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The Silent Resistance: The heartbreaking World War Two historical novel
One mother's impossible choice. One daughter's epic search.
Occupied Norway, 1944. As the war rages on, Anni is surviving as best she can, contributing to the resistance whenever possible and standing firm without her sailor husband Lars, who she hasn't heard from in three years. Her daughter Ingrid is the bright spot in her life and Anni is determined to keep her safe and happy. When a German official is billeted at their house the situation for them both becomes far more dangerous, and Anni faces an impossible choice.
In the years since the war and since she moved to London to live with her father, young Ingrid has been trying to make sense of the disappearance of her mother just as peace in Norway was declared. Ingrid desperately holds onto the fact that Anni promised she would always come back for her. Undaunted, Ingrid sets out to discover what happened to her mother all those years ago...
Occupied Norway, 1944. As the war rages on, Anni is surviving as best she can, contributing to the resistance whenever possible and standing firm without her sailor husband Lars, who she hasn't heard from in three years. Her daughter Ingrid is the bright spot in her life and Anni is determined to keep her safe and happy. When a German official is billeted at their house the situation for them both becomes far more dangerous, and Anni faces an impossible choice.
In the years since the war and since she moved to London to live with her father, young Ingrid has been trying to make sense of the disappearance of her mother just as peace in Norway was declared. Ingrid desperately holds onto the fact that Anni promised she would always come back for her. Undaunted, Ingrid sets out to discover what happened to her mother all those years ago...
352 pages, Paperback
Published June 19, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 5, 2024
I read an earlier draft of this book and was enthralled. Reading the published version, I remembered all the reasons I’d loved it so much.
Anni is such a terrific heroine. She’s self-sacrificing and strong, but very human. Her relationship with her daughter is beautifully drawn. We see her love, her good humour and patience. Anni is a woman who puts others first, whether that’s her child, or her mother-in-law, or her friends in the Resistance and the Allied men they help. Every decision she makes (and she’s forced into some tough ones!) is written with empathy and it’s impossible not to respect her constant desire to live a fulfilling life whilst doing the right thing.
I know little of Norwegian history but this book made wartime come alive. The deprivations and determination of ordinary people to get through hardship and oppression; the way even the most trivial aspects of life were affected by the war and the Nazi occupation. The book offers a balanced view, showing the grey areas that cause good people to suffer dilemmas. It’s a powerful story of how women so often suffer for reasons they have little or no control over.
If you enjoy historical fiction, and especially stories set in Europe during WWII, you won’t regret reading this book. It’s a tense, heart-rending story of love, war, and what they both cost us.
Anni is such a terrific heroine. She’s self-sacrificing and strong, but very human. Her relationship with her daughter is beautifully drawn. We see her love, her good humour and patience. Anni is a woman who puts others first, whether that’s her child, or her mother-in-law, or her friends in the Resistance and the Allied men they help. Every decision she makes (and she’s forced into some tough ones!) is written with empathy and it’s impossible not to respect her constant desire to live a fulfilling life whilst doing the right thing.
I know little of Norwegian history but this book made wartime come alive. The deprivations and determination of ordinary people to get through hardship and oppression; the way even the most trivial aspects of life were affected by the war and the Nazi occupation. The book offers a balanced view, showing the grey areas that cause good people to suffer dilemmas. It’s a powerful story of how women so often suffer for reasons they have little or no control over.
If you enjoy historical fiction, and especially stories set in Europe during WWII, you won’t regret reading this book. It’s a tense, heart-rending story of love, war, and what they both cost us.
June 11, 2025
"One mother's impossible choice. One daughter's epic search"
…
Anna Normann is the collaborative pseudonym of two authors for whom, both individually and together, documenting WWII in novel form, is a passion. I find it difficult to believe that this is the first book for either of them, to have been translated into English and I am definitely hooked! The level of research they have undertaken is clear in the tense, detailed timeline of events and the gripping dynamics between the characters, which when woven together, brings everything to life in a way which doesn't always make for comfortable reading and is a highly emotional journey throughout.
This intense, heart-breaking story of love and war, took me from the latter period of WWII through to the 1980s and although the chapters did travel back and forth along that timeline, they were well signposted and flowed effortlessly. Whilst the multiple locations of Norway, England and Germany were well described and kept me, as an avid 'armchair traveller', totally entertained, this book was all about the characters, with the dual narration which switched perspectives between Anni and her daughter Ingrid, being especially immersive and enthralling and documented with wonderful empathy.
With my own limited schooldays knowledge of WWII events, I was aware that Norway was a country which both suffered and survived enemy occupation. However, I was completely unaware that the Norwegian government had spent much of that period in exile in London, from where they remotely passed emergency wartime legislation on an unsuspecting Norwegian female population, which appeared to be almost inhumane, archaic and immoral in its range and scope. There seemed to be little cognisance or recognition of the huge undertaking and commitment of the women left at home when their menfolk had gone to war, who risked their lives daily to keep hope alive in the country by being part of the 'silent resistance', which thwarted the enemy at every given opportunity and saved countless lives along the way. Absolutely, some of the women had willingly become the mistresses of German officers and those females felt the full wrath of the local, loyal Norwegian citizens, being labelled 'Nazi sluts'. However many, like Anni, had found themselves hosts to uninvited German guests, who were billeted in their homes for the duration of hostilities. For those innocent and often brave women, to then find themselves left alone to get by in whatever way possible, after having been abandoned by their menfolk and their elected government, must have been horrifying.
The dynamics between three generations of strong women, Guri, her daughter-in-law Anni, and her granddaughter Ingrid, are exceptionally and beautifully well drawn and poignant, with the secondary cast of characters being equally seamlessly integrated into an engrossing storyline which has its roots based firmly in a strong sense of Norwegian social history. Notwithstanding the terrible cost of war suffered by those brave souls on the frontline, the consequences borne by an innocent civilian population are highlighted in great detail in this bittersweet storyline. Families torn apart and persecuted for their efforts at survival and the unbreakable, often invisible bonds, which exist between mother and daughter, over almost a lifetime of separation. At some point in their lives, Guri, Anni and Ingrid must all come to terms with the decision made by son, husband and father, Lars, which sets off the unstoppable chain of events, from which there seems to be no return or reconciliation, save for the dogged determination of Ingrid and her husband, with help and support from a completely unexpected source, who forms an integral part of Ingrid's life when she is torn from her mother in such a shattering way.
Whole-heartedly recommended, so long as you have the tissues close at hand, and I can't wait to see where their writing journey takes this duo next!
…
Anna Normann is the collaborative pseudonym of two authors for whom, both individually and together, documenting WWII in novel form, is a passion. I find it difficult to believe that this is the first book for either of them, to have been translated into English and I am definitely hooked! The level of research they have undertaken is clear in the tense, detailed timeline of events and the gripping dynamics between the characters, which when woven together, brings everything to life in a way which doesn't always make for comfortable reading and is a highly emotional journey throughout.
