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The Jøssing Affair
British-trained Norwegian intelligence agent, Tore Haugland, is a jøssing—a patriot—sent to a fishing village on Norway’s west coast to set up a line to receive weapons and agents from England via the “Shetland Bus.” Posing as a deaf fisherman, his mission is complicated when he falls in love with Anna Fromme, a German widow. Accused of betraying her husband, she has a young daughter and secrets of her own. Although the Allies have liberated France, the most zealous Nazis hang on in Norway, sending out agents to disembowel resistance groups. If Haugland fails, it could cost him his life and the lives of the fishermen who have joined him. When Haugland is betrayed and left for dead, he will have to find the one who betrayed him and destroyed his network. He will also have to prove that the one he loves was not the informer. In wartime love and trust are not always compatible.
550 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2016
37 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Oakley
13 books77 followersBIOGRAPHY
Award-winning author J.L. Oakley writes historical fiction that spans the mid-19th century to WW II with characters standing up for something in their own time and place. Her writing has been recognized with a 2006 Surrey International Writer's Non-fiction award. 2013 Bellingham Mayor’s Arts Award, the 2013 Chanticleer Grand Prize, the 2014 First Place Chaucer Award, the 2015 WILLA Silver Award for Timber Rose and the 2016 Goethe Grand Prize for The Jøssing Affair. When not writing, she demonstrates 19th century folkways.
Her other writings appear in various magazines, anthologies, and other media including the Cup of Comfort series and Historylink.org, a “cyperpedia of Washington State history.”
Award-winning author J.L. Oakley writes historical fiction that spans the mid-19th century to WW II with characters standing up for something in their own time and place. Her writing has been recognized with a 2006 Surrey International Writer's Non-fiction award. 2013 Bellingham Mayor’s Arts Award, the 2013 Chanticleer Grand Prize, the 2014 First Place Chaucer Award, the 2015 WILLA Silver Award for Timber Rose and the 2016 Goethe Grand Prize for The Jøssing Affair. When not writing, she demonstrates 19th century folkways.
Her other writings appear in various magazines, anthologies, and other media including the Cup of Comfort series and Historylink.org, a “cyperpedia of Washington State history.”
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 17, 2016
This is the best book I've read this year. I found it astonishing, actually; I hadn't expected anything so rich and thoroughly engrossing. This book is a totally immersive experience. You will live through the final months of the Nazi occupation of Norway, experiencing the hopes and terrors of members of the resistance movement as they fight their way toward freedom. It's a long book, and I'll confess I took a break in the middle and read a shorter, lighter book. But once I got past the midpoint, I could hardly bear to put it down. It isn't only that the story is so compelling and the characters are so real; the author writes with real authority about the time and the place. She can't have been a member of the Norwegian resistance - she's nowhere near old enough - but she writes as if she lived through it all and kept a daily diary. It's almost like a documentary, but so much more intimate. The details of the setting are breathtaking and convincing, from the moonlit snowfields to the embroidered tea towels, it all feels absolutely real. If you have the slightest interest in WWII or how ordinary people can behave bravely under terrible circumstances, you must read this book. Or if you love original, well-crafted, beautifully written historical fiction, you must read this book. Just read it! You'll be glad you did.
October 17, 2017
The book is set in occupied Norway in WW2, it's the story of the Norwegian resistance and it's activities close to the war drawing to an end. The main character is Jens Hansen, supposedly a deaf-mute man, who in fact is Tore Haugland, a man who risks his life often working for the resistance. We follow him and his colleagues as they work to transport weapons and men safely using a small fleet of fishing boats and eventually even an American Submarine making the journey from Norway to the Scotland.
One of the jobs Hans has to do is to find out who betrayed a friend and colleague of his to the Germans. A lot of people suspect his recent widow of being the culprit. Anna is that woman and she definitely had nothing to do with her late husband's arrest and subsequent death. She didn't even know he worked for the Resistance. Although Hans doesn't trust her at first, he admits at least to himself that he finds himself attracted to Anna.
