It’s about an 89 year old man named Bo who reflects and reminisces about his life. He thinks about all his regrets but also all the good and bad times he had with his parents, best friend, wife, and son. He doesn’t feel in control of his body any more due to all the changes his body is going through and feels as though his body has betrayed him. Through it all he has a dog that has helped him cope. Soon his companion could get taken away by his son for the benefit of his health.

I didn’t think I’d get so attached to Bo but he won a special place in my heart. He is a lovable character that many people who have chronic and or terminal illness / disability can relate to. Bo’s character has respectful and accurate representation for what it’s like to lose your independence and health. The strength that Bo got from Sixten was such a lovely aspect to the story.

Every emotion that Bo felt could also be felt by the reader since the author did such an incredible job at conveying his emotions. I really enjoyed the way Bo would think about his wife and how much he cherished the life they had together. It was so heartbreaking to see how his health kept declining. It was sad to see how much independence is taken from Bo but it’s also understandable as to why certain decisions were made by Hans. He had the best intentions for his father. At the same time it was devastating to see Bo not being able to have what he truly desires.

The ending made me sob. This story is one that I look forward to rereading someday in the future.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.75 stars. This book is not for the faint of heart. Within the first two pages I knew this book was going to be a sad, heartfelt, emotional book. An 89-year old man nearing the end of his life narrates this book as if he is speaking to his wife who has Alzheimer's. They are no longer able to live together as his wife now resides in a care home. Whew. I didn't know if I wanted to read something that would make me feel so much. Reflections. Frustrations. Anger. This man feels every emotion as he begins slowing down and evaluating his relationship with his wife, his son, his granddaughter, his best friend and his most beloved dog, Sixten.

What a beautifully sad book about life - those we love, those we leave behind and the life that was well-lived. Read this book when you need a good ugly cry.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lisa Ridzen and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for allowing me to give my honest opinion in exchange for the ARC.

This novel was reviewed as an assignment for Library Journal. The review will be published by the journal.

Bo is an 89-year-old man who lives in his home with his elkhound Sixten. Bo has only months to live, but his faithful Sixten stays by his side while Bo reclines on his daybed, weak in his final days. Various caregivers stop in to help him prepare meals, and his son Hans purchases his food and supplies. There is tension between the Bo and his son which comes to a head in the book, but this is not a depressing book, quite the contrary. It is about caring for the elderly, maintaining dignity, struggling with an aging body and choices made within a family. Bo recalls his early days with his wife and son, and it fills him with good memories and peaceful thoughts. This is a deeply moving book which propels the reader to think of their own family and the relationships that mean the most to us.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor publishing for an advanced reading copy of this book.

So many feels! I was leaning to a 3 star for a good portion of the book, I was struggling with the pace, I didn’t understand the fixation on the dog, until I did and then I cried through the rest of the book!

This is a story of life, told through an elderly man on hospice. It is told through multiple timeframes from memories he has ongoing throughout the book. An internal struggle of overcoming our life experiences and wanting to do better than maybe how we grew up, but unable to get over ourselves to communicate our true feelings!

Uh and then he gets to the point of not being to care for his beloved dog, get the tissues for the remainder of the book!

May we all find grace with our aging family members!

Wow. This was the best story I've read in years. Brilliantly written and translated, this is a story about family, the reflection on life, relationships, and lasting love. Told from the perspective of an aging man in Sweden, Bo shares his thoughts, reflections, and experiences in during the last months of his life. Descriptions of place were excellent, it was like I was there also seeing his memories appear to him. While Bo may be fictional, the feelings experienced and expressed are so very real. The story Bo shares with us is a reflection on his life with his beloved wife (who lives in a separate care facility due to dementia, and can no longer remember him), reflections on his relationship with his son, Hans, and his connection and unending love for his most loyal companion, Sixten. Interspersed with short logbook entries by his (hospice) home carers, you see that Bo is well cared for in his last months, but sometimes the actions that seem to be taken out of sincere care and love, are viewed differently by Bo, who of course only wants to live out his last weeks and months under his own control. But as the weeks progress, Bo becomes more weak and his personal safety is questioned and the control he had in his life is coming to an end.
Having been through my own loss of a parent recently, and reading this story from the perspective of the sick parent approaching the end of his journey, it gave me a whole new perspective on end of life care and death, which I wish I would have had to draw upon at the time of my own loss.
I read previous reviews and knew that there would be tears at the end....and the tears were absolutely flowing. I don't think I've ever been this moved by a book before. I absolutely recommend this book and would give it more than 5 stars if possible.
Thank you for opportunity to read this advanced copy of the English translation of this heartwarming and profoundly moving book.

Thank you NetGalley! Bo Andersson is 89 year old and now lives alone with his elkhound, Sixten. His beloved wife, Fredrika, is in a care home suffering from Alzheimers. Visited by care givers multiple times a day, Bo reminisces about his life. His son, Hans, tries to bring comfort and ease to his father but neglects to understand that Bo’s feelings aren’t being considered. Ingrid, his favorite home helper, understands these issues better than most and tries to side with Bo. Things take a sharp turn when Hans is determined to rehome Sixten to alleviate his burden, not realizing that he is more than just a dog to him and resents turning his life upside down. A heartbreaking story of how as we age and children become the caretakers they sometimes forget that in minds of the aged, they still want some control over their remaining days. Beautifully told by Bo and interspersed with home helpers notes. An honest look into the dignity and hopes of the elderly. Tissues Required for this book! Highly recommend!

"When the Cranes Fly South" isn't particularly unique, yet, it feels sincere, and as you read along, you are rooting for our main character, Bo, and his dog, hoping they stay together until the end. Since the novel is told through Bo's voice, and he's often times addressing his wife, who lives elsewhere in a dementia ward, we get to learn more about Bo's childhood with a harsh father, his relationship with his own son, Hans, and get some idea about his wife. This novel shows readers how little some people can hang on to what they really want as they age because someone else makes your decisions. Ingrid, one of Bo's characters, was quite a good sport throughout this short novel. Bravo, Ingrid!

Ugh. My heart.

This was an excellent and heart wrenching slow burn about life and death. Essentially a long monologue of an ailing old man reflecting on his life and relationships, past and current conflicts. Definitely choked up at the end but absolutely worth the read.

I have not cried for a long time over a fiction story, but this book turned the waterworks on - especially the bond between Bo and his dog Sixten. Anyone who has lost a loved one will connect with this story and its characters. Emortional and poignant this story will stay with you. Kuddos Ridzen for a well written story and thanks for the ARC.