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A Light in the Northern Sea: Denmark's Incredible Rescue of Their Jewish Citizens During WWII
From the bestselling author of Three Ordinary Girls, the gripping, remarkably little-known true story of how the people of Denmark banded together during WWII to rescue nearly all of their Jewish citizens from Nazi persecution by ferrying them just a few at a time to sanctuary in Sweden.
August 25, 1943. A lone bicyclist transports a cache of explosives, hidden in a beer crate, to a Copenhagen hall being readied to house German troops. In a violent blast, the would-be barracks is reduced to rubble. It’s the boldest act yet of Holger Danske and the growing Danish resistance combating the oppressiveness of Hitler’s Reich.
In 1940, on its way to conquering Western Europe, Germany coerced the Danish government into a “cooperative” agreement that lasted three long years until the increasing brazenness of the Resistance movement prompted a crackdown. Denmark’s nearly 8000 Jews, who had so far been spared Hitler’s wrath, now became the focus of his rage. A roundup was ordered to begin on October 1st, 1943, the first day of the Jewish New Year.
The only passage to safety was across the Oresund to Sweden. But no group existed to organize an escape. Until the last moment, Sweden didn’t agree to allow the refugees into the country; and the strait between the two nations was swarming with Gestapo.
What happened next was a miracle.
95% of Denmark’s Jews survived the Holocaust, the highest percentage in Europe. Here are the riveting true accounts of ordinary Danes who, using their modest resources, wiles, remarkable courage, and camaraderie, quietly orchestrated their escape.
Among them were Jorgen Kieler and his siblings, student activists galvanized by their sense that their government hadn’t done enough to prevent the German takeover . . . Henny Sinding, the legendary “Girl in the Red Hat” . . . David Sampolinsky, an Orthodox Jew who teamed with a Lutheran school teacher to escort hundreds to safety . . . Niels Bohr, the world-famous nuclear physicist being rushed to help Oppenheimer build the bomb at Los Alamos, who paused on his way to safety to implore the King of Sweden to allow Danish refugees into his country.
A work of World War II history that reads like a thriller, this inspiring chronicle examines why, unlike the rest of Western Europe, these accomplishments were so uniquely managed by the Danish people, even in the face of Nazi occupation and Hitler’s growing fixation on the Final Solution.
August 25, 1943. A lone bicyclist transports a cache of explosives, hidden in a beer crate, to a Copenhagen hall being readied to house German troops. In a violent blast, the would-be barracks is reduced to rubble. It’s the boldest act yet of Holger Danske and the growing Danish resistance combating the oppressiveness of Hitler’s Reich.
In 1940, on its way to conquering Western Europe, Germany coerced the Danish government into a “cooperative” agreement that lasted three long years until the increasing brazenness of the Resistance movement prompted a crackdown. Denmark’s nearly 8000 Jews, who had so far been spared Hitler’s wrath, now became the focus of his rage. A roundup was ordered to begin on October 1st, 1943, the first day of the Jewish New Year.
The only passage to safety was across the Oresund to Sweden. But no group existed to organize an escape. Until the last moment, Sweden didn’t agree to allow the refugees into the country; and the strait between the two nations was swarming with Gestapo.
What happened next was a miracle.
95% of Denmark’s Jews survived the Holocaust, the highest percentage in Europe. Here are the riveting true accounts of ordinary Danes who, using their modest resources, wiles, remarkable courage, and camaraderie, quietly orchestrated their escape.
Among them were Jorgen Kieler and his siblings, student activists galvanized by their sense that their government hadn’t done enough to prevent the German takeover . . . Henny Sinding, the legendary “Girl in the Red Hat” . . . David Sampolinsky, an Orthodox Jew who teamed with a Lutheran school teacher to escort hundreds to safety . . . Niels Bohr, the world-famous nuclear physicist being rushed to help Oppenheimer build the bomb at Los Alamos, who paused on his way to safety to implore the King of Sweden to allow Danish refugees into his country.
A work of World War II history that reads like a thriller, this inspiring chronicle examines why, unlike the rest of Western Europe, these accomplishments were so uniquely managed by the Danish people, even in the face of Nazi occupation and Hitler’s growing fixation on the Final Solution.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 9, 2025
A thrilling little-known story of how Denmark saved its Jews during WWII. Will have you up all night, leaving you incredibly inspired and deeply moved. I will definitely buy a copy for myself and give as gifts to my history-loving friends!