This is a very very long book, 15 hours long according to my Kindle! That's longer than many anthologies I read! The first half of the book was really difficult for me to get into, so many names and places to remember especially as many characters had more than one identity. The second half of the story was more engrossing, and my appreciation of the story grew from there.
It is obvious that the author did a LOT of research for this book, there were so many facts, it was almost like a history lesson. It's a very deep story, and although at first, I wished it was more of a romance (which I thought it was when I chose to read it) I realised that romance would have detracted from the essence of the story.
I think perhaps the book, especially the first part could have been made a little shorter, it might have held my attention a lot more then. But I am glad I hung in there and carried on reading until the end. It was well worth the time it took to read.
One of the jobs Hans has to do is to find out who betrayed a friend and colleague of his to the Germans. A lot of people suspect his recent widow of being the culprit. Anna is that woman and she definitely had nothing to do with her late husband's arrest and subsequent death. She didn't even know he worked for the Resistance. Although Hans doesn't trust her at first, he admits at least to himself that he finds himself attracted to Anna.
This is a very very long book, 15 hours long according to my Kindle! That's longer than many anthologies I read! The first half of the book was really difficult for me to get into, so many names and places to remember especially as many characters had more than one identity. The second half of the story was more engrossing, and my appreciation of the story grew from there.
It is obvious that the author did a LOT of research for this book, there were so many facts, it was almost like a history lesson. It's a very deep story, and although at first, I wished it was more of a romance (which I thought it was when I chose to read it) I realised that romance would have detracted from the essence of the story.
I think perhaps the book, especially the first part could have been made a little shorter, it might have held my attention a lot more then. But I am glad I hung in there and carried on reading until the end. It was well worth the time it took to read.
January 14, 2024
This is, without doubt, one of the best books I have ever read. It's a long intensive read, and when I'd finished it, I started it again. I was haunted by the whole story, and I'm sure it will live with me for a long time. I'm not going to tell you about the story, that would spoil it for you. But read it- you truly will not regret a minute of it. Well done , J L Oakley- a truly fabulous book
October 31, 2016
A minor disclosure: This author is a colleague of mine.
This is Oakley's best book in my opinion. Set in occupied Norway in WW2, it focuses on the resistance as the war draws to a close and the Nazis are at their worst. It is a thriller, a historical novel, and it is gripping. If I say much more, I will spoil the story for readers.
I loved the characterization, the plots, and the pace of The Jøssing Affair. A page turner, it kept me reading late into the night. I was engaged with the protagonist throughout and desperately wanted him to survive. Well-researched and crafted.
Highly recommended for all who like this type of novel.
This is Oakley's best book in my opinion. Set in occupied Norway in WW2, it focuses on the resistance as the war draws to a close and the Nazis are at their worst. It is a thriller, a historical novel, and it is gripping. If I say much more, I will spoil the story for readers.
I loved the characterization, the plots, and the pace of The Jøssing Affair. A page turner, it kept me reading late into the night. I was engaged with the protagonist throughout and desperately wanted him to survive. Well-researched and crafted.
Highly recommended for all who like this type of novel.
June 12, 2017
This is a very long book, but well worth the read. I tended to get a little confused about unfamiliar names; some characters had several: their real name, their undercover name, their code name. Overall, this is a great work of historical fiction about the underground resistance in Norway during WWII. Very descriptive of the times, the atrocities suffered, the heroism of ordinary citizens. Love Oakley's writing!
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February 7, 2018Set during WWII, this long book is worth every second you spend reading. Great, involved, somewhat true story of life in Norway during that time. It's a love story as well as a thriller!
Simply wonderful book. Historians will love this book but also people who have an interest in human nature.
Oakley knows her stuff!
Simply wonderful book. Historians will love this book but also people who have an interest in human nature.
Oakley knows her stuff!
June 6, 2016
Historical fiction--Norway
Story of the strong, desperate warriors of the Norwegian resistance. Could t put it down after I was about half way through. Map would have been helpful as would a small glossary of Norwegian words. Such courage!
