WHEN THE CRANES FLY SOUTH
by Lisa Ridzen
In this beautiful, pastoral novel, the main character Bo lives on his own in the small house he was born in, with only his dog Sixten and his caregivers for companions. Bo is in the late stages of his life and just barely managing to live independently. His adult son sweeps in from time to time, declaring what Bo should eat, where he should be permitted to walk outside and, most vexingly, that Bo should not be allowed to keep his beloved Sixten.
Bo realizes he doesn't have much time left and spends much of what he does have dreaming about key incidents from his past. His father figures prominently in these reminiscences, with Bo wistful that he had never been able to breech the barriers between them. As Bo struggles to maintain his independence and his dignity, he also reflects on whether he has been more successful in showing his love to his son than his father was.
When the Cranes Fly South is a poignant story from beginning to end. As someone currently experiencing the curious role reversal from child to caregiver with my mother, I was moved by Bo’s interior monologue. He knows he should be grateful for all the help that he is receiving but resents being treated like a child. Woven into the fabric of this beautiful book are Bo’s other meaningful relationships: with his wife, who lives in a home with advanced dementia, his best friend with whom he now communicates strictly by phone, and the granddaughter he adores.
I devoured this fascinating book in one day and it has really stuck with me. When you’re looking for a book to move you emotionally, When the Cranes Fly South is the perfect choice. (Liz)