June 1, 2025
We still have relatives in Norway and even had one who was relegated to a Camp in Denmark during WW2 after a foiled resistance effort. Yes, this well written/researched nonfiction is centered on Denmark, but Scandinavians are closely related.
When faced with overwhelming odds, the Danes did whatever they had to by apparently surrendering to the occupation but forming a civilian resistance in cooperation with the British SOE while using sabotage and counterintelligence whenever they could. There are many specifics related here with the ease of a novelist, but they are all true. That includes the fact that whether individuals had a particular attitude about the Jews, the public and private stance was to defend them because they were Danes! Hence the group effort to evacuate all possible Jewry to a safer country. Excellent.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Kensington Publishing | Citadel via NetGalley. Pub Date Jul 29, 2025 I preordered a copy sent to our #5 kid who is an archivist in Indy.
#ALightintheNorthernSea by Tim Brady @kensingtonbooks #netgalley
#BritishSOE #sabotage #historical #Denmark #Danishresistance #wellresearched #nonfiction
#scandinavian #danishoccupation #WW2 #jews #evacuation #politicalémigrés @goodreads @bookbub @barnesandnoble @waterstones
When faced with overwhelming odds, the Danes did whatever they had to by apparently surrendering to the occupation but forming a civilian resistance in cooperation with the British SOE while using sabotage and counterintelligence whenever they could. There are many specifics related here with the ease of a novelist, but they are all true. That includes the fact that whether individuals had a particular attitude about the Jews, the public and private stance was to defend them because they were Danes! Hence the group effort to evacuate all possible Jewry to a safer country. Excellent.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Kensington Publishing | Citadel via NetGalley. Pub Date Jul 29, 2025 I preordered a copy sent to our #5 kid who is an archivist in Indy.
#ALightintheNorthernSea by Tim Brady @kensingtonbooks #netgalley
#BritishSOE #sabotage #historical #Denmark #Danishresistance #wellresearched #nonfiction
#scandinavian #danishoccupation #WW2 #jews #evacuation #politicalémigrés @goodreads @bookbub @barnesandnoble @waterstones
July 5, 2025
A Light in the Northern Sea by Tim Brady tells the amazing true story of how the Danish people managed to save almost their entire Jewish population during World War II. When the Nazis planned to round up Danish Jews, ordinary citizens, resistance fighters, and even some unlikely heroes came together to smuggle nearly all of them across the sea to safety in Sweden.
What’s so inspiring about this story is the courage and unity of a whole country standing up to injustice in the darkest time. From brave students and resistance members to famous scientists like Niels Bohr lending a hand, it’s a reminder that even small acts of kindness and bravery can make a huge difference.
Tim Brady’s writing makes the history come alive, part thrilling escape, part powerful lesson in humanity. If you’re into WWII stories that celebrate hope, resistance, and the strength of community, this one’s a must-read.
⚡️Thank you Citadel Press and Tim Brady for sharing this book with me!
What’s so inspiring about this story is the courage and unity of a whole country standing up to injustice in the darkest time. From brave students and resistance members to famous scientists like Niels Bohr lending a hand, it’s a reminder that even small acts of kindness and bravery can make a huge difference.
Tim Brady’s writing makes the history come alive, part thrilling escape, part powerful lesson in humanity. If you’re into WWII stories that celebrate hope, resistance, and the strength of community, this one’s a must-read.
⚡️Thank you Citadel Press and Tim Brady for sharing this book with me!
July 24, 2025
A Light in the Northern Sea by Tim Brady is a nonfiction novel about the work of the resistance in Denmark. The novel highlights key events and people. It contains maps and is footnoted to show where their information came from. I had read a nonfiction book about this previously with students called The Boys That Challenged Hitler by Phillip Hoose. I recognized some of the same information from the Churchill Club.
The book does have a number of Danish names that could be confusing or difficult, however I didn’t find that slowed me down. One of the things I found most interesting was the growth of the resistance and how they became so strong while still being separate from each other. The idea that 95% of the Jews in Denmark were safely evacuated is just unimaginable - until it is done by people with a strong purpose and calling.
The book does not read as a strict nonfiction book. The information shared with you was accurate and easily approachable. I like how the author included bunking some myths. A Light in the Northern Sea by Tim Brady was a good read.