Story of the strong, desperate warriors of the Norwegian resistance. Could t put it down after I was about half way through. Map would have been helpful as would a small glossary of Norwegian words. Such courage!
November 20, 2017
We are proud to announce that THE JØSSING AFFAIR by J.L. Oakley is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
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July 19, 2018Superb historical novel.
Full disclosure: I assisted J.L. Oakley with editing.
Full disclosure: I assisted J.L. Oakley with editing.
May 20, 2017
This novel gets off to a very slow start. I really think the first half could be considerably condensed. However, after plodding my way through the first 50% of the book, the plot suddenly took off and turned into an amazing narrative.
“The Jossing Affair” tells the story of the Norwegian résistance movement during the Nazi German occupation of Norway. This is a sometimes-brutal account but an informative and compelling tale. The author’s research is impeccable. Although it is often very difficult to read, it is extremely interesting and I highly recommend it.
“The Jossing Affair” tells the story of the Norwegian résistance movement during the Nazi German occupation of Norway. This is a sometimes-brutal account but an informative and compelling tale. The author’s research is impeccable. Although it is often very difficult to read, it is extremely interesting and I highly recommend it.
May 22, 2021
This is a page turner about the Norwegian resistance movement against the German occupation of Norway in WWII. Needless to say it’s the best historical fiction book I have read in some time. It has plenty of sad moments as the author describes it the brutality of the German agents who relentlessly hunted the local resistance agents. It has a sweet love story between Tore Haugland and Anna Fromme, a German widow and yes it has a feel good ending. This a five star plus book that will hold and grip your attention to the very end.
December 2, 2018
The Jøssing Affair is a historical novel by J.L. Oakley about the last months of the Nazi occupation of Norway during World War 2. It focuses on Fjellstad, a small fishing village on Norway’s west coast, and how the Nazi occupation affected its people. The central character is Tore Haugland whose alias is Jens Hansen. Haugland/Hansen is a Norwegian, trained by the British, whose mission is to keep the British informed of Nazi activity in and near Fjellstad, while also recruiting other Norwegians into the resistance movement.
Haugland/Hansen is masquerading as a deaf fisherman, even though he is not deaf. Fishermen were an extremely valuable part of the resistance movement as they were able to bring agents, weapons, and supplies into Norway from the sea, while also using this same network to smuggle those in danger out of Norway.
Most of the people in Fjellstad were ordinary Norwegian’s trying to survive a tough time. The novel illustrates their hardships very well. While most were supportive of the Jøssing’s even Fjellstad had some Quislings. Some actively collaborated with a fervor equal to the most rabid Nazi, while others were unknowingly seduced into aiding the Nazis not realizing they were betraying their country and neighbors until it was too late. The book does an outstanding job of illustrating this social dynamic and its consequences as it follows the characters and the community through the eventual capitulation of the Nazis and capture of the Quislings.
World War 2, Norway, and the resistance movement have always been of interest to me. I have read most of the factual accounts that are available in English. I stumbled on this book by accident, and I am so glad that I did, as it aided my understanding of what the Norwegian people went through during World War 2.
In summary, The Jøssing Affair is a historical novel, sharing a story about an extremely heroic people surviving under the extremes and terror of Nazi occupation. It is a story that more people need to know as authoritarian and tyrannical governments are again threatening humanity and all that is good in the world. If we do not understand and learn from the past, we are doomed to repeat it. While the book is long, I would not want to miss any of the detailed images it creates of the epitome of both good and evil. I give The Jøssing Affair five stars - *****.
