When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén | Goodreads

What an emotional and beautiful book. This book deals with the end of life themes in ways that are heartbreaking and yet you can feel for all those who are involved in this journey. The son trying to do right by his aging parents, a father who has lost his wife to dementia and losing his independence. The struggle to live and die with dignity.

This is a reflective, raw look at life…and the realities of coming to its end. Relationships are complicated, dogs are faithful, it’s hard getting old and feeling like you’re slowly losing control over your life while simultaneously being afraid of leaving words left unsaid.

This was a tough read if only for the nature of watching the gradual decline of an old man tormented by his own memories and desired to do different than his own father. But that’s real. And I think this book poses legitimate questions we should all consider, for Father Times stops for no one.

This tugs at the heart strings but is also just sad to read. It’s not morally uplifting, but the look into Bo’s mind coupled with notes from caretakers that show his reality with his reflection on his own life and paternal relationships makes for a beautiful story, in its own way.

This was heavy, and it makes you consider your life and the lives of those around you (particularly parents) and it just left me drained and emotional. Not the fault of the author or even the book- I believe that’s intentional to carry weight behind the message of loving others and the blurred line of loving them well and the best you can.