Heartbreaking but also beautiful – a story about life and death, the struggles of aging and illness and the need for care; family relationships; the importance of friendship and all of the beautiful things on that journey.
Bo, 89, is losing control of his life, his capability to care for himself and his beloved dog, Sixten. Missing his wife, Frederika, who is in a nursing home with dementia, feeling distanced from his son Hans; it’s difficult to watch his faculties diminish daily. You get to know the ups and downs of Bo’s life through his memories, dreams and daydreams and internal conversations he has with his wife.
The story is told through the daily diary of Bo’s carers, visits from Hans, phone calls to his close friend Ture and his daily interactions with his dog Sixten.
The story will stay with me. It is wonderfully written by Lisa Ridzén; she shows sensitivity to aging, the daily struggles, the frustrations, the moments of reflection and letting go.
Have that box of tissues next to you.
Kerry
Buy a copy in the shop or here: When the Cranes Fly South a book by Lisa Ridzen and Alice Menzies – Bookshop.org UK