This intense, heart-breaking story of love and war, took me from the latter period of WWII through to the 1980s and although the chapters did travel back and forth along that timeline, they were well signposted and flowed effortlessly. Whilst the multiple locations of Norway, England and Germany were well described and kept me, as an avid 'armchair traveller', totally entertained, this book was all about the characters, with the dual narration which switched perspectives between Anni and her daughter Ingrid, being especially immersive and enthralling and documented with wonderful empathy.
With my own limited schooldays knowledge of WWII events, I was aware that Norway was a country which both suffered and survived enemy occupation. However, I was completely unaware that the Norwegian government had spent much of that period in exile in London, from where they remotely passed emergency wartime legislation on an unsuspecting Norwegian female population, which appeared to be almost inhumane, archaic and immoral in its range and scope. There seemed to be little cognisance or recognition of the huge undertaking and commitment of the women left at home when their menfolk had gone to war, who risked their lives daily to keep hope alive in the country by being part of the 'silent resistance', which thwarted the enemy at every given opportunity and saved countless lives along the way. Absolutely, some of the women had willingly become the mistresses of German officers and those females felt the full wrath of the local, loyal Norwegian citizens, being labelled 'Nazi sluts'. However many, like Anni, had found themselves hosts to uninvited German guests, who were billeted in their homes for the duration of hostilities. For those innocent and often brave women, to then find themselves left alone to get by in whatever way possible, after having been abandoned by their menfolk and their elected government, must have been horrifying.
The dynamics between three generations of strong women, Guri, her daughter-in-law Anni, and her granddaughter Ingrid, are exceptionally and beautifully well drawn and poignant, with the secondary cast of characters being equally seamlessly integrated into an engrossing storyline which has its roots based firmly in a strong sense of Norwegian social history. Notwithstanding the terrible cost of war suffered by those brave souls on the frontline, the consequences borne by an innocent civilian population are highlighted in great detail in this bittersweet storyline. Families torn apart and persecuted for their efforts at survival and the unbreakable, often invisible bonds, which exist between mother and daughter, over almost a lifetime of separation. At some point in their lives, Guri, Anni and Ingrid must all come to terms with the decision made by son, husband and father, Lars, which sets off the unstoppable chain of events, from which there seems to be no return or reconciliation, save for the dogged determination of Ingrid and her husband, with help and support from a completely unexpected source, who forms an integral part of Ingrid's life when she is torn from her mother in such a shattering way.
Whole-heartedly recommended, so long as you have the tissues close at hand, and I can't wait to see where their writing journey takes this duo next!
February 28, 2025
I'm tearing up again just writing the review
The Silent Resistance is a heartbreaking and poignant tale set against the backdrop of World War II and its aftermath. Following the story of Anni, a Norwegian woman dedicated to the resistance, and her daughter Ingrid, this novel captures the devastation war brings not only to nations but also to families.
The relationship between Anni and Ingrid is truly the heart of this story, their bond is portrayed with such tenderness and love. Watching them navigate the horrors of occupation—doing everything in their power to survive, yet facing circumstances far beyond their control—was gut-wrenching. Anni’s desperation to shield her daughter from the dangers of war and Ingrid’s later search for the truth about her mother had me emotionally invested.
When a Nazi civilian is billeted at her home, Anni is faced with an impossible choice. Despite her dedication to the resistance and her role in saving countless lives, Anni finds herself falling in love with the enemy. The consequences of this relationship are harsh, as the Norwegian government prosecutes women like her with shocking severity. I had no idea the extent of these punishments, and it was heartbreaking to see how her own country turned its back on her, even after all the sacrifices she had made.
Ingrid’s journey, in particular, left a lasting impact on me. Her struggle to uncover what happened to her mother, years after the war ended, was filled with so many frustrating and heartbreaking obstacles. Her pain was palpable, and I couldn’t help but feel the weight of her loss and determination. This book had me in tears by the end.
The Silent Resistance shines a light on the human cost of war, especially for civilians, and how it can tear even the closest families apart. It also highlights the moral complexities of survival, and how even those who risked everything for their country could be persecuted for the choices they made. This is a beautiful, bittersweet story of a mother’s fierce love for her child, and the lengths she’ll go to protect her. It’s a book that will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you NetGalley and Allison & Busby for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
The Silent Resistance is a heartbreaking and poignant tale set against the backdrop of World War II and its aftermath. Following the story of Anni, a Norwegian woman dedicated to the resistance, and her daughter Ingrid, this novel captures the devastation war brings not only to nations but also to families.
The relationship between Anni and Ingrid is truly the heart of this story, their bond is portrayed with such tenderness and love. Watching them navigate the horrors of occupation—doing everything in their power to survive, yet facing circumstances far beyond their control—was gut-wrenching. Anni’s desperation to shield her daughter from the dangers of war and Ingrid’s later search for the truth about her mother had me emotionally invested.
When a Nazi civilian is billeted at her home, Anni is faced with an impossible choice. Despite her dedication to the resistance and her role in saving countless lives, Anni finds herself falling in love with the enemy. The consequences of this relationship are harsh, as the Norwegian government prosecutes women like her with shocking severity. I had no idea the extent of these punishments, and it was heartbreaking to see how her own country turned its back on her, even after all the sacrifices she had made.
Ingrid’s journey, in particular, left a lasting impact on me. Her struggle to uncover what happened to her mother, years after the war ended, was filled with so many frustrating and heartbreaking obstacles. Her pain was palpable, and I couldn’t help but feel the weight of her loss and determination. This book had me in tears by the end.
The Silent Resistance shines a light on the human cost of war, especially for civilians, and how it can tear even the closest families apart. It also highlights the moral complexities of survival, and how even those who risked everything for their country could be persecuted for the choices they made. This is a beautiful, bittersweet story of a mother’s fierce love for her child, and the lengths she’ll go to protect her. It’s a book that will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you NetGalley and Allison & Busby for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
December 5, 2024
My Review –
Thank you so much to Alison & Busby for my copy of The Silent Resistance.
Those who follow me, should by now know that I love a gripping WW2 read, so when I saw the premise of The Silent Resistance, I knew this would be a great read.
Set in Norway during the Nazi occupation of 1944 we meet Anni and her daughter Ingrid, she is surviving the best she can under occupation without her husband Lars, who went off with other Norwegian merchant sailors, she assumes to Great Britian, but she hasn’t heard from him in three years.
When a German Official is billeted to their home, the tension of their situation becomes heightened, especially as Anni and her mother-in-Law work for the Norwegian Resistance. What then follows is a dual time novel told from two points of view Anni, during the remainder of the war and Ingrid in the future years. And wow what a fantastic novel this is, I totally adored both the characters of Anni and Ingrid, and the research that has been done into their lives under German occupation is amazing (although this is fiction there are little known historical facts in The Silent Resistance), I didn’t know much about Norway under occupation so this book really opened my eyes to it, and it was enthralling.