The book does have a number of Danish names that could be confusing or difficult, however I didn’t find that slowed me down. One of the things I found most interesting was the growth of the resistance and how they became so strong while still being separate from each other. The idea that 95% of the Jews in Denmark were safely evacuated is just unimaginable - until it is done by people with a strong purpose and calling.
The book does not read as a strict nonfiction book. The information shared with you was accurate and easily approachable. I like how the author included bunking some myths. A Light in the Northern Sea by Tim Brady was a good read.
November 11, 2025
Thank you HighBridge Audio for allowing me to audibly read and review A Light in the Northern Sea, Denmark's Incredible Rescue of Their Jewish Citizens During WWII, by Tim Brady on NetGalley.
Narrated by David de Vries.
Published: 07/29/25
Stars: 4
When I think of WW II Denmark does not come to mind immediately. However, as noted by Brady, the state faced persecution by the Nazis.
What I found was every day citizens helped move people to Sweden in similar ways as other countries that I've read about and studied. There was no project manager, manual or plan. Individuals working together problem solving how to save human beings. I was struck by the similarities in a Light in the Northern Sea and the efforts of other states.
The book was more factual than I had expected. The storytelling is respectfully done.
The narrator did a good job.
I recommend.
Narrated by David de Vries.
Published: 07/29/25
Stars: 4
When I think of WW II Denmark does not come to mind immediately. However, as noted by Brady, the state faced persecution by the Nazis.
What I found was every day citizens helped move people to Sweden in similar ways as other countries that I've read about and studied. There was no project manager, manual or plan. Individuals working together problem solving how to save human beings. I was struck by the similarities in a Light in the Northern Sea and the efforts of other states.
The book was more factual than I had expected. The storytelling is respectfully done.
The narrator did a good job.
I recommend.
March 16, 2025
This non fiction book is extremely interesting! I have not read much about Denmark during WWII. This is a great shame. Indeed, I don't know many countries whose majority actively helped Jewish people flee and succeded in most part! Very impressive indeed. Definitely a great country known for its democratic values which the Germans were aware of. This helped the Danes's situation a great deal. Knowing that Denmark has so few inhabitants and that such a great percentage resisted, helped the resistants one way or the other is frankly impressive and should be more often told! An important and necessary read!
I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
dnf
August 22, 2025DNF.
By page 30 I was already losing interest because the book just dragged though I kept trying I couldn't finish it. What bugged me the most was that the author took forever to get to the point. There were a few times where he would use a paragraph to describe something even though he could have just used a sentence. Another thing was that the way he worded things were a bit odd and almost confusing. The last issue was the author did tend to repeat things sometimes rewording it.
Maybe I will try to read this later but right now I am tired of trudging through it.
By page 30 I was already losing interest because the book just dragged though I kept trying I couldn't finish it. What bugged me the most was that the author took forever to get to the point. There were a few times where he would use a paragraph to describe something even though he could have just used a sentence. Another thing was that the way he worded things were a bit odd and almost confusing. The last issue was the author did tend to repeat things sometimes rewording it.
Maybe I will try to read this later but right now I am tired of trudging through it.
July 31, 2025
A detailed recounting of the heroic actions of the people of Denmark 🇩🇰 who banded together to save their Jewish citizens escape deportation and ultimately death at the hands of the Nazis during WW2.
Once saved, the rebels continued to fight the Germans, along with the eventual aid of the Allies.
Once saved, the rebels continued to fight the Germans, along with the eventual aid of the Allies.
October 9, 2025
An Inspiring Historical Episode
My grandfather was Danish and I was raised in stories of the Holger Dansk resistance group and the rescue of the Jews, but this was the first comprehensive history of Denmark's resistance in WWII that I have read. It is a serious account and well worth the read. Highly recommended for those interested in Denmark and Resistance movements generally because the Danish Resistance was unique in many ways.
My grandfather was Danish and I was raised in stories of the Holger Dansk resistance group and the rescue of the Jews, but this was the first comprehensive history of Denmark's resistance in WWII that I have read. It is a serious account and well worth the read. Highly recommended for those interested in Denmark and Resistance movements generally because the Danish Resistance was unique in many ways.
August 6, 2025
I loved the history of this novel and take in new things I never knew about and glad their stories were told preserved in the pages and audiovook
October 20, 2025
I listened to this one as an audiobook, and it was informative but a little dry. It tells the remarkable story of how the Danish helped their Jewish community escape to Sweden during WWII occupation. It’s a moving story but definitely falls into a narrative nonfiction packed with information.