VOCABULARY & HISTORICAL NOTE: The word Jøssing originated during World War 2 as a label for a Norwegian patriot, the opposite of a Quisling, the word used to identify a Norwegian traitor or an individual that was collaborating with the Nazis. The term Quisling came from the name of Vidkun Quisling, Norway’s most infamous Nazi traitor, who was later convicted of treason and executed. The Jøssing label was the result of an event that occurred on February 16, 1940, in the Jøssingfjorden, when the crew of a British destroyer freed prisoners being held on the Admiral Graf Spree, a German cruiser hiding in the fjord. The Norwegian traitors tried to neutralize the use of the word Quisling as a synonym for traitor by attempting to popularize the word Jøssing to label “anti-Nazis.” Instead of helping the cause of the traitors, the majority of Norway’s population, who were anti-Nazi, used the term Jøssing with great pride as a recognition of their patriotism and commitment to Norway’s resistance movement. The Quisling government banned the word Jøssing from official use.
Haugland/Hansen is masquerading as a deaf fisherman, even though he is not deaf. Fishermen were an extremely valuable part of the resistance movement as they were able to bring agents, weapons, and supplies into Norway from the sea, while also using this same network to smuggle those in danger out of Norway.
Most of the people in Fjellstad were ordinary Norwegian’s trying to survive a tough time. The novel illustrates their hardships very well. While most were supportive of the Jøssing’s even Fjellstad had some Quislings. Some actively collaborated with a fervor equal to the most rabid Nazi, while others were unknowingly seduced into aiding the Nazis not realizing they were betraying their country and neighbors until it was too late. The book does an outstanding job of illustrating this social dynamic and its consequences as it follows the characters and the community through the eventual capitulation of the Nazis and capture of the Quislings.
World War 2, Norway, and the resistance movement have always been of interest to me. I have read most of the factual accounts that are available in English. I stumbled on this book by accident, and I am so glad that I did, as it aided my understanding of what the Norwegian people went through during World War 2.
In summary, The Jøssing Affair is a historical novel, sharing a story about an extremely heroic people surviving under the extremes and terror of Nazi occupation. It is a story that more people need to know as authoritarian and tyrannical governments are again threatening humanity and all that is good in the world. If we do not understand and learn from the past, we are doomed to repeat it. While the book is long, I would not want to miss any of the detailed images it creates of the epitome of both good and evil. I give The Jøssing Affair five stars - *****.
VOCABULARY & HISTORICAL NOTE: The word Jøssing originated during World War 2 as a label for a Norwegian patriot, the opposite of a Quisling, the word used to identify a Norwegian traitor or an individual that was collaborating with the Nazis. The term Quisling came from the name of Vidkun Quisling, Norway’s most infamous Nazi traitor, who was later convicted of treason and executed. The Jøssing label was the result of an event that occurred on February 16, 1940, in the Jøssingfjorden, when the crew of a British destroyer freed prisoners being held on the Admiral Graf Spree, a German cruiser hiding in the fjord. The Norwegian traitors tried to neutralize the use of the word Quisling as a synonym for traitor by attempting to popularize the word Jøssing to label “anti-Nazis.” Instead of helping the cause of the traitors, the majority of Norway’s population, who were anti-Nazi, used the term Jøssing with great pride as a recognition of their patriotism and commitment to Norway’s resistance movement. The Quisling government banned the word Jøssing from official use.
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July 31, 2020MWSA Review
The Jossing Affair by J.L. Oakley brings the reader into a lesser-known part of World War II, the work of the Norwegian Resistance during Norway’s occupation by Germany. Readers will appreciate the depth and breadth of research which informs the 500+ page novel, and its clever use of German and Norwegian language throughout amplifies the sense of conflict between invader and defender, and the stifled humanity within the German ranks.
The story details efforts of the extensive network of men and women who undermined the occupation forces and moved supplies and people to safety. The book also brings to life the brutality of some of the German command, the deadly effect of Norwegian traitors, and the underlying conflict between serving the Reich and having compassion and morality.
Oakley provides the reader with a satisfying historical novel, filled with details about the German occupation, the Norwegian countryside, and its cities. I was particularly struck by the way the details were worked comfortably into the narrative. For instance, before a meeting between Resistance members in a church, one character reminisces briefly about a childhood visit and an important event that took place there.