The dynamics between all the cast of characters is remarkable and the way Ingrid has been written in the years following the second world war, is truly exceptional. This was a gripping, tense, moving and above all a hopeful read, I really couldn’t put it down. If you like World War Two novels, you will love The Silent Resistance, it has become one of my favourite novels of this time (along with Operation Moonlight by Louise Morrish), some novels just really hit me in the feels as they say, and this was one of them.
For a first of their novels translated into English, this is a triumph, I really hope there will more of Anan & Natalie’s novels translated for me to read, as I am a firm fan!
A brilliant 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star read, and a must read for historical fiction fans.
Thank you so much to Alison & Busby for my copy of The Silent Resistance.
Those who follow me, should by now know that I love a gripping WW2 read, so when I saw the premise of The Silent Resistance, I knew this would be a great read.
Set in Norway during the Nazi occupation of 1944 we meet Anni and her daughter Ingrid, she is surviving the best she can under occupation without her husband Lars, who went off with other Norwegian merchant sailors, she assumes to Great Britian, but she hasn’t heard from him in three years.
When a German Official is billeted to their home, the tension of their situation becomes heightened, especially as Anni and her mother-in-Law work for the Norwegian Resistance. What then follows is a dual time novel told from two points of view Anni, during the remainder of the war and Ingrid in the future years. And wow what a fantastic novel this is, I totally adored both the characters of Anni and Ingrid, and the research that has been done into their lives under German occupation is amazing (although this is fiction there are little known historical facts in The Silent Resistance), I didn’t know much about Norway under occupation so this book really opened my eyes to it, and it was enthralling.
The dynamics between all the cast of characters is remarkable and the way Ingrid has been written in the years following the second world war, is truly exceptional. This was a gripping, tense, moving and above all a hopeful read, I really couldn’t put it down. If you like World War Two novels, you will love The Silent Resistance, it has become one of my favourite novels of this time (along with Operation Moonlight by Louise Morrish), some novels just really hit me in the feels as they say, and this was one of them.
For a first of their novels translated into English, this is a triumph, I really hope there will more of Anan & Natalie’s novels translated for me to read, as I am a firm fan!
A brilliant 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star read, and a must read for historical fiction fans.
December 5, 2024
The Silent Resistance is a fresh perspective on the second World War from the point of view of a beleaguered nation whose citizens resisted in silence, working tirelessly and fearlessly in the background while waiting for the day they would be free again. It is the powerful and poignant story of one woman’s attempts to navigate loyalty to her country while indulging in forbidden love. And also her daughter’s subsequent search for her mother and the truth about what really happened during the war - including some extraordinary injustices! It is a gripping read, at times heart-breaking but ultimately uplifting, and it kept me spell-bound all the way through. The romantic element was all I could have hoped for, with not one but two love stories. I also learned so much about this period of history in Norway, and I couldn’t help but shed a few tears at the end – in the best possible way. I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it whole-heartedly!
April 29, 2025
I loved this book so much. It was effortless to champion and root for Anni, my favorite character in the story. She was an incredible mother, faithful wife, and dutiful member of the resistance. Ingrid and Guri are also incredibly endearing. I loved the alternating timelines between nearing the end of WWII and slowly getting closer to 50 years forward.
There’s usually at least one choice a character makes in a story that’s all groan-eye roll-ugh, but not in this once. It was clear the plot and rationale behind decisions was well thought out. Such good story telling.
Thank you NetGalley and Allison & Busby for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
There’s usually at least one choice a character makes in a story that’s all groan-eye roll-ugh, but not in this once. It was clear the plot and rationale behind decisions was well thought out. Such good story telling.
Thank you NetGalley and Allison & Busby for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
October 21, 2024
This was a really interesting book, I didn’t know anything about Norway during WW2. The characters were complex but like-able for the most part. I love a back and forth between timelines and POVs so they had me from the jump.
October 26, 2024
This is a beautifully written heartbreaking fictional story based on true events during the German occupation of Norway during WW2. Anni is betrayed by both her husband and the Norwegian state. Both of those hide their action from her daughter Ingrid, who is left not knowing what happened to her mum after the war. It made me angry that Ingrid's family do not tell her about her Mum, leaving her feeling betrayed, instead of her Dad owning his actions and the consequences of them. A book that leaves you feeling incredibly sad for the innocent victims of the war and in awe of the bravery of those who lived through the occupation.
November 25, 2024
I visited Norway a few years ago, including two of the places mentioned in the book, so revisiting them through The Silent Resistance was wonderful. As someone who lives in a place that the Nazis occupied in the Second World War, this book had an extra depth of fascination for me as I discovered what the Norwegian people also had to endure.
What an incredible book, the characters, sense of place and time absorbed me into this emotive story of bravery, sacrifice and above all, love. I can highly recommend this book.
My thanks to the publisher, Alison & Busby for an early copy. Here is my honest review.
What an incredible book, the characters, sense of place and time absorbed me into this emotive story of bravery, sacrifice and above all, love. I can highly recommend this book.
My thanks to the publisher, Alison & Busby for an early copy. Here is my honest review.
October 26, 2024
A very good novel! I enjoyed the interesting and thought provoking plot. The characters felt real and the suspense was enthralling. A page-turner!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
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December 22, 2024I loved it. It broke me. Beautiful, heartbreaking, hopeful
November 2, 2025
The German occupation of Norway is a new World War Two location for me so I was looking forward to reading 'The Silent Resistance' by Anna Normann. It tells the story of three generations of women in one family who live outside the town of Haugesund.
Anni Odland's husband Lars is a seaman on the Atlantic convoys. She survives day to day with her young daughter Ingrid in an isolated house outside town, and Guri, Anni's goat-keeping mother-in-law who lives at a nearby farm. They are tough women. Haugesund is a coastal place where wives are used to the absences of their seafaring men. But Lars was at sea when the Germans attacked and hasn't been home since. This a woman's story of bravery under duress, of resisting the enemy despite living under occupation, being at constant risk of danger or betrayal, while caring for her innocent but curious daughter. Woven through its pages is the eternal wartime conflict of romance.
The ugliness of war contrasts starkly with the beauty of the Norwegian coast. Normann examines what constitutes loyalty, and betrayal, in wartime circumstances. The family's life changes when a German is billetted at Anni and Ingrid's home. Anni's story is intense, showing her loyalty to Ingrid and her determination to continue her work with the local resistance group. But she has limited power, must take decisions in impossible circumstances and decide between compromises that only have bad outcomes. A brave woman. At all times she seeks to protect Ingrid's innocence, an almost impossible task when children are plunged into such a nightmare scenario. When the war ends, Ingrid is seven and can remember nothing but war. Anni has disappeared and no one can answer Ingrid's questions.
