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The Fragile Hour
Two decades after the end of the Second World War, Anna Marlow stands among a crowd of spectators gathered around a lake in Norway.
She is watching an aircraft being raised up from the depths of a lake.
As she does so, she remembers its pilot - with a heart that is heavy for reasons far more complicated than a love that was lost during the Second World War.
As a British secret agent, Anna had returned to her Nazi-occupied homeland during the war to join the Norwegian resistance. Assuming a new identity, she lived among the Nazis whilst carrying out highly dangerous acts of sabotage, risking her life and the lives of her loved ones.
Despite the constant danger she faced, Anna found love – or love found Anna.
But as the war drags her away from those she loves, can this passion outlast Germany’s occupation of Norway?
Or will it be just one more casualty of the conflict?
She is watching an aircraft being raised up from the depths of a lake.
As she does so, she remembers its pilot - with a heart that is heavy for reasons far more complicated than a love that was lost during the Second World War.
As a British secret agent, Anna had returned to her Nazi-occupied homeland during the war to join the Norwegian resistance. Assuming a new identity, she lived among the Nazis whilst carrying out highly dangerous acts of sabotage, risking her life and the lives of her loved ones.
Despite the constant danger she faced, Anna found love – or love found Anna.
But as the war drags her away from those she loves, can this passion outlast Germany’s occupation of Norway?
Or will it be just one more casualty of the conflict?
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 1996
410 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
About the author
Rosalind Laker
80 books191 followersA pseudonym used by Barbara Øvstedal.
Barbara Øvstedal was an author previously writing under the pseudonym Barbara Paul and Barbara Douglas. She wrote a few books under this pseudonym but later changed to Rosalind Laker when Barbara Paul gained recognition. Her many books include The Sugar Pavilion and To Dance with Kings.
Barbara Øvstedal was an author previously writing under the pseudonym Barbara Paul and Barbara Douglas. She wrote a few books under this pseudonym but later changed to Rosalind Laker when Barbara Paul gained recognition. Her many books include The Sugar Pavilion and To Dance with Kings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 7, 2020
I enjoyed the book, but I thought the plot was a little contrived and the romantic relationships a little two dimensional. I did especially like the details about the work of the Norwegian Resistance.
April 4, 2018
Unputdownable. I read Laker's This Shining Land about 30 years ago and it has always been one of my favourite books. I am so glad to have discovered this second set-in-wartime-Norway book of hers.
August 29, 2015
I liked this book about WWII in Norway. It was fun to start reading on our trip this summer. I found it a little slow but entertaining.
June 11, 2020
An amazing history lesson for me.
I was a preschooler living in Queens, New York during the war. I remember my Norwegian mother packing care boxes with coffee, sugar, and chocolate for her relatives in Norway. My parents never talked about what was going on overseas, and when in highschool in the 50's, almost nothing about the war and nothing about Norway was ever mentioned in history classes. Perhaps it was too soon
From this novel, l learned so much about the suffering of the Norwegians, but also so much about the culture and the natural beauty of Norway.
I am by no means a literary critic, but I loved the book. It was full of intrigue, had some romance, and seemed to me that the author revealed an emense love of the country.
I was a preschooler living in Queens, New York during the war. I remember my Norwegian mother packing care boxes with coffee, sugar, and chocolate for her relatives in Norway. My parents never talked about what was going on overseas, and when in highschool in the 50's, almost nothing about the war and nothing about Norway was ever mentioned in history classes. Perhaps it was too soon
From this novel, l learned so much about the suffering of the Norwegians, but also so much about the culture and the natural beauty of Norway.
I am by no means a literary critic, but I loved the book. It was full of intrigue, had some romance, and seemed to me that the author revealed an emense love of the country.
May 31, 2020
This was a wonderful book! I've read a number of historical novels that take place during wars, but never one set in Norway. I learned a lot & enjoyed the story of Anna's life & times. I particularly liked the ending. The reader isn't left to wonder how things turned out. The author tells us. The first chapter, in "current" times, leaves one wondering throughout the book, about what's going on with the plane, who piloted it, etc. Truly excellent. I've already recommended The Fragile Hour to a friend who I know will love it, too.
September 4, 2020
Knowing that I want to travel to Norway when the world opens up again, my friend sent this book to me for my birthday. The story was a difficult subject matter to read, but I got caught up in Anna's world as she becomes part of the Resistance in German occupied Norway during WWII. This book has all the elements of a great story: three-dimensional characters, romance, twists and turns in the plot, and of course, great descriptions of Oslo, Bergen, Alesund, and other areas in Norway. I found it hard to put down when I needed to get chores done or go to sleep at night. It was a beautiful gem.
November 25, 2020
.