August 3, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for this Advanced copy of this audio book. I found Tim Brady's, A Light in the Northern Sea: Denmark's Incredible Rescue of their Jewish Citizens during WWII intriguing, informative and well paced.
WWll should never, MUST never be forgotten or repeated and although this novel is fiction, it allows the reader to gain an insight into the remarkable history of the Dante’s rescuing Jewish people during WWll. I have read many books and text relating to WWll and the Holocaust, both fiction and non fiction and can highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in knowing more about the Danish response effect in saving their Jewish citizens in WWll.
I will definitely be reading more of Aton Brady’s work.
WWll should never, MUST never be forgotten or repeated and although this novel is fiction, it allows the reader to gain an insight into the remarkable history of the Dante’s rescuing Jewish people during WWll. I have read many books and text relating to WWll and the Holocaust, both fiction and non fiction and can highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in knowing more about the Danish response effect in saving their Jewish citizens in WWll.
I will definitely be reading more of Aton Brady’s work.
July 20, 2025
Fascinating! I thoroughly enjoyed Tim Brady's A Light in the Northern Sea: Denmark's Incredible Rescue of Their Jewish Citizens During WWII. This is an important time in history which we should never forget, and the way the Danish people banded together to save the Jewish citizens is admirable.
I also really enjoyed David de Vries' performance in the audio version of A Light in the Northern Sea. Serious, but still engaging. They did a marvelous job.
an audiobook copy of A Light in the Northern Sea: Denmark's Incredible Rescue of Their Jewish Citizens During WWII was provided by HighBridge Audio, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
I also really enjoyed David de Vries' performance in the audio version of A Light in the Northern Sea. Serious, but still engaging. They did a marvelous job.
an audiobook copy of A Light in the Northern Sea: Denmark's Incredible Rescue of Their Jewish Citizens During WWII was provided by HighBridge Audio, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
June 2, 2025
Light in the Northern Sea by Tim Brady is a historical nonfiction account of Denmark’s resistance to Nazi Germany during World War II, with a particular focus on the dramatic and coordinated rescue of the country’s Jewish population in 1943. Structured in short, tightly written chapters, the book moves between political maneuverings at the highest levels and the actions of individuals working quietly on the ground. Brady draws from diplomatic records, memoirs, and historical research to explore how a combination of moral courage, strategic timing, and civil cooperation allowed Denmark to carry out one of the most successful rescue efforts of the Holocaust.
The narrative features key figures such as German diplomat Georg Ferdinand Duckwitz, whose decision to warn Denmark of the impending deportations was pivotal, as well as members of the Danish shipping industry and ordinary citizens who risked their lives ferrying Jews to Sweden. Brady’s writing is restrained and focused—he avoids embellishment and lets the weight of the events speak for themselves.
As a reader, I appreciated how Brady struck a balance between the dramatic historical turning points and the smaller, quieter moments that made the overall rescue effort possible. I found the structure effective—it gave the story momentum while still allowing time to reflect on the individuals involved. The book doesn’t rely on emotional storytelling, yet it still carries a strong emotional impact because of the choices people made under pressure. It also left me thinking about how these kinds of moral decisions still matter. The story isn’t just about what happened in 1943—it’s a reminder that standing up for others, even in small ways, can make a difference. That idea feels just as important now as it was then.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
The narrative features key figures such as German diplomat Georg Ferdinand Duckwitz, whose decision to warn Denmark of the impending deportations was pivotal, as well as members of the Danish shipping industry and ordinary citizens who risked their lives ferrying Jews to Sweden. Brady’s writing is restrained and focused—he avoids embellishment and lets the weight of the events speak for themselves.
As a reader, I appreciated how Brady struck a balance between the dramatic historical turning points and the smaller, quieter moments that made the overall rescue effort possible. I found the structure effective—it gave the story momentum while still allowing time to reflect on the individuals involved. The book doesn’t rely on emotional storytelling, yet it still carries a strong emotional impact because of the choices people made under pressure. It also left me thinking about how these kinds of moral decisions still matter. The story isn’t just about what happened in 1943—it’s a reminder that standing up for others, even in small ways, can make a difference. That idea feels just as important now as it was then.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
July 18, 2025
A Light in the Northern Sea is a well-researched and compelling true story about Denmark's protection of its 8,000 Jews during World War II. In 1940, Germany occupied Denmark and required the citizens to cooperate with them in turn for protection of sorts. Germans were to leave everyone alone and Danes were to obey the rules. At first the situation was tolerable, especially when compared with what was happening elsewhere. However, in 1943 everything changed. Thank goodness the Danes were warned by a German about deportations so they quickly fled in desperation. The main route was by boat to Sweden but it wasn't straightforward as the boaters didn't want to be caught, they were at the mercy of the weather and Sweden didn't want migrants. During this time, courageous Resistance members did their best to thwart activities by deception and sabotage. Remarkably, 95% of the 8,000 Jews survived, the highest ratio anywhere. The author highlighted several of the Resistance and their roles and actions. Talk about enthralling!