The first three-quarters of the wartime story is told in detail, the later explanation of the decades after the war in contrast seems rushed. Action takes place from the 1940s to 1980s. Viewpoints are concentrated on Anni and Ingrid at varying points through the decades, often going back and forth in time. A chronological order might have maintained for longer the mystery of Anni's destiny and explore the impact on the family of Anni and Lars' decisions. I also longed to hear a contrasting point of view from outside the family, to add depth to the portrayal of life under German rule and an outsider's view of the family.
'The Silent Resistance' is an emotional story of the cruelty of war and the separations it forces. Even those who fight for their country are not immune to unjustified wrongs. There is a heartbreaking twist that defies belief that it actually happened. The Author's Note at the end supplies vital historical context.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
Anni Odland's husband Lars is a seaman on the Atlantic convoys. She survives day to day with her young daughter Ingrid in an isolated house outside town, and Guri, Anni's goat-keeping mother-in-law who lives at a nearby farm. They are tough women. Haugesund is a coastal place where wives are used to the absences of their seafaring men. But Lars was at sea when the Germans attacked and hasn't been home since. This a woman's story of bravery under duress, of resisting the enemy despite living under occupation, being at constant risk of danger or betrayal, while caring for her innocent but curious daughter. Woven through its pages is the eternal wartime conflict of romance.
The ugliness of war contrasts starkly with the beauty of the Norwegian coast. Normann examines what constitutes loyalty, and betrayal, in wartime circumstances. The family's life changes when a German is billetted at Anni and Ingrid's home. Anni's story is intense, showing her loyalty to Ingrid and her determination to continue her work with the local resistance group. But she has limited power, must take decisions in impossible circumstances and decide between compromises that only have bad outcomes. A brave woman. At all times she seeks to protect Ingrid's innocence, an almost impossible task when children are plunged into such a nightmare scenario. When the war ends, Ingrid is seven and can remember nothing but war. Anni has disappeared and no one can answer Ingrid's questions.
The first three-quarters of the wartime story is told in detail, the later explanation of the decades after the war in contrast seems rushed. Action takes place from the 1940s to 1980s. Viewpoints are concentrated on Anni and Ingrid at varying points through the decades, often going back and forth in time. A chronological order might have maintained for longer the mystery of Anni's destiny and explore the impact on the family of Anni and Lars' decisions. I also longed to hear a contrasting point of view from outside the family, to add depth to the portrayal of life under German rule and an outsider's view of the family.
'The Silent Resistance' is an emotional story of the cruelty of war and the separations it forces. Even those who fight for their country are not immune to unjustified wrongs. There is a heartbreaking twist that defies belief that it actually happened. The Author's Note at the end supplies vital historical context.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
October 26, 2025
This was an emotional rollercoaster read I didn't know I needed in my life!! I don't know what it is about WW2 novels that get me so emotionally invested but this was a real treat to read and I'm very glad I picked it up - once I started it I didn't put it down!
The story is told over a number of years, starting with from the viewpoint of a young girl, Ingrid, who is living with her mother, Anni, during the Second World War in Norway. Her father, Lars, is a sailor who is away, and they've not heard from him so are trying to face life the best that they can during a time full of threats.
The story switches over different time periods and different places, but there's always that family core at the heart of it, especially from the viewpoint of Ingrid who is a wonderfully feisty child, always questioning and always wondering why things the way they are. I loved the viewpoint of Anni too, as you see her face the world as a mum to a young girl, doing what she can for the local community through trying times, and full of her own questions as to what has happened to her husband.
You really see the resilience of children through the younger years of Ingrid and her quest for answers is infectious. When the german man shows up at their house to 'board', you see both women question his real reason of being there and how it impacts their life, but they really have no choice but to go along with his request. As they spend more time with Kerber, they see the man behind the nationality and the respect that builds.
I loved seeing how the storyline travels well over the years and in different locations. We see Ingrid go from a young girl, to a woman and her story never loses interest as there's so many unanswered questions for her after her mother disappears from her life. You saw how devoted Anni was to Ingrid, so for her to just vanish was a real mystery and Ingrid never settles until she finds answers.
It gives a great glimpse into what life was like for the people of Norway during the War, something I knew very little about so have been inspired to do my own research, and the characters were so easy to empathize with that you feel their every emotion as life plays out. This has been one of my most favourite reads of 2025 and I cannot recommend it highly enough especially if you're a historical fiction lover like me!
The story is told over a number of years, starting with from the viewpoint of a young girl, Ingrid, who is living with her mother, Anni, during the Second World War in Norway. Her father, Lars, is a sailor who is away, and they've not heard from him so are trying to face life the best that they can during a time full of threats.
The story switches over different time periods and different places, but there's always that family core at the heart of it, especially from the viewpoint of Ingrid who is a wonderfully feisty child, always questioning and always wondering why things the way they are. I loved the viewpoint of Anni too, as you see her face the world as a mum to a young girl, doing what she can for the local community through trying times, and full of her own questions as to what has happened to her husband.
You really see the resilience of children through the younger years of Ingrid and her quest for answers is infectious. When the german man shows up at their house to 'board', you see both women question his real reason of being there and how it impacts their life, but they really have no choice but to go along with his request. As they spend more time with Kerber, they see the man behind the nationality and the respect that builds.
I loved seeing how the storyline travels well over the years and in different locations. We see Ingrid go from a young girl, to a woman and her story never loses interest as there's so many unanswered questions for her after her mother disappears from her life. You saw how devoted Anni was to Ingrid, so for her to just vanish was a real mystery and Ingrid never settles until she finds answers.
It gives a great glimpse into what life was like for the people of Norway during the War, something I knew very little about so have been inspired to do my own research, and the characters were so easy to empathize with that you feel their every emotion as life plays out. This has been one of my most favourite reads of 2025 and I cannot recommend it highly enough especially if you're a historical fiction lover like me!
November 23, 2024
The Silent Resistance by Anna Normann is a gorgeous story about courage, family (especially mother/daughter), sorrow, hardship, love, and perseverance. Set in Norway late in World War II, danger lurks everywhere and war changes everyone. Nazi collaboration is suddenly rife. Desperate times call for desperate measures and people do what they wouldn't in times of peace.
In 1945, Anni does what she can to comfort and bring joy to her precious little girl, Ingrid. Anni's husband has not returned from the war. Besta, Ingrid's delightful grandmother, is an important part of their lives and has ways of gifting even though items are nearly impossible to procure. They have much-deserved occasional treats and times of play. All Ingrid knows in her young life is war. She can differentiate between "good" and "bad" men. When a Nazi comes to their home asking to billet there, Anni has no choice. She now has a stranger,..an enemy...under her roof with her daughter, and danger is inescapable. Anni also has a secret life of sorts.
