Discover the internationally acclaimed debut When the Cranes Fly South, a deeply moving standalone literary fiction novel by Swedish author Lisa Ridzén. Winner of the Swedish Book of the Year Award and an international bestseller, this heartfelt story explores aging, family, forgiveness, friendship, and the enduring bond between a man and his beloved dog.

When the Cranes Fly South is a standalone novel and is not part of a series.

Bo knows his time is growing short. Living quietly in rural Sweden, his days revolve around visits from his home care team and the companionship of Sixten, his loyal elkhound. But when Bo's estranged son insists that the aging widower can no longer care for his dog, Bo is forced to confront the painful reality of growing older.

Faced with the possibility of losing his closest companion, Bo begins reflecting on the choices, regrets, and relationships that have shaped his life. As memories of fatherhood, friendship, and missed opportunities surface, he realizes there may still be time to repair the bond with his son before it's too late.

Beautifully written with warmth, humor, and emotional depth, When the Cranes Fly South is an unforgettable story about love expressed imperfectly, the healing power of forgiveness, and finding hope even in life's final chapters.

When the Cranes Fly South – A Heartfelt Standalone Literary Novel

Perfect for fans of Fredrik Backman, Amor Towles, Kent Haruf, Anthony Doerr, Matt Haig, and Elizabeth Strout, this emotional novel celebrates family, aging, second chances, companionship, and the enduring power of love.

Product Details

Title: When the Cranes Fly South

Author: Lisa Ridzén

Translator: Alice Menzies

Format: Paperback

Series: Standalone Novel

Genre:

• Literary Fiction
• Contemporary Fiction
• Family Fiction
• Women's Fiction
• International Fiction

Pages: 320

Dimensions: 0.8 x 7.9 x 5.2 inches

Publication Date: August 19, 2025

Features:

• Standalone novel
• International bestseller
• Winner of the Swedish Book of the Year Award
• Emotional family drama
• Literary fiction
• Swedish fiction in translation
• Father-son relationship
• Dog companion story
• Themes of aging and forgiveness
• Heartwarming and poignant storytelling

Author Biography

Lisa Ridzén is a Swedish author and doctoral student in sociology whose research focuses on masculinity and rural communities in northern Sweden. Inspired by notes left by her grandfather's home care team during the final months of his life, she wrote When the Cranes Fly South, her internationally bestselling and award-winning debut novel. The English edition is translated by acclaimed translator Alice Menzies, known for bringing contemporary Scandinavian literature to English-speaking readers.