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melissa_b_67 's review for:
When the Cranes Fly South
by Lisa Ridzén
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’m going to open my book thoughts on When the Cranes Fly South, with this single request…just read it! Each of us picks up a book to satisfy a particular need. Oftentimes, I am looking to be entertained or have my horizons expanded, but sometimes what I need is a warm hug and someone to tell me, it's all going to be ok, everything will be fine. When the Cranes Fly South is that book for me. Don’t get me wrong, this is a sad book. It brought big ugly tears to my eyes, but what is a life without reflection and emotion?
Bo is nearing end of life. It has been an ordinary life, but a good one. He and his wife of over 60 years made a comfortable home and raised a son. But no matter how good a life is lived, at some point things will wind down. It’s Bo’s transition to his final chapter that we are witness to in this beautiful and heartfelt story.
The structure of When the Cranes Fly South allows the reader a glimpse into a deeply personal time in our main character’s life. Told from the voice of fiercely independent, 90+ year old Bo, in a one-sided conversation with his dementia-addled wife, we learn about his childhood, adult relationships, and fatherhood. Sprinkled in between these musings, are log entries written by his carers and his son, Hans, which allow us to understand Bo’s experience more fully. It’s with great sensitivity and empathy that Lisa Ridzen writes about the truly challenging, but thoroughly human experience of end of life. She compassionately weaves together a story that explores the connections, with family, friends, and yes, even animals, that we hold dear during our lives; and about how these close-knit relationships are forced to change to accommodate the necessary end-of-life transition.
This book felt deeply personal to me since my husband and I have been going through a similar experience with our parents. I felt validated in my many concerns about this difficult time, but more than anything, I gained greater empathy for our loved ones who are preparing for their final chapter.
Thank you NetGalley and Vintage for an ARC of When the Cranes Fly Home, in exchange for my honest review. This is a book I will hold close to my heart.
Bo is nearing end of life. It has been an ordinary life, but a good one. He and his wife of over 60 years made a comfortable home and raised a son. But no matter how good a life is lived, at some point things will wind down. It’s Bo’s transition to his final chapter that we are witness to in this beautiful and heartfelt story.
The structure of When the Cranes Fly South allows the reader a glimpse into a deeply personal time in our main character’s life. Told from the voice of fiercely independent, 90+ year old Bo, in a one-sided conversation with his dementia-addled wife, we learn about his childhood, adult relationships, and fatherhood. Sprinkled in between these musings, are log entries written by his carers and his son, Hans, which allow us to understand Bo’s experience more fully. It’s with great sensitivity and empathy that Lisa Ridzen writes about the truly challenging, but thoroughly human experience of end of life. She compassionately weaves together a story that explores the connections, with family, friends, and yes, even animals, that we hold dear during our lives; and about how these close-knit relationships are forced to change to accommodate the necessary end-of-life transition.
This book felt deeply personal to me since my husband and I have been going through a similar experience with our parents. I felt validated in my many concerns about this difficult time, but more than anything, I gained greater empathy for our loved ones who are preparing for their final chapter.
Thank you NetGalley and Vintage for an ARC of When the Cranes Fly Home, in exchange for my honest review. This is a book I will hold close to my heart.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia
Moderate: Animal death
Minor: Homophobia