Many things struck me but amongst the most impactful were the forethought and choice to warn citizens to give them time to escape, the fact that Danes were fiercely loyal to all its citizens, and the great risks that the Resistance took. I also felt the emotion of great loss, the anguish of leaving everything behind, not knowing when and if they'd be back. It was fascinating to go beneath the surface to see life-saving efforts and acts of bravery. Author Tim Brady's writing impressed me as well. He presents the facts in a very accessible and intriguing way, not an iota of tedium to be seen. I have seldom read about this horrendous time from the perspective of Denmark. This book is unmissable for World War II and/or history readers.
Many things struck me but amongst the most impactful were the forethought and choice to warn citizens to give them time to escape, the fact that Danes were fiercely loyal to all its citizens, and the great risks that the Resistance took. I also felt the emotion of great loss, the anguish of leaving everything behind, not knowing when and if they'd be back. It was fascinating to go beneath the surface to see life-saving efforts and acts of bravery. Author Tim Brady's writing impressed me as well. He presents the facts in a very accessible and intriguing way, not an iota of tedium to be seen. I have seldom read about this horrendous time from the perspective of Denmark. This book is unmissable for World War II and/or history readers.
March 22, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book! I couldn’t put it down - what an absolutely gripping tale. It’s non-fiction but the writing is so engaging and never once dry. I haven’t read anything set in Denmark during WWII before so it was interesting to read about their occupation- though even having finished the book I’m still left with the feeling of “how did they get away with so much?!” And how on earth did Sweden manage to stay “neutral” (though also clearly not on the side of Germany!) - you read about so many countries invaded by the Nazis and completely taken over that it beggars belief that Sweden could just be like “yeah nah” and Denmark were all “ok we’ll pretend to cooperate but you have to be nice to us”. Up until mid 1944 it felt as though Denmark was just playing at being at war. I know that them supplying a lot of food to Germany helped their cause but they still managed to get off so lightly compared to other countries! Especially when it came to the small privileges that the Danes who ended up in concentration camps managed to get, and their early evacuation back to Sweden.
Lots of resistance characters with very similar names mentioned here and sometimes it was difficult to keep track of who was who, but that didn’t end up mattering too much.
Lots of resistance characters with very similar names mentioned here and sometimes it was difficult to keep track of who was who, but that didn’t end up mattering too much.
April 18, 2025
This was such an insightful look into why the German occupation largely failed in Denmark. I understood vaguely that the Danes had some of the strongest resistance efforts on the European continent during WWII, but I had never learned of its history sheltering Jewish citizens or the legacy of Holger Danske (shoutout to the US school system). I was especially interested in the story of "John" Svend Otto Nielsen and all the members of HD2. The chapters on Bohr and his family were so cool to learn about as well - as an engineer I love seeing STEM figures pop up in history. Anyone curious about a little-talked about part of history (at least, it's not well-known in America) should check this out. Perhaps reading about successful resistance against a fascist regime will spark something in Americans. Perhaps some of the things happening in the book will even seem familiar to American readers. Maybe some of us should take a page out of HD2's book. But I digress. This was well-researched and had excellent pacing. Anyone who enjoys WWII history should check it out.
May 9, 2025
What happens when your country is overrun almost overnight by German soldiers, the government and royalty held hostage while your neighbors and friends are persecuted? The tiny country of Denmark found a way to fight back using ordinary citizens that fueled a grassroots underground movement to bomb, sabotage and defy under the nose of the Nazi regime. Under great danger to themselves and loved ones these students, housewives, fishermen and more became bomb experts, spies and orchestrated the transport by boat of almost all of Denmark's jewish citizens to safety in Sweden. Many perished in prison camps or firing squad but this book highlights page after page of amazing acts of heroism by civilians. The author does an excellent job of storytelling so we get a glimpse into the lives of the people involved and not just dates and events. This will appeal to readers of war stories and acts of bravery by unsung heroes. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.
