Touching, heartbreaking, hopeful

5 stars

When I recovered from my tears at the end of this book, I googled Lisa Ridzén to see how old she was. Surprisingly, she is quite young to have written such a powerful book on the frustration and vulnerability of old age.

Bo is elderly and lives alone with his elkhound Sixten in rural Sweden. Without the help of constant carer visits, he would not be able to maintain his independence. He is frustrated by his failing body and spends much time on his daybed reflecting on his childhood, his wife and son, things he used to be able to do but now cannot. He is reflective and generally neutral on his situation until his son raises the issue of rehoming Sixten. This is the last straw for Bo and sends the story down the path of sad inevitability.

To say this story is touching is an understatement. The reader fully empathises with Bo and wants to find a safe way for him and Sixten to stay together at home. The troubles Bo has with his son mirror, very much, that of Bo's troubled relationship with his own bully of a father. Or so Bo thinks.

This book is wholly authentic in its portrayal of old age. The day-to-day difficulties Bo faces, the thoughts he thinks and the way he feels within his skin creates such empathy in the heart of the reader. It has instilled in me a new understanding of the elderly, their needs, and a mindful approach, on my part, of patience and care. In today's busy society we have moved away from honouring our oldest familial generation, making time for them and their needs, and need to be more caring and considerate like Ingrid, one of Bo's carers.

This is a beautiful novel. One that will break and mend your heart in one fell swoop. Such a treasure, honestly.