Interspersed throughout are chronological timelines after the war which give the reader glimpses into the characters' later lives, seamlessly done. The Bigamy Law and fraternizing with the enemy were very real and carried serious repercussions.
The historical details are incredibly detailed such as rationing, "Blue milk" and shortage of ordinary items including boots, especially leather. We take so much for granted such as safety pins, buttons, butter, and oranges which then were akin to treasure and invaluable bartering tools. People had to become enterprising and resourceful.
I like that the author based her book on a family member who lived through Haugesund. What a lovely way to honour her and showcase this lesser-known part of the war in Norway. This book grabbed me immediately. Not only is the setting unusual but the writing is intelligent and full of heart. It was very easy to love several of the characters.
My sincere thank you to Allison & Busby and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this life-enriching novel which really stirred me.
In 1945, Anni does what she can to comfort and bring joy to her precious little girl, Ingrid. Anni's husband has not returned from the war. Besta, Ingrid's delightful grandmother, is an important part of their lives and has ways of gifting even though items are nearly impossible to procure. They have much-deserved occasional treats and times of play. All Ingrid knows in her young life is war. She can differentiate between "good" and "bad" men. When a Nazi comes to their home asking to billet there, Anni has no choice. She now has a stranger,..an enemy...under her roof with her daughter, and danger is inescapable. Anni also has a secret life of sorts.
Interspersed throughout are chronological timelines after the war which give the reader glimpses into the characters' later lives, seamlessly done. The Bigamy Law and fraternizing with the enemy were very real and carried serious repercussions.
The historical details are incredibly detailed such as rationing, "Blue milk" and shortage of ordinary items including boots, especially leather. We take so much for granted such as safety pins, buttons, butter, and oranges which then were akin to treasure and invaluable bartering tools. People had to become enterprising and resourceful.
I like that the author based her book on a family member who lived through Haugesund. What a lovely way to honour her and showcase this lesser-known part of the war in Norway. This book grabbed me immediately. Not only is the setting unusual but the writing is intelligent and full of heart. It was very easy to love several of the characters.
My sincere thank you to Allison & Busby and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this life-enriching novel which really stirred me.
December 3, 2024
The Silent Resistance, Anna Normann delivers a gripping dual timeline story of courage, heartbreak, and the enduring bond between a mother and daughter, set against the perilous backdrop of Nazi-occupied Norway.
It’s 1944, and Anni is doing everything she can to survive the war and fight back in her own small but powerful way. With her sailor husband missing for three years, Anni’s world revolves around keeping her young daughter Ingrid safe. But when a German official is billeted in their home, the stakes skyrocket, forcing Anni to make a choice that will alter their lives forever.
Fast-forward to post-war London: Ingrid, now grown, is haunted by her mother’s mysterious disappearance at the war’s end. Clinging to the memory of Anni’s promise to return, Ingrid embarks on a poignant journey to uncover the truth of what happened to her mother and why.
Why I Loved This Book
1. Dual Timelines, Double the Heartbreak: Normann masterfully weaves Anni’s wartime struggles with Ingrid’s post-war search for answers, creating a narrative that’s as suspenseful as it is emotional.
2. Anni’s Strength: Anni isn’t just surviving; she’s resisting. Her quiet bravery and fierce love for Ingrid shine, even as the war demands impossible sacrifices.
3. Ingrid’s Determination: As Ingrid pieces together the past, her resilience and hope in the face of unanswered questions tugged at my heartstrings.
4. Historical Depth: From occupied Norway’s quiet resistance to London’s post-war shadows, the settings feel vivid and alive, immersing us in each era.
This beautiful story is about love and the lengths we go to for those we hold dear. It’s also a powerful meditation on resilience, identity, and how history shapes the lives of those who come after.
An absolute must-read for fans of historical fiction with heart and heft. Normann’s storytelling is rich with emotion, her characters unforgettable, and her exploration of wartime choices and consequences deeply moving. Highly Recommend!
It’s 1944, and Anni is doing everything she can to survive the war and fight back in her own small but powerful way. With her sailor husband missing for three years, Anni’s world revolves around keeping her young daughter Ingrid safe. But when a German official is billeted in their home, the stakes skyrocket, forcing Anni to make a choice that will alter their lives forever.
Fast-forward to post-war London: Ingrid, now grown, is haunted by her mother’s mysterious disappearance at the war’s end. Clinging to the memory of Anni’s promise to return, Ingrid embarks on a poignant journey to uncover the truth of what happened to her mother and why.
Why I Loved This Book
1. Dual Timelines, Double the Heartbreak: Normann masterfully weaves Anni’s wartime struggles with Ingrid’s post-war search for answers, creating a narrative that’s as suspenseful as it is emotional.
2. Anni’s Strength: Anni isn’t just surviving; she’s resisting. Her quiet bravery and fierce love for Ingrid shine, even as the war demands impossible sacrifices.
3. Ingrid’s Determination: As Ingrid pieces together the past, her resilience and hope in the face of unanswered questions tugged at my heartstrings.
4. Historical Depth: From occupied Norway’s quiet resistance to London’s post-war shadows, the settings feel vivid and alive, immersing us in each era.
This beautiful story is about love and the lengths we go to for those we hold dear. It’s also a powerful meditation on resilience, identity, and how history shapes the lives of those who come after.
An absolute must-read for fans of historical fiction with heart and heft. Normann’s storytelling is rich with emotion, her characters unforgettable, and her exploration of wartime choices and consequences deeply moving. Highly Recommend!
December 5, 2024
The Silent Resistance is a World War II historical novel, and is real storytelling at it's absolute best.
I'm a big fan of history, especially WW2 history, so The Silent Resistance peaked my interest instantly, and it was all I expected it to be. I also enjoyed the Norwegian setting as I don't know much about war time Norway, so this was a great insight into that part of the world during those turbulent times.
We follow Anni, a member of the Norwegian Resistance, and her daughter, Ingrid, their deep relationship being the heart beat of the story. Without giving too much away, a Nazi civililan is billeted at her home and despite herself, and despite all the effort she has pur ij ln to defeat the Nazis uo to that point, she falls in love with him. Anni soon discovers the harsh reality of this illicit love with an enemy, as the Norwegian government deal with such people severely.
Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up.
So all in all, The Silent Resistance was a beautiful, emotional, heartbreaking read which highlights the human cost of war, and how some decisions we, as individuals make in life can have repercussions that can effect entire families.
It's a read that I'm sure wil have you shedding a tear or two and one that I'm sure will have you staying up long after you should have gone to sleep turning the pages.
I read this in three sittings.
5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
I'm a big fan of history, especially WW2 history, so The Silent Resistance peaked my interest instantly, and it was all I expected it to be. I also enjoyed the Norwegian setting as I don't know much about war time Norway, so this was a great insight into that part of the world during those turbulent times.