I couldn't put this book down! As a child during this war, it reminded me of the conversations family had of the hardships and sacrifices our allies endured sown graphically on newsreels and radio news. Watching as neighbors and friends received news of lost loved ones and gold star flags appearing in Windows. I think of patriotism, love of country, pulling together to do our part for the war effort. How I wish we could could find this kind of feeling in our country now without having to fight a war! Thank you Rosalind Laker for your beautiful tribute.
I couldn't put this book down! As a child during this war, it reminded me of the conversations family had of the hardships and sacrifices our allies endured sown graphically on newsreels and radio news. Watching as neighbors and friends received news of lost loved ones and gold star flags appearing in Windows. I think of patriotism, love of country, pulling together to do our part for the war effort. How I wish we could could find this kind of feeling in our country now without having to fight a war! Thank you Rosalind Laker for your beautiful tribute.
June 1, 2020
Good plot, mundane writing
I took a chance on this novel written by a woman with a woman as protagonist. Based on its description and some of the reviews, I hoped it would mostly be a good story of the Norwegian resistance, without the cliches of romance novels. Well, it is a good story, but the romantic scenes were so corny I sometimes laughed out loud. And the overall writing was mediocre. Four stars for the storyline, two stars for the writing.
I took a chance on this novel written by a woman with a woman as protagonist. Based on its description and some of the reviews, I hoped it would mostly be a good story of the Norwegian resistance, without the cliches of romance novels. Well, it is a good story, but the romantic scenes were so corny I sometimes laughed out loud. And the overall writing was mediocre. Four stars for the storyline, two stars for the writing.
August 6, 2020
Engaging and Entertaining
Original storyline for me having never read anything regarding the Norwegians and World War II.
It was interesting historically and was intriguing regarding the covert operations the main character, Anna, was involved in.
My only complaint is that at the very end when all was revealed, it seemed a little anticlimactic because the revealing scene was so short without much description and detail.
Overall, I found it very entertaining and engaging!
Original storyline for me having never read anything regarding the Norwegians and World War II.
It was interesting historically and was intriguing regarding the covert operations the main character, Anna, was involved in.
My only complaint is that at the very end when all was revealed, it seemed a little anticlimactic because the revealing scene was so short without much description and detail.
Overall, I found it very entertaining and engaging!
April 6, 2022
An OK read. I read a lot of historical fiction and have read many books on WWII but I believe this is the first book I read where Norway was the featured country, this certainly drew my interest. The parts of the book focused on Norway and how the war affected the population were interesting. Unfortunately this book was very unbelievable and simplistic, it also ended up being a poorly written romance.
May 23, 2020
Great wwII story
Truly a great story written about wwII when it is hard to believe any more compelling stories of this period can be written. The author did a great job capturing the tension ,the excitement, the passion and the suspense of this story. A great read you will not want to put down until the end. Thank you and god bless you.
Truly a great story written about wwII when it is hard to believe any more compelling stories of this period can be written. The author did a great job capturing the tension ,the excitement, the passion and the suspense of this story. A great read you will not want to put down until the end. Thank you and god bless you.
May 26, 2020
Great read
I really liked this World War II book. I haven’t read much about how Norway suffered when the Nazi’s came in and took over. This is about the resistance (thank God for these brave men and women) with their network of safe houses and patriots who were causing troubles for the Germans In every way they good. Great characters, settings and author. Loved it 💕💕
I really liked this World War II book. I haven’t read much about how Norway suffered when the Nazi’s came in and took over. This is about the resistance (thank God for these brave men and women) with their network of safe houses and patriots who were causing troubles for the Germans In every way they good. Great characters, settings and author. Loved it 💕💕
May 27, 2020
The fragile hour.
I learnt a lot about the occupation of Norway by Germany. I enjoyed reading about Anna’s courage and her quick wit! It is one of the fantastically written historic novel. I highly recommend it! ( I tried to give 41/2 of stars, but the stars did not light up due to some bug in the program.)
I learnt a lot about the occupation of Norway by Germany. I enjoyed reading about Anna’s courage and her quick wit! It is one of the fantastically written historic novel. I highly recommend it! ( I tried to give 41/2 of stars, but the stars did not light up due to some bug in the program.)
May 29, 2020
Norway's Outlook during WW2
It was a well written and believable characters. Suspense. I enjoyed the descriptions of the countryside and the rigors of doing what she did. I at first didn't understand the importance of the plane. She chose to remember he saved the Jewish boy instead of all the heartless other. Good read.😊
It was a well written and believable characters. Suspense. I enjoyed the descriptions of the countryside and the rigors of doing what she did. I at first didn't understand the importance of the plane. She chose to remember he saved the Jewish boy instead of all the heartless other. Good read.😊
June 5, 2020
Please Read This One!p
I so enjoyed the way the main character was developed. This female character was developed very clearly and her history was woven into the story just like a strongly woven basket. If you enjoy books about strong women and stories about WWII you will enjoy this book.