July 29, 2025
This isn't fiction. It's a non fiction, historically accurate "novel" - rather a history text presented in an informal, easy to read style rather than academically. But it's nevertheless as important, as a secondary source for this period.
Even though Denmark came under the Nazis and the King and government cooperated, the common Dane went out of his way to rescue and facilitate the escape of Danish Jews from Denmark just before the German drive against them. No other country occupied by the Nazis rescued almost 90% or more of its Jewish population from the death camps.
Neither was the Resistance in any other country, aided and abetted by ordinary Danes, policemen, Danish government officials and King included on occasion, as the Danish Resistance was.
This book is a good record of the Resistance: their works of sabotage, assassination, rescue and ferry, and generally making the life of the German occupier more miserable. It also talks of their failures, losses and lessons learnt.
An excellent secondary source. Do not expect a story because while it is one, it's not written like a good piece of fiction. It's rather didactic in tone and hence rather boring as it rambles along.
I was given an ARC and my opinions are my own. I rated it 4 stars because as non fiction it is an excellent secondary source of information.
Even though Denmark came under the Nazis and the King and government cooperated, the common Dane went out of his way to rescue and facilitate the escape of Danish Jews from Denmark just before the German drive against them. No other country occupied by the Nazis rescued almost 90% or more of its Jewish population from the death camps.
Neither was the Resistance in any other country, aided and abetted by ordinary Danes, policemen, Danish government officials and King included on occasion, as the Danish Resistance was.
This book is a good record of the Resistance: their works of sabotage, assassination, rescue and ferry, and generally making the life of the German occupier more miserable. It also talks of their failures, losses and lessons learnt.
An excellent secondary source. Do not expect a story because while it is one, it's not written like a good piece of fiction. It's rather didactic in tone and hence rather boring as it rambles along.
I was given an ARC and my opinions are my own. I rated it 4 stars because as non fiction it is an excellent secondary source of information.
June 27, 2025
Although I've read many books about Jews escaping the concentration camps of WWII, I'd never heard the miraculous story of how 95% of Denmark's Jews survived the Holocaust thanks to the efforts of the Danish resistance, famous Danes like Niels Bohr, and ordinary Danish citizens.
I was particularly amazed out how quickly the rescue effort to save Danish Jews came together. This story felt more like a thrilling work of fiction than a true story, and is a testament to what humans can accomplish when they are united in an effort to do good and save lives. This book is a beautifully written tribute to the Danish people, and a much needed reminder that there is so much goodness in the world.
An enthusiastic 4.5 stars!
I was particularly amazed out how quickly the rescue effort to save Danish Jews came together. This story felt more like a thrilling work of fiction than a true story, and is a testament to what humans can accomplish when they are united in an effort to do good and save lives. This book is a beautifully written tribute to the Danish people, and a much needed reminder that there is so much goodness in the world.
An enthusiastic 4.5 stars!
July 23, 2025
I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.
While I’ve read many books through the years about WWII, this is the first book I’ve read centered around Denmark and what lengths their citizens went through to save their fellow country men & women.
A Light in the Northern Sea tells harrowing stories of Danish people fighting against the Nazi’s to get nearly all their Jewish friends, families, neighbors and more to the safety of Sweden.
This book was a reminder that in the midst of terrible tragedies, there are always helpers. There are always people who want to help right the wrongs. When you’re done reading this I hope you are able to say that you would be a helper.
While I’ve read many books through the years about WWII, this is the first book I’ve read centered around Denmark and what lengths their citizens went through to save their fellow country men & women.
A Light in the Northern Sea tells harrowing stories of Danish people fighting against the Nazi’s to get nearly all their Jewish friends, families, neighbors and more to the safety of Sweden.
This book was a reminder that in the midst of terrible tragedies, there are always helpers. There are always people who want to help right the wrongs. When you’re done reading this I hope you are able to say that you would be a helper.
September 8, 2025
I received A Light in the Northern Sea as a Goodreads' giveaway. This book is about how the Danish people were able to save the majority of their small Jewish population. The stories of the evacuation of the Jews on the boat trips to Sweden was truly harrowing. I loved how the Nazis got outsmarted! The Danes co-operated with the Germans for the most part to save their own people and for economic reasons. Nevertheless, there were many saboteurs who helped the allies and created havoc upon the Germans in their country including, blowing up buildings.