We follow Anni, a member of the Norwegian Resistance, and her daughter, Ingrid, their deep relationship being the heart beat of the story. Without giving too much away, a Nazi civililan is billeted at her home and despite herself, and despite all the effort she has pur ij ln to defeat the Nazis uo to that point, she falls in love with him. Anni soon discovers the harsh reality of this illicit love with an enemy, as the Norwegian government deal with such people severely.
Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up.
So all in all, The Silent Resistance was a beautiful, emotional, heartbreaking read which highlights the human cost of war, and how some decisions we, as individuals make in life can have repercussions that can effect entire families.
It's a read that I'm sure wil have you shedding a tear or two and one that I'm sure will have you staying up long after you should have gone to sleep turning the pages.
I read this in three sittings.
5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
December 7, 2024
This is one of the best WW2 novels I’ve read. It is set in Norway towards the end of the war, and in the years afterwards as Ingrid tries to unravel the mystery of what happened to her beloved mother Anni.
The book opens with 8-year-old Ingrid being bullied by classmates, with accusations that her mother was a collaborator in a relationship with a Nazi. We then move back: we see how brave Anni is as a member of the resistance, and how her feelings grow for Herr Gerber, the German civilian administrator billeted in their house. The story also moves forward through the twentieth century as Ingrid finds snippets of truth about what happened. The awful truth is heartbreaking and had me in tears.
At the heart of this book is the depth of love of Anni for her daughter Ingrid, a relationship that is beautifully drawn. But it's also a page-turner: I feared for the family’s wellbeing, and wanted to know what happened next.
It was refreshing to learn about Norway as a place, and what happened there during and just after the war. I had heard of Quisling, and was aware that Norwegians are uncomfortable about the degree of Nazi collaboration - but that was the limit of my knowledge. This book shows that, as often happens, women were victimised and marginalised.
If you enjoy WW2 stories and want a new perspective, I highly recommend this book.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book @NetGalley, @Allison&Busby. All opinions are my own.
The book opens with 8-year-old Ingrid being bullied by classmates, with accusations that her mother was a collaborator in a relationship with a Nazi. We then move back: we see how brave Anni is as a member of the resistance, and how her feelings grow for Herr Gerber, the German civilian administrator billeted in their house. The story also moves forward through the twentieth century as Ingrid finds snippets of truth about what happened. The awful truth is heartbreaking and had me in tears.
At the heart of this book is the depth of love of Anni for her daughter Ingrid, a relationship that is beautifully drawn. But it's also a page-turner: I feared for the family’s wellbeing, and wanted to know what happened next.
It was refreshing to learn about Norway as a place, and what happened there during and just after the war. I had heard of Quisling, and was aware that Norwegians are uncomfortable about the degree of Nazi collaboration - but that was the limit of my knowledge. This book shows that, as often happens, women were victimised and marginalised.
If you enjoy WW2 stories and want a new perspective, I highly recommend this book.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book @NetGalley, @Allison&Busby. All opinions are my own.
November 21, 2024
It is 1944 and Anni is living in Haugesund, Norway with her 7 year old daughter Ingrid. Although the war is drawing to a close the German grip on Norway is as strong as ever. Her husband Lars left Norway after it was invaded and Anni hasn’t heard from him since. Her mother in law Guri lives nearby and both women are helping the resistance. Told in multiple timelines from 1944 to the mid 1980’s and in dual POV’s, those of Anni and Ingrid.
Briefly, things change when Anni has a German official, Herr Gerber, at the door saying he is billeting at the house. Is he Gestapo or just a civilian? Then Anni disappears and Ingrid goes to live with her grandmother. After the war she reunites with her father and moves to London to live with him and new wife. But Ingrid determines to discover what happened to her mother, but is she prepared for the terrible truth!
I thought I knew quite a bit about Norway and the German occupation but there was a lot of new information in this book. Some of the exiled Norwegian government’s behaviours were quite shocking. Anni is a wonderful character and her relationship with Ingrid is very special. There are some heartbreaking moments in the book but equally some heartwarming ones. An emotional story that I’m still thinking about days later.
4.5⭐️
Briefly, things change when Anni has a German official, Herr Gerber, at the door saying he is billeting at the house. Is he Gestapo or just a civilian? Then Anni disappears and Ingrid goes to live with her grandmother. After the war she reunites with her father and moves to London to live with him and new wife. But Ingrid determines to discover what happened to her mother, but is she prepared for the terrible truth!
I thought I knew quite a bit about Norway and the German occupation but there was a lot of new information in this book. Some of the exiled Norwegian government’s behaviours were quite shocking. Anni is a wonderful character and her relationship with Ingrid is very special. There are some heartbreaking moments in the book but equally some heartwarming ones. An emotional story that I’m still thinking about days later.
4.5⭐️
January 28, 2025
In this complex and fascinating historical fiction book about the German occupation of Norway and the aftermath of the occupation, readers follow Anni and her daughter Ingrid from the war-torn 1940s to the 1950s, 1970s, and beyond. Separated from her husband Lars for three years, Anni only has Ingrid and her mother-in-law in her life until a German official is billeted in their house, making her resistance work and her loyalty to Lars far more difficult than she had planned. Grappling with her mother’s disappearance in the years after the war and her relocation to London to live with her father, readers follow Ingrid’s search for Anni after the war and discover how she grapples with the memories and secrets of the war. With two fascinating and complex narrators and very different conflicts for each, readers will be emotionally invested in this mother-daughter duo and their war stories in this fascinating and engaging new novel. Their relationship and their growth as individuals are the emotional heart of this novel, while the different locations and time periods really make this novel unique. Moving, powerfully written, and fascinating, this is a unique and immersive new World War II historical fiction novel that fans of the genre will love.
Thanks to NetGalley and Allison & Busby for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Allison & Busby for the advance copy.
December 8, 2024
This book is a heart-wrenching tale of love, loss, and survival set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Norway.
I was totally gripped as the story unfolded, gradually revealing Anni's fate. The suspense was palpable and I was desperate to learn what had happened to her. The characters were incredibly well-developed and I found myself totally invested and immersed in their lives. I would have loved to have known more about the missing years of Anni; maybe this could be another book?!?
As someone unfamiliar with the German occupation of Norway, I found the historical context to be both fascinating and heartbreaking. The novel brought to life the hardships endured by the Norwegian people and the sacrifices made by those who resisted the occupation. It made me appreciate the characters' struggles even more and gave me a deeper understanding of their motivations.
An excellent book that whilst it is a work of fiction, I have no doubt that it is a pretty accurate reflection of life during these horrendous times and I must thank the authors, Allison & Busby and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this captivating story.
I was totally gripped as the story unfolded, gradually revealing Anni's fate. The suspense was palpable and I was desperate to learn what had happened to her. The characters were incredibly well-developed and I found myself totally invested and immersed in their lives. I would have loved to have known more about the missing years of Anni; maybe this could be another book?!?
