The Hostage

by Anne Holm

Christopher, son of the Danish Prime Minister, is kidnapped by Mr. Møller, a political opponent who wants to take Denmark out of NATO. Unfortunately, Mr. Møller's muddled idealism makes him play straight into the hands of the Red Brigade. They take Christopher and Mr. Møller's son as hostage for his silence. When the terrorists fail in their ransom demand, Christopher is only too aware that death will be the consequence and that they must escape.

Genres: Young Adult, Crime

192 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1990

About the author

Anne Holm, born Else Anne Lise Jørgensen (September 10, 1922 – December 27, 1998) was a Danish journalist and children's writer. At times she also wrote under the pseudonym Adrien de Chandelle.

Her books are typically recommended to age groups 8–16 years, but they include elements even for adult readers. Her best known book is I Am David (1963), adapted for a 2003 film; (also published as North to Freedom), which tells the story of a 12-year-old boy who escapes from a concentration camp and travels through Europe. It won the ALA Notable Book award in 1965, the 1963 Best Scandinavian Children's Book award and the Boys Club of America Junior Book Award Gold Medal.

Another well known book by Holm is Peter (1966), which tells the story of a teenage boy who travels in time to ancient Greece and medieval England.

Holm was born in Oksbøl. She married J.C. Holm in 1949 and later divorced him.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as North To Freedom (now known as I am David), but not too bad either.

Chris is kidnapped by terrorists in Denmark, who want to force Denmark to quit NATO. Chris is the Prime Minister's son. The terrorists would love to turn Denmark into a Communist country.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it hard to believe that Christopher, son of the Danish Prime Minister, is so easily kidnapped. He has no security, has not been warned not to get into cars with strange men, and doesn't make any fuss at all. The author probably glossed over that part in order to get the story started, and so as not to show violence.
The kidnappers are a slightly disorganised bunch of communists who want to force the country out of NATO. They don't say why NATO membership is bad for the country, they just shout about evils of capitalism and wealth ownership being concentrated. Chris quickly explains that his dad won't do anything and won't be able to do anything, and is well versed in what would need to happen - a referendum, public support, the Queen signing it into law. But by now the kidnappers have fallen out and slightly double crossed one another, so nobody wants to let Chris go in case he can identify them.
Chris is a calm and educated lad who tries to get on with the son of a kidnapper, Rasmus. In fact he's too calm, even bored, and only gets frightened when his subconscious shows him in a dream how easily bad things could happen to him. He tries to be aware of where he is being hidden and to leave clues.
The story contains some strong language and on-page drug abuse. Later there is some violence and it gets very suspenseful. This is worth a read but for older kids, and the lessons from it, such as not getting into cars with strangers, and not being brainwashed, are important for everyone, every age.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a translation by Patricia Crampton, who I believe is also responsible for the English translations of the Karlson books by Astrid Lindgren. It's quite a good story. Christopher is extraordinarily calm and self-possessed for someone who has been kidnapped, but it comes off as realistic enough, and he's very likeable. I enjoyed the insight into Danish culture and the political discussions. The villains are distinct and nuanced people. It would have been nice to have a bit more at the end about the fallout of the kidnapping. Otherwise, it's a very engaging story.