Hitler had decided that the blonde and blue-eyed Norwegians were part of the master Aryan race, and should be preserved in general for breeding stock. German troops occupied the country. But with absolute power, many Germans treated its citizens with contempt and harmed them with impunity. The consequences for Resistance members who were caught were savage; Oakley does not shy away from detailing these, creating a genuine sense of danger and high stakes from start to finish. Throughout the book, we see many different forms of bravery and resistance. In a particularly chilling scene, two women volunteer themselves for rape, to protect a young girl and other townswomen from harm. The torture of patriots is also described.
The many characters were well-designed, their motivations and backgrounds slowly revealed over the course of the novel. Even minor characters had some depth, and surprising minor and major plot twists kept the novel from falling into predictability. The underlying love story mirrors the broader conflict between doing whatever is necessary in war and following gentler feelings of love, compassion, and trust.
Even after Hitler's suicide, the Germans continued to cling to Norway. We see their desperate last moves, the restraint showed by the Norwegians in arresting rather than killing German war criminals, and the resolution of the love story.
The Jossing Affair is a complex read, one which will provide the reader with a deeper understanding of the costs of war for all involved.
Review by Barb Evenson (July 2020)
The Jossing Affair by J.L. Oakley brings the reader into a lesser-known part of World War II, the work of the Norwegian Resistance during Norway’s occupation by Germany. Readers will appreciate the depth and breadth of research which informs the 500+ page novel, and its clever use of German and Norwegian language throughout amplifies the sense of conflict between invader and defender, and the stifled humanity within the German ranks.
The story details efforts of the extensive network of men and women who undermined the occupation forces and moved supplies and people to safety. The book also brings to life the brutality of some of the German command, the deadly effect of Norwegian traitors, and the underlying conflict between serving the Reich and having compassion and morality.
Oakley provides the reader with a satisfying historical novel, filled with details about the German occupation, the Norwegian countryside, and its cities. I was particularly struck by the way the details were worked comfortably into the narrative. For instance, before a meeting between Resistance members in a church, one character reminisces briefly about a childhood visit and an important event that took place there.
Hitler had decided that the blonde and blue-eyed Norwegians were part of the master Aryan race, and should be preserved in general for breeding stock. German troops occupied the country. But with absolute power, many Germans treated its citizens with contempt and harmed them with impunity. The consequences for Resistance members who were caught were savage; Oakley does not shy away from detailing these, creating a genuine sense of danger and high stakes from start to finish. Throughout the book, we see many different forms of bravery and resistance. In a particularly chilling scene, two women volunteer themselves for rape, to protect a young girl and other townswomen from harm. The torture of patriots is also described.
The many characters were well-designed, their motivations and backgrounds slowly revealed over the course of the novel. Even minor characters had some depth, and surprising minor and major plot twists kept the novel from falling into predictability. The underlying love story mirrors the broader conflict between doing whatever is necessary in war and following gentler feelings of love, compassion, and trust.
Even after Hitler's suicide, the Germans continued to cling to Norway. We see their desperate last moves, the restraint showed by the Norwegians in arresting rather than killing German war criminals, and the resolution of the love story.
The Jossing Affair is a complex read, one which will provide the reader with a deeper understanding of the costs of war for all involved.
Review by Barb Evenson (July 2020)
June 28, 2020
A historical thriller about a time in Norway that tested every aspect and emotion of human nature, it's The Jossing Affair. Despite the dire circumstances of this time, the story of the World War II Nazi occupation of Norway. This fictional spy story is steeped in the true and fascinating historical facts of that period. The touching stories of these characters will hold you spellbound.
To be a Jossing, a patriot, could be a deadly cause in Norway at that time in history. The author skillfully paints the picture of what life was like at that time, not only the dangers but also glimpses into how human nature tries desperately to find optimism, and also to make life better. It's a portrait of the fight to breath freedom. One dedicated spy assigned on his mission is ever vigilant against the unexpected on his tasks. Despite his cautious nature, he surprises himself by falling in love with a beautiful German widow who has a mysterious tie to his past. Love during war time is its own minefield. Everyone has innocent secrets, but during war time keeping secrets becomes a necessity in order to survive and people live in distrust of each other. Love cannot bloom without trust. Can these characters truly let down their own barriers and trust each other enough to give their love a chance? And in a world where life is so cruelly snuffed out, do they want to let down their guard enough to care that much about another person again?
