Lisa Ridzén’s debut novel has been a major success in Sweden and beyond, proving that straightforward storytelling can be incredibly powerful. The book avoids flashy techniques or heavy symbolism, instead focusing on a tightly contained setting that feels vividly real to the reader.
The story is told by Bo, an aging former timbermill worker who now relies on caregivers visiting him three times a day. Ridzén drew inspiration from the care journals kept for her dying grandfather, and she weaves entries from Bo’s own caregivers into his narrative—brief, poignant glimpses into his declining health from an outside perspective.
Bo lives in Sweden’s remote far north, surrounded by forests, lakes, and meadows—a paradise for his dog, Sixten, but a source of concern for his grown son, Hans. His beloved wife, Frederika, no longer recognizes him due to dementia and has been moved to a care home, leaving Bo in a state of lonely grief. His only close friend, Ture—a man the locals assume is a “confirmed bachelor”—also requires round-the-clock care, but the two still manage regular phone calls. Sixten, an energetic elkhound, remains Bo’s loyal companion, though he struggles to keep up with the dog’s needs. Meanwhile, Hans, Bo’s conservative and anxious son, threatens to rehome Sixten, fearing his father can no longer safely walk him.
The novel’s quiet plot centers on Bo’s increasing frailty, but his first-person narration is filled with dreamlike memories—escaping his abusive father, raising young Hans before he became a rigid adult, and decades of fishing trips with Ture. These reflections contrast sharply with the harsh realities of aging: adult diapers, sputum cups, and microwave meals.
Bo wrestles with a deep-seated anger—inherited from his father—that makes it hard for him to express love openly. As his health fails, he faces two final challenges: keeping Sixten by his side and breaking free of his emotional restraint before it’s too late.
The changing seasons around Bo’s home add another layer of beauty to the story, from May’s lush greenery to the bitter cold of winter. Ridzén, who lives near Östersund, paints the landscape with intimate familiarity, and the frequent mentions of Swedish food—like Frederika’s homemade fishballs and Ture’s almond tarts—are so evocative they might send readers searching for recipes.
Though the translator occasionally uses northern English dialect to mirror northern Swedish speech, it’s an unnecessary touch. The novel’s emotional core—fear for aging parents, the struggle of losing independence, the bond with a pet—will resonate with readers everywhere. Ridzén’s book is a quiet, deeply moving meditation on love, loss, and the passage of time.Here’s a more natural and fluent version of the text:
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From the heart.
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Patrick Gale’s latest novel is Notes from an Exhibition (Tinder). When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén, translated by Alice Menzies, is published by Doubleday (£14.99). To support The Guardian, buy a copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.
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This version keeps the original meaning while improving readability and flow. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!