I truly enjoyed learning so much Danish WWII history. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history. The story will remind one to stand up to dictators and to not let evil prevail.
I truly enjoyed learning so much Danish WWII history. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history. The story will remind one to stand up to dictators and to not let evil prevail.
August 7, 2025
Brady gives us the surprisingly ad-hoc rescue of Danish Jews as these citizens were spirited across the Oresund to safety in Sweden. It was 1943 and the Danes were tired of the German occupation, even though it had been fairly benign in comparison to other European countries. And once awakened, the rebellion took off with sabotage efforts, strikes, and assassinations. Of course the Nazis responded viciously and deported all who were caught--including the Danish police since they failed to enforce German orders. This is a timely read, about being on the right side of history and the power of standing up to the aggressor.
October 4, 2025
Remarkable story of Denmark during WWII. In 1940 Denmark was coerced by the Germans to cooperated with them to provide food and other items to help their war effort. It was forced but it never turned adversarial, until the Germans sought to take the Danish Jewish population. The Danes took extraordinary efforts to help Jews escape to Sweden. As a result there emerged a group of resistance fighters who were contacted by the Brutish to target certain factories. Not all missions went well. Several resistance fighters were captured, interrogated and taken to prisons in Germany.
This book took me to history I never knew about WWII. Extraordinary bravery in the face of evil..
This book took me to history I never knew about WWII. Extraordinary bravery in the face of evil..
October 8, 2025
This nonfiction book gives detailed information about the ambiguous relationship between Denmark and Germany during WWII. It covers the rescue of about 90% of the Danish Jews as they were spirited from Denmark’s east coast across a narrow channel between Denmark and Sweden. The work of Danish resisters to cripple the factories in Denmark that supplied the German war effort is also a big part of this book.
I have not read a great deal about this aspect of WWII so I appreciated this author’s effort to provide details that illuminated this time in history. The writing was clear, precise, and the timeline of events was easy for me to grasp.
I have not read a great deal about this aspect of WWII so I appreciated this author’s effort to provide details that illuminated this time in history. The writing was clear, precise, and the timeline of events was easy for me to grasp.
June 14, 2025
A Light in the Northern Sea tells a little known aspect of the horrors of WWII and the Holocaust. This is the story of the German occupation of Denmark beginning in the spring of 1940 and the subsequent rescue of thousands of Danish Jews. With the help of fellow citizens ferrying them across dangerous waters to the safety of Sweden, 95% of Danish Jews survived. It is heartwarming to read about the heroics of the Danes who were willing to risk their lives to save the lives of others. It is a story that should be told lest we forget.
July 18, 2025
I requested this book from netgalley because I wanted to hear about the perspective of the war from a country other than my own. I really had no idea about the history of Danish Jews or even about how what was happening in Denmark was different from other places. it was a very interesting listen for me. at the beginning, I thought that the narrator was a little too dull for me but then I realized that as a nonfiction book, I would have been really aggravated if the narrator was super animated so I decided I do actually like him.
July 25, 2025
This is a true story of how Denmark banded together during WWII to rescue almost all of their Jewish citizens (95%) from the Nazis by ferrying them just a few at a time to Sweden. I am so glad this story is finally being told. I ran into a few years ago and was amazed this wasn’t a story about WWII that is told all of the time. If you like historical fiction or thrillers, you will love this Nonfiction book.
Thank you NetGalley and Citadel for an advance review copy. #ALightintheNorthernSea #NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Citadel for an advance review copy. #ALightintheNorthernSea #NetGalley
November 18, 2025
This Week on History Happy Hour: In September 1943, the people of Denmark banded together to rescue nearly all of their Jewish citizens from a NAZI roundup by ferrying them to sanctuary in Sweden. Why were the Danes able to do what no other country could? Rick and Chris discuss this little-known, true story with guest Tim Brady, author of A Light in the Northern Sea: Denmark’s Incredible Rescue of Their Jewish Citizens During WWII. The riveting accounts of ordinary Danes, who used their modest resources, wiles, remarkable courage, and camaraderie to quietly orchestrate their escape. (110925)
July 14, 2025
2.5. This should be an exciting read, but it is not. This book covers the story of Denmark through WWII, including the escape of most of its Jewish citizens. Somehow the story is just not that engrossing. I listened to this one on audio and do not recommend it. There is nothing wrong with the narrator, but it is too easy to lose track of all of the people and events. Maybe reading the book would be better.
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