The courage of people during the cruelest of times is humbling. Hopeful optimism can come from unexpected moments of kindness. After struggling to go on and finding no help from the town's people, the widowed, single mother Anna is overcome by the kindness of a moment. “Anna's face crumpled. She turned her face away trying to get a grip on herself. Just one small gesture of friendliness . . . she cleared her throat, and brushed back a telltale tear.” The author is talented at showing such everyday getures in a way that surfaces the touching emotion hidden below the surface.
Author Janet Oakley writes historical fiction that spans the mid-19th century to WW II with inspiring characters standing up for what's right, and timeless examples of the courage of individuals in different periods and places. Her writing has been recognized with several prestigious awards. Visit her website at jloakleyauthor.com/ to see her many impressive books, including mystery novellas set in Hawaii. When not writing, she enjoys outdoor activities and demonstrates 19th-century folkways in schools and at San Juan Island National Park.
To be a Jossing, a patriot, could be a deadly cause in Norway at that time in history. The author skillfully paints the picture of what life was like at that time, not only the dangers but also glimpses into how human nature tries desperately to find optimism, and also to make life better. It's a portrait of the fight to breath freedom. One dedicated spy assigned on his mission is ever vigilant against the unexpected on his tasks. Despite his cautious nature, he surprises himself by falling in love with a beautiful German widow who has a mysterious tie to his past. Love during war time is its own minefield. Everyone has innocent secrets, but during war time keeping secrets becomes a necessity in order to survive and people live in distrust of each other. Love cannot bloom without trust. Can these characters truly let down their own barriers and trust each other enough to give their love a chance? And in a world where life is so cruelly snuffed out, do they want to let down their guard enough to care that much about another person again?
The courage of people during the cruelest of times is humbling. Hopeful optimism can come from unexpected moments of kindness. After struggling to go on and finding no help from the town's people, the widowed, single mother Anna is overcome by the kindness of a moment. “Anna's face crumpled. She turned her face away trying to get a grip on herself. Just one small gesture of friendliness . . . she cleared her throat, and brushed back a telltale tear.” The author is talented at showing such everyday getures in a way that surfaces the touching emotion hidden below the surface.
Author Janet Oakley writes historical fiction that spans the mid-19th century to WW II with inspiring characters standing up for what's right, and timeless examples of the courage of individuals in different periods and places. Her writing has been recognized with several prestigious awards. Visit her website at jloakleyauthor.com/ to see her many impressive books, including mystery novellas set in Hawaii. When not writing, she enjoys outdoor activities and demonstrates 19th-century folkways in schools and at San Juan Island National Park.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2021
Complex But Enjoyable
Going into and planning for a 22+ hour audiobook read is quite a daunting task, but I cannot imagine the time and effort that Oakley put into writing it. The amount of detail that went into each character, setting, and chapter felt insanely well-researched. I could tell that Oakley was trying to write the most authentic book that she could while still calling it fiction.
I went into it pretty blind, not really knowing exactly what it was going to be about and it didn’t hurt or help my reading. After finishing it, I went to see what others thought about it (something I don’t normally do) because it was such an interesting book I had to know what other reviewers thought about it. I didn’t see any or many audiobook reviews, but I did see lots of great reviews on the kindle edition, and for good reason. It was interesting from beginning to end. I was genuinely worried I was going to get bored or that some things would be mundane as the book continued – but I didn’t feel that way very often. Oakley did a great job with the pacing and setting expectations of the flow of the book from the get-go.
I don’t want to talk too much about the story itself since this book is 500+ pages and 22+ hours – giving a one-paragraph synopsis wouldn’t be doing any of it justice. Just know that as a history nerd, I loved reading about things that I had no idea happened. This was definitely one of those historical topics.