As someone unfamiliar with the German occupation of Norway, I found the historical context to be both fascinating and heartbreaking. The novel brought to life the hardships endured by the Norwegian people and the sacrifices made by those who resisted the occupation. It made me appreciate the characters' struggles even more and gave me a deeper understanding of their motivations.
An excellent book that whilst it is a work of fiction, I have no doubt that it is a pretty accurate reflection of life during these horrendous times and I must thank the authors, Allison & Busby and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this captivating story.
May 29, 2025
I really enjoyed The Silent Resistance. It felt different from other historical fiction I’ve read—quieter, more intimate, and deeply human. Instead of focusing on large-scale battles or political intrigue, the story takes us into the hearts and home of a family caught in the undertow of war, where survival often depends on impossible choices.
Watching Ingrid grow up over the course of the novel was one of the most compelling parts for me. Her transformation—shaped by the world around her and the strength she inherits—was moving and realistic. It added a layer of emotional depth that stayed with me.
What broke my heart most were the sacrifices Anni made. The choices she felt forced to make in order to protect her family were gut-wrenching, and yet, so full of quiet bravery. Normann captures that tension beautifully—the way courage can look like silence, surrender, or even betrayal, depending on the moment.
If you’re looking for historical fiction with strong emotional currents and unforgettable characters, The Silent Resistance is one I’d absolutely recommend.
I didn’t want their story to end!
Thanks to NetGalley and Allison & Busby for the ARC!
Watching Ingrid grow up over the course of the novel was one of the most compelling parts for me. Her transformation—shaped by the world around her and the strength she inherits—was moving and realistic. It added a layer of emotional depth that stayed with me.
What broke my heart most were the sacrifices Anni made. The choices she felt forced to make in order to protect her family were gut-wrenching, and yet, so full of quiet bravery. Normann captures that tension beautifully—the way courage can look like silence, surrender, or even betrayal, depending on the moment.
If you’re looking for historical fiction with strong emotional currents and unforgettable characters, The Silent Resistance is one I’d absolutely recommend.
I didn’t want their story to end!
Thanks to NetGalley and Allison & Busby for the ARC!
November 1, 2024
Anni lives in Norway throughout the German occupation. Along with her mother-in-law, Guri, they work for the Norwegian Resistance. Anni’s six year old daughter, Ingrid, remembers her mother disappearing one day and never returning.
The story is a dual narrative, told from Anni’s perspective during the war, and also covers Ingrid’s search for information about her mother, post-war. I liked the way the story was gradually pieced together so that we finally found out what happened to Anni, although there was a decade or more which was left unexplained.
Not knowing anything about the German occupation of Norway, or how the Norwegian people and government responded, this was an interesting read.
I loved all the characters, especially Anni. I think there is scope for further books about the characters. I would love to hear Lars’s story of how he met Esme and there is a missing decade which could be explored further. I suspect the authors won’t write these, but I would happily read them if they did.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story is a dual narrative, told from Anni’s perspective during the war, and also covers Ingrid’s search for information about her mother, post-war. I liked the way the story was gradually pieced together so that we finally found out what happened to Anni, although there was a decade or more which was left unexplained.
Not knowing anything about the German occupation of Norway, or how the Norwegian people and government responded, this was an interesting read.
I loved all the characters, especially Anni. I think there is scope for further books about the characters. I would love to hear Lars’s story of how he met Esme and there is a missing decade which could be explored further. I suspect the authors won’t write these, but I would happily read them if they did.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2024
Living under the German occupation of her home country of Norway Anni is doing her best to keep her young daughter safe, warm, and fed. With her husband in stuck in England she is doing the best she can to hold everything together by herself until the war is over. When her home is commandeered by a German it sets off a series of events which will lead to one impossible choice for Anni.
In postwar England Ingrid has been living with her father and stepmother. As the years pass her recollections of the war fade, but two questions remains. Where is her mother? Why did she leave her?
I really enjoyed this book. There were quite a few things I didn’t know about Norway during the war that I learned. This was an incredibly heartbreaking story about a mother who did everything she could for her child under impossible conditions, and how the effects of the war lasted well beyond it’s conclusion.
Thank you to Allison and Busby and Netgalley for letting me have an advanced copy of The Silent Resistance
In postwar England Ingrid has been living with her father and stepmother. As the years pass her recollections of the war fade, but two questions remains. Where is her mother? Why did she leave her?
I really enjoyed this book. There were quite a few things I didn’t know about Norway during the war that I learned. This was an incredibly heartbreaking story about a mother who did everything she could for her child under impossible conditions, and how the effects of the war lasted well beyond it’s conclusion.
Thank you to Allison and Busby and Netgalley for letting me have an advanced copy of The Silent Resistance
December 19, 2024
Have you ever heard of Norway's infamous Bigamy Law enacted by the exiled government during World War II?
No?
Neither had I until this novel. Chances are it never made it into history textbooks. This review/novel is not to revile or blame anybody, but to open people's eyes to what did happen. Be warned, it's an emotional read and can upset some people's sensibilities. But it is a MUST READ.
To quote the authors Anan Singh and Natalie Normann (Anna Normann is their pseudonym), "The Bigamy Law allowed Norwegian men who had found new partners abroad during the war to get a divorce from their unsuspecting spouses and remarry... Norway was the only country during the Second World War to pass such a law. The shame hung heavily over the victims of the Bigamy Law...."
In occupied Norway, separated from Lars Odland, her sailor husband, Anni and 7-year-old Ingrid face all the difficulties and dangers Nazi occupation brought with it. Rationing, privations of almost everything: bread, milk, cofee, tea, butter, eggs, meat, vegetables (barring turnips and potatoes), clothes, footwear, winter wear, coal in a bitterly cold country... sudden disappearances, fear. The only ones who seem to have it made are the quislings, Norwegian Nazi collaborators.
Danger is compounded when a German civilian officer, Herr Kerber is billeted in their tiny home - they can hardly refuse to house him - because Anni is part of the underground resistance. Now, it's too dangerous for her to participate in their activities or allow her home to be used by the resistance.
But does she continue to help the resistance? Is she caught? Does Lars Odland return? What happens to Anni? Why and how is Ingrid separated from her mother? Does she ever reunite with her again? What happens to Herr Kerber?
The hard-to-put down novel is expertly woven with several threads, all converging at one point: Occupation and post Occupation treatment of women who were the victims of the Bigamy Law, or who were seen as traitors for being the mistresses of Nazi officers (did they have a choice?) - the silent resistance.
One may like to think the Nazis are all uniformly bad and unjust and the Allies are universally gentlemanly and innately just. This novel stands those tropes on their heads. One bad law, one bad egg bent on vengeance, using lies and unjust accusations, messes up many lives, separating children and parents, causing untold grief and pain, compounding the injustice with unimaginable cruelty.
