The power of this book by Lisa Ridzén lies in its simplicity. Ridzén’s story was inspired by the care-team journals kept while her grandfather was dying. It follows an old man in the Swedish north, living out his final days with his beloved dog and companion, Sixten. He grieves his wife, now lost to dementia care, while his own body begins to fail. When his son decides the dog should be rehomed—because he can no longer manage the walks or daily care—the loss cuts deeper. Through his memories, regrets, and moments of tenderness with his caregivers, When the Cranes Fly South becomes a quiet meditation on autonomy and dignity in the face of decline.
Look for When The Cranes Fly South at your local bookseller or online