Overall, I thought that Oakley’s The Jossing Affair was an interesting and thought-provoking historical fiction book. One that isn’t short on research or on intrigue. As I said above – it was complex but enjoyable. 22+ hours is a great way to spend a credit, especially if you’re into historical fiction about places and things you may have never known or heard about.
Going into and planning for a 22+ hour audiobook read is quite a daunting task, but I cannot imagine the time and effort that Oakley put into writing it. The amount of detail that went into each character, setting, and chapter felt insanely well-researched. I could tell that Oakley was trying to write the most authentic book that she could while still calling it fiction.
I went into it pretty blind, not really knowing exactly what it was going to be about and it didn’t hurt or help my reading. After finishing it, I went to see what others thought about it (something I don’t normally do) because it was such an interesting book I had to know what other reviewers thought about it. I didn’t see any or many audiobook reviews, but I did see lots of great reviews on the kindle edition, and for good reason. It was interesting from beginning to end. I was genuinely worried I was going to get bored or that some things would be mundane as the book continued – but I didn’t feel that way very often. Oakley did a great job with the pacing and setting expectations of the flow of the book from the get-go.
I don’t want to talk too much about the story itself since this book is 500+ pages and 22+ hours – giving a one-paragraph synopsis wouldn’t be doing any of it justice. Just know that as a history nerd, I loved reading about things that I had no idea happened. This was definitely one of those historical topics.
Overall, I thought that Oakley’s The Jossing Affair was an interesting and thought-provoking historical fiction book. One that isn’t short on research or on intrigue. As I said above – it was complex but enjoyable. 22+ hours is a great way to spend a credit, especially if you’re into historical fiction about places and things you may have never known or heard about.
January 26, 2024
It is 1944 and a dark time in Nazi-occupied Norway. The resistance struggles to stop the country’s mineral wealth from reaching German’s war machine. Boys, drafted into the enemy’s ‘labor battalions’ are sent to the Russian front. Fear permeates everyday life. Retaliation for sabotage or resistance is barbaric. Mass arrests, dozens of innocents shot. Who can a patriot, a jøssing, trust when any stranger might be a traitorous quisling?
A naïve young woman joins the resistance, trying to do something, anything for the country she loves.
A young British-trained agent faces detection and death each time he radios London with vital information.
A grieving young mother, alone with her little girl after the Gestapo murders her beloved husband, tries to survive in fishing village, friendless and suspect.
And yet there is room for love.
These and other vivid characters bring to life the heroic struggle of the Norwegian people against a monstrous evil in this dramatic and gripping story.
A naïve young woman joins the resistance, trying to do something, anything for the country she loves.
A young British-trained agent faces detection and death each time he radios London with vital information.
A grieving young mother, alone with her little girl after the Gestapo murders her beloved husband, tries to survive in fishing village, friendless and suspect.
And yet there is room for love.
These and other vivid characters bring to life the heroic struggle of the Norwegian people against a monstrous evil in this dramatic and gripping story.
February 24, 2024
A superb novel far better than most "thrillers" on the market.
Although the novel gets off to a slow start, the ability to retain tension at a slow pace is impressive and the tension gradually builds to a dramatic climatic end.
The descriptions of Norway and Norwegians are wonderful, and the understanding of the political and social fabric of Norway in the Second World War is impressive. Oakley is also adept at giving her large cast of characters depth, contours and nuance that avoids the usual stiff, binary nature of most books about resistance activities against a Nazi occupation.
However, the most outstanding feature of this book was Oakley's willingness to explore issues like deafness, social ostracism, post-torture trauma, guilt for unintended consequences and other equally complex social and psychological issues.
Truly a unique and valuable contribution to the body of literature about the Second World War.
Although the novel gets off to a slow start, the ability to retain tension at a slow pace is impressive and the tension gradually builds to a dramatic climatic end.