Anni's actions and reactions teach us much about love and loyalty to one's country, family, people, and forgiveness.
Extremely well written, this novel is not to be missed. Anna Norman has now become an automatic addition to my TBR.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book @NetGalley, @Allison&Busby. But all opinions are my own and unforced by any consideration. I'm so grateful I got to read this story of a little known, but huge injustice perpetrated by the so-called "good" side.
#TheSilentResistance #TheBookishPilgrim #HistoricalFiction #WorldWarTwoFiction
.
No?
Neither had I until this novel. Chances are it never made it into history textbooks. This review/novel is not to revile or blame anybody, but to open people's eyes to what did happen. Be warned, it's an emotional read and can upset some people's sensibilities. But it is a MUST READ.
To quote the authors Anan Singh and Natalie Normann (Anna Normann is their pseudonym), "The Bigamy Law allowed Norwegian men who had found new partners abroad during the war to get a divorce from their unsuspecting spouses and remarry... Norway was the only country during the Second World War to pass such a law. The shame hung heavily over the victims of the Bigamy Law...."
In occupied Norway, separated from Lars Odland, her sailor husband, Anni and 7-year-old Ingrid face all the difficulties and dangers Nazi occupation brought with it. Rationing, privations of almost everything: bread, milk, cofee, tea, butter, eggs, meat, vegetables (barring turnips and potatoes), clothes, footwear, winter wear, coal in a bitterly cold country... sudden disappearances, fear. The only ones who seem to have it made are the quislings, Norwegian Nazi collaborators.
Danger is compounded when a German civilian officer, Herr Kerber is billeted in their tiny home - they can hardly refuse to house him - because Anni is part of the underground resistance. Now, it's too dangerous for her to participate in their activities or allow her home to be used by the resistance.
But does she continue to help the resistance? Is she caught? Does Lars Odland return? What happens to Anni? Why and how is Ingrid separated from her mother? Does she ever reunite with her again? What happens to Herr Kerber?
The hard-to-put down novel is expertly woven with several threads, all converging at one point: Occupation and post Occupation treatment of women who were the victims of the Bigamy Law, or who were seen as traitors for being the mistresses of Nazi officers (did they have a choice?) - the silent resistance.
One may like to think the Nazis are all uniformly bad and unjust and the Allies are universally gentlemanly and innately just. This novel stands those tropes on their heads. One bad law, one bad egg bent on vengeance, using lies and unjust accusations, messes up many lives, separating children and parents, causing untold grief and pain, compounding the injustice with unimaginable cruelty.
Anni's actions and reactions teach us much about love and loyalty to one's country, family, people, and forgiveness.
Extremely well written, this novel is not to be missed. Anna Norman has now become an automatic addition to my TBR.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book @NetGalley, @Allison&Busby. But all opinions are my own and unforced by any consideration. I'm so grateful I got to read this story of a little known, but huge injustice perpetrated by the so-called "good" side.
#TheSilentResistance #TheBookishPilgrim #HistoricalFiction #WorldWarTwoFiction
.
December 10, 2024
Anni, a mother in Norway, tries to do the best she can during World War II. Left with her daughter Ingrid while her husband Lars is away at sea, she helps the resistance as best she can with her mother in law. When a German is sent to live with her, Anni’s life becomes ever more complicated. Ingrid, as she grows up, has questions about what she remembers and the end of the war, and sets off to find out what exactly happened to her family.
What a beautiful story! The Silent Resistance is a wonderful reminder of family, love and survival. Told with flash forwards alongside the main story, moments of revelation are paired with the actual events, and it is fantastic. Side characters are well developed and are imperative to the story as well. The story was well written and will stick with me long after I finish it.
Great novel, especially for those that enjoy World War II books!
What a beautiful story! The Silent Resistance is a wonderful reminder of family, love and survival. Told with flash forwards alongside the main story, moments of revelation are paired with the actual events, and it is fantastic. Side characters are well developed and are imperative to the story as well. The story was well written and will stick with me long after I finish it.
Great novel, especially for those that enjoy World War II books!
November 24, 2024
This was an excellent read. Highly informative about life in occupied Norway in WW2 and its aftermath, it demonstrated the injustice of punitive laws instituted as reprisal against those seen to collaborate with Nazi rule. One of the lead characters was faced with a heart wrenching dilemma of choosing between her two children. Some laws in retrospect seem incredible, that a Norwegian man separated from his wife for over three years could divorce her without her knowledge. There. Was much pathos here, but a great happy ending.
August 3, 2025
A fascinating read I with intrigue, fear and romance. This beautiful story pulled me into Anni and Ingrid’s worlds, and I cared deeply about them. Insight into their lives at different times paints a vivid picture of their experiences. I was gripped by the unique perspective on World War Two in Norway and was unaware of the hardship. I also delighted in glimpses of the landscape, food and culture. This novel is well researched and brimming with emotion. A heartbreaking and breathtaking World War Two saga that will keep you turning the pages into the wee small hours. Simply stunning!
November 3, 2024
This book, which is set in wartime Norway, centers on Anni as she tries to survive while living under Nazi rule.
With her husband missing at sea for years, Anni's primary focus is on protecting her young daughter, Ingrid, and contributing to the resistance.
But when a German officer is stationed in her home, her situation becomes dangerously complicated, forcing her to make a life-changing decision.
Moving on to London in 1952, we find Ingrid as a young lady who is still troubled by the unexplained disappearance of her mother at the end of the war.
Determined to find answers, she sets out on a journey to discover what truly happened to Anni.
The two timelines tell a compelling tale of love, grief, and the bravery required to pursue the truth.
I could not put this book down; it really put me through the ringer emotionally.
With her husband missing at sea for years, Anni's primary focus is on protecting her young daughter, Ingrid, and contributing to the resistance.
But when a German officer is stationed in her home, her situation becomes dangerously complicated, forcing her to make a life-changing decision.
Moving on to London in 1952, we find Ingrid as a young lady who is still troubled by the unexplained disappearance of her mother at the end of the war.
Determined to find answers, she sets out on a journey to discover what truly happened to Anni.
The two timelines tell a compelling tale of love, grief, and the bravery required to pursue the truth.
I could not put this book down; it really put me through the ringer emotionally.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2025
Beautifully written book that grabbed me from the first page . This book is the truest form of a mother's love, bravery and determination. I loved the duel timelines and point of views and can't wait to recommend this book to my family and friends, and am looking forward to seeing what else Anna Normann will write. I received an advanced reader digital copy of this book from Netgalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review
September 12, 2025
wow this made me cry, i loved the plot of the book and it captivating and educational at the same time, i got completely lost in the story at 100 pages in and could not put it down. the only reason i put this at 4 not 5 is because i noticed several times that the writing/narration was pretty repetitive. once i really got into the book this didn’t bother me at all but i just thought it was worth noting for others if they find this a deal breaker for a book.
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