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When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén
5.0
emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

I suppose the closer you get to the end of one's life, the more one thinks about life ending. At almost 65 I have fewer years ahead of me than I do behind me... yes it is absolutely sad. 

So enter Bo (and his cast of caregivers, a son, and a granddaughter) and his beloved Sixten. Bo spends his days wandering through beautiful memories, loving his dog, and being a bit surly with those who come to visit him during his day. I loved his push back on "having a bath" every time the caregiver wanted him to... I mean, when you control little of your day, the option of bathing is absolutely a battle worth picking! I equally loved those caregivers who left a chocolate beside his bed when they depart... what a beautiful thing. I warn you though... I cried lots in this beautifully written story. I cried when the son wins the Sixten battle and he departs for another home, I cried when Bo's beloved friend died, and I cried more when Bo neared the end of his days... with his beloved Sixten by his side. 

If you want a heartwarming story that might make you think about life... this is a must read. It is beautifully written! I highly recommend!

I would like to thank Netgalley, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the digital copy of this beautiful story. It was published August 19, 2025.