The descriptions of Norway and Norwegians are wonderful, and the understanding of the political and social fabric of Norway in the Second World War is impressive. Oakley is also adept at giving her large cast of characters depth, contours and nuance that avoids the usual stiff, binary nature of most books about resistance activities against a Nazi occupation.
However, the most outstanding feature of this book was Oakley's willingness to explore issues like deafness, social ostracism, post-torture trauma, guilt for unintended consequences and other equally complex social and psychological issues.
Truly a unique and valuable contribution to the body of literature about the Second World War.
November 24, 2021
Well written story about the Norwegian Resistance
This was a difficult read because the author doesn't skimp on details describing the torture the Germans used. But I learned so much about the Resistance and what these brave people did and how they did it. It is a fictional story with interesting characters and a realistic (for the most part) plot. I wouldn't say I enjoyed the book, and I had to put it down many times because it was intense, but I was completely involved with the story from start to finish.
This was a difficult read because the author doesn't skimp on details describing the torture the Germans used. But I learned so much about the Resistance and what these brave people did and how they did it. It is a fictional story with interesting characters and a realistic (for the most part) plot. I wouldn't say I enjoyed the book, and I had to put it down many times because it was intense, but I was completely involved with the story from start to finish.
May 7, 2025
I loved this book. I had no idea how difficult World War II was in Norway. Jens was a secret agent working with the British and the Norwegian resistance and was currently undercover working as help on a fishing boat. I grew to know the people in the village and I cared for them. There is a follow up book featuring Jens and the girl he loved, so I knew he was going to survive, but I did not know about the others involved. Even knowing some of them survived, I was tense all while I was reading it. World War II readers should read this novel.
June 12, 2023
I purchased this book after meeting the author at a writers' conference. I felt attracted to its content, but I never envisaged the way the author's skill would connect me so deeply to the characters, as if I had become part of this remote and stoic community. Oakley has brought a horrific period alive with great empathy, delivering a masterful story of tremendous courage in oppression. I loved it and I can't wait to read her subsequent work.
October 26, 2021
Fact-based historical fiction, WWII -heroic, -romantic, action-filled plot. Some profanity and explicit sex and torture scenes. Very long but so was the war and the Shetland Express. Enjoyable and enlightening, hits all the major emotions. Excellent narration.
* there was an audiobook update to this novel, which arrived just as I was finishing it.
* there was an audiobook update to this novel, which arrived just as I was finishing it.
March 13, 2023
The Jossing Affair written by Janet Oakley. This is a great book set in 1944 Norway toward the end of World War II. It's about a part of the resistance to the Nazis and what people had to persevere to survive. The story is poignant and you feel like you were taken back to that time and place and view everything unfold through the characters eyes. Highly recommend!
March 8, 2020
As a fan of WW2 history I enjoyed this book. However it was severely tempered by the numerous grammatical mistakes and typos. By the end it was a novelty if there was a page without an error. With the polish of a good copy editor this could be a great book.
February 15, 2021
This historical novel about resistance fighters in Norway during WWII was hard to put down. The characters often took great personal risk to thwart the Nazis. The book brought to light the sacrifices made by local fishermen while others in Norway collaborated with the German occupiers. Before reading the Jossing Affair, I was unaware of Nazi occupation of Norway and how much the country was affected.
October 3, 2020
Set during WWII Nazi occupation of Norway. Beautifully written, well-researched. I couldn’t put this one down. Highly recommend.
December 23, 2020
An Epic Book Based Upon Truths
This was a story of deaths, sacrifice, and heroism during a brutal war. I am glad that the Third Reich is gone and freedom rings the land.
This was a story of deaths, sacrifice, and heroism during a brutal war. I am glad that the Third Reich is gone and freedom rings the land.
November 3, 2021
Excellent historical fiction. Well researched and written.
March 9, 2025
Read my full review here: https://ruthhullchatlienbooks.com/202...
October 8, 2022
Too much conversation and not enough action for my taste. Because of my heritage I really enjoyed hearing the Norwegian words.
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