WHEN THE CRANES FLY SOUTH

Shortlisted for the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize 2025, this novel tells a soul-searching story of an elderly man in his twilight years sharing his perspective on growing old, looking back at his younger eras as a son, a father and husband, and now facing his declining years, alone with his dog. Not an obvious 'go to' book club choice but a novel that raises many questions and thoughts on caring for the older generations.

Set in a remote village in Sweden the reader is introduced to Bo who speaks to his readers directly through diary entries, occasionally broken with reports from the home care staff and visitors. The novel opens in May and Bo is very upset with his son Hans who has proposed the rehoming of his dog Sixten. Bo appears to be a difficult grumpy character who feels he has lots to complain about. The author exposes Bo’s inner thoughts, sharing the root of his frustration and reluctance to voice his concerns to the outside world. Having moved his wife to a nursing home to supervise her dementia, Bo finds himself talking to her and as readers we meander in and out of Bo’s mind and memories, shifting to his childhood, labouring with his dad on a timber mill, to happier days and occasions with his son fishing. And now to Bo’s ‘present day’, as his own memory drifts we witness the lengths he will go to keep in touch, leaving diary notes and reminders to call his best friend Tore, whilst enjoying the closeness, warmth and company of his beloved Sixten. Bo’s reflection on his own life and the slipping of time has hastened his desire to mend his relationship with his son, but this becomes increasingly difficult as he also feels compelled to fight Hans on his plans for Sixten.

There are plenty of moments that made us all pause for reflection, and it is easy to find scenes that will make you well up! With aging parents and grandparents this novel struck a chord as we all appreciated the tough decisions that families face.

It was also interesting to discover the novel is written by a young Swedish author Lisa Ridzén who was inspired by notes left by a care team looking after her grandfather. Be prepared to be moved!

If you enjoyed this novel, you might enjoy 'Olive Again' by Elizabeth Strout. Reviewed in the Den's library.