I so enjoyed the way the main character was developed. This female character was developed very clearly and her history was woven into the story just like a strongly woven basket. If you enjoy books about strong women and stories about WWII you will enjoy this book.
June 23, 2020
Great background featuring occupied Norway
The protagonists were well developed and the story riveting. I enjoyed learning more about how the Norwegian resistance operated during the Nazi occupation. Having visited recently, I liked the descriptions of both cities and countryside also.
The protagonists were well developed and the story riveting. I enjoyed learning more about how the Norwegian resistance operated during the Nazi occupation. Having visited recently, I liked the descriptions of both cities and countryside also.
July 31, 2021
Fragile times!
This book is well written and has amazing characters. The story reaches into your soul as you follow the successes, the failures and the fears of the Norwegian Resistance. Lives were on the line as brave men and women did their parts to rebel against the Nazis in any way they could while still being subservient. But through it all, love still found a way!
This book is well written and has amazing characters. The story reaches into your soul as you follow the successes, the failures and the fears of the Norwegian Resistance. Lives were on the line as brave men and women did their parts to rebel against the Nazis in any way they could while still being subservient. But through it all, love still found a way!
May 23, 2020
Fragile Hour
What a wonderful story. Exciting right till the end. Norway must be a beautiful country. There were many brave people who fought for freedom. Thank you for writing this novel.
What a wonderful story. Exciting right till the end. Norway must be a beautiful country. There were many brave people who fought for freedom. Thank you for writing this novel.
May 27, 2020
Riveting
Anna and her 2 lovers are in Oslo and
England during ww2. Anna works for the
Resistance and has many odd jobs to do
Like blowing up rr travks for starters. There
Is never a dull moment and many tragitc
Twists til the astounding conclusion.
Anna and her 2 lovers are in Oslo and
England during ww2. Anna works for the
Resistance and has many odd jobs to do
Like blowing up rr travks for starters. There
Is never a dull moment and many tragitc
Twists til the astounding conclusion.
May 28, 2020
The Fragile Hour engrossed reader
I don’t get the title, but story was well written and edited. Interesting tale of Norway’s Resistance against Hitlers’ troops occupation their country.
I don’t get the title, but story was well written and edited. Interesting tale of Norway’s Resistance against Hitlers’ troops occupation their country.
Read
May 28, 2020A good story
I read WWII and Holocaust literature constantly. I enjoyed this story. The characters were interesting. My only reservation about recommending it would be that I knew what would happen long before it did. It’s still a good read.
I read WWII and Holocaust literature constantly. I enjoyed this story. The characters were interesting. My only reservation about recommending it would be that I knew what would happen long before it did. It’s still a good read.
June 14, 2020
Great read
Story line keeps you going page after page. A story about resistance in Norway during the Nazi occupation during WWII. I enjoyed reading it as I have not read any books about this time in Norway.
Story line keeps you going page after page. A story about resistance in Norway during the Nazi occupation during WWII. I enjoyed reading it as I have not read any books about this time in Norway.
June 28, 2020
Interesting
I've read a number of historical fiction novels that take place during wars, but never one set in Norway. I enjoyed the story and the characters but mostly I enjoyed the descriptions of the countryside and the natural beauty of Norway.
I've read a number of historical fiction novels that take place during wars, but never one set in Norway. I enjoyed the story and the characters but mostly I enjoyed the descriptions of the countryside and the natural beauty of Norway.
September 5, 2020
Great read!
I really enjoyed this book and connected with the characters. I didn't know that much about occupation in Norway so it was also educational. I look forward to more by Rosalind Laker.
I really enjoyed this book and connected with the characters. I didn't know that much about occupation in Norway so it was also educational. I look forward to more by Rosalind Laker.
November 25, 2019
a good read
Gripping and well told tale about the Resistance in Norway. Holds your attention to the last page. Strong characters and daring exploits
Gripping and well told tale about the Resistance in Norway. Holds your attention to the last page. Strong characters and daring exploits
May 21, 2020
Fragile
Not interested in needless descriptions of sex, even if the overall language is clean. That doesn’t add to the story.
Not interested in needless descriptions of sex, even if the overall language is clean. That doesn’t add to the story.
May 21, 2020
Excellant
Quite a page turner, couldn't put it down. I hope you can enjoy this story as much as I did.
Quite a page turner, couldn't put it down. I hope you can enjoy this story as much as I did.
May 28, 2020
3.5. - an engaging story about the resistance in Norway in WWII. Although she lived a very exciting life, sometimes it just felt a little too fictional.
May 30, 2020
This historic novel was a quick read. It helped me get some background on the Norwegian resistance during World War II. I am glad that I read it.
June 10, 2020
Although a little slow to start with, I enjoyed the flow of the story. There were twists and turns to keep me interested and in the end the good guy won out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews