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Land of Hidden Fires
Librarian Note: There is an updated cover for this edition with ISBN 0998465720
Occupied Norway, 1943. After seeing an allied plane go down over the mountains, headstrong fifteen year-old Kari Dahlstrøm sets out to locate the wreck. She soon finds the cocky American pilot Lance Mahurin and offers to take him to Sweden, pretending she's a member of the resistance. While her widower father Erling and the disillusioned Nazi Oberleutnant Conrad Moltke hunt them down, Kari begins to fall for Lance, dreaming of a life with him in America. Over the course of the harrowing journey, though, Kari learns hard truths about those around her as well as discovering unforeseen depths within herself.
Occupied Norway, 1943. After seeing an allied plane go down over the mountains, headstrong fifteen year-old Kari Dahlstrøm sets out to locate the wreck. She soon finds the cocky American pilot Lance Mahurin and offers to take him to Sweden, pretending she's a member of the resistance. While her widower father Erling and the disillusioned Nazi Oberleutnant Conrad Moltke hunt them down, Kari begins to fall for Lance, dreaming of a life with him in America. Over the course of the harrowing journey, though, Kari learns hard truths about those around her as well as discovering unforeseen depths within herself.
212 pages, Paperback
First published January 24, 2017
608 people are currently reading
1761 people want to read
About the author
Kirk Kjeldsen
4 books50 followersKirk Kjeldsen received an MFA from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. He is currently a senior lecturer at Państwowa Wyższa Szkoła Filmowa, Telewizyjna i Teatralna im. Leona Schillera (the National Film School in Łódź). He was a staff and freelance reporter for a number of newspapers and magazines, and his first novel, Tomorrow City, was published by Signal 8 Press in 2013. His novel The Depths was included in the New Jersey Star-Ledger's 10 Best Books of 2018 list and was nominated for the 2019 Library of Virginia Literary Awards, and his novel East was nominated for the Dzanc Prize for Fiction. He also wrote and produced the film Gavagai, which was included in the The New Yorker's and the Los Angeles Times' “Best of 2018” lists. He currently lives in Germany with his wife and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
September 5, 2017
Land of Hidden Fires was an interesting story about a young Norwegian teenager who helps a downed American soldier travel to safety. I found the narrative of the young teenaged girl to be authentic and interesting, however while I enjoyed the story it felt a little sparse at times.
A lot of the journey (which is essentially the entire story) was a bit vague. I wanted more details of the beautiful Norwegian wilderness, and the gritty realities of trying to survive in harsh conditions, both emotionally and physically. Basically I wished everything was more “fleshed out”, but the base of the story was still an engaging read.
The narrative is told through four perspectives, and normally I am not a fan of the multiple narrative, but the author made it work. Everyone's voice added meaning and intrigue to the story. Despite my qualms I did like this overall, but I generally prefer more expansive and detailed writing.
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Borrow
Check out more of my reviews here
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2017
Advertised as a "literary thriller", Land of Hidden Fires, seemed to me as a "coming of age" story. Set in Norway during the Second World War, the story begins when fifteen year old , Kari Dahlstrom, misrepresents herself as a member of the Resistance in order to help an American pilot cross over to Sweden. Kari is enamored with America( through the movies) and with the idea of being swept away by the American pilot and taken far away from her Norwegian home. Unbeknownst to Kari and her American pilot "Lance", they are being pursued by an ambitious Nazi officer, a greedy neighbor, and Kari's own father.
The plot escalates quickly and I have to admit, as I approached the climax of the story, I was holding my breath. I really liked the ending because it wasn't what I was expecting, it was far from the "Hollywood" type of conclusion. That probably makes it all the more memorable.
Thanks to NetGalley and Grenzland Press for an advanced reader copy of this book.
The plot escalates quickly and I have to admit, as I approached the climax of the story, I was holding my breath. I really liked the ending because it wasn't what I was expecting, it was far from the "Hollywood" type of conclusion. That probably makes it all the more memorable.
Thanks to NetGalley and Grenzland Press for an advanced reader copy of this book.
March 1, 2017
A motherless child who disliked her father, a downed airplane during WWII, an escape, and a German officer searching for the downed pilot.
Kari did not get along with her father and simply just made it through each day. Her father was not like her. Kari was always curious about things. Her father just wanted to go on with his farming and take no interest in what was going on around him.
The day Kari saw a plane crash was the day she realized she had to do something for the pilot and the day she saw her chance to leave. She decided she would take Lance, the American soldier, to Sweden.
LAND OF HIDDEN FIRES allows the reader to experience the dangerous trip Kari and Lance took in the freezing weather while they feared being caught by the Germans and as Kari felt remorse about leaving her father and taking his horse and carriage.
We continue as three characters pursue three different journeys but for connected reasons.
We follow Kari and Lance as they head to freedom for Lance in Sweden.
We follow Kari's father, Erling, as he searches for his young daughter.
We follow the German officer as he searches for Lance.
Mr. Kjeldsen has wonderful descriptions of the landscape, the characters, and the thoughts and feelings of the characters.
I liked the thought at the end of the book that said: “People seemed to be full of hidden fires, invisible to one another and often even invisible to oneself.” If you have the pleasure of reading this book, you will understand the quote.
I enjoyed LAND OF HIDDEN FIRES. The book was sensitive, thoughtful, but definitely tense.
I think readers will enjoy the hidden, emotional messages as well as Mr. Kjeldsen’s marvelous writing style and story line that kept me turning the pages and wanting to get back to the characters' journeys. 4/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the author in return for an honest review.
April 7, 2017
I received this book from NetGalley after the author asked me to review his book. I found it to be a short, easy read, finishing it in two days. It takes place in the winter of 1943,in occupied Norway. A US air force plane crashes near a Norwegian farm run by a widower and his 15 year old daughter. She finds the pilot, stuck in a tree, and gets him down. She tells him that she is with the resistance(not true) and will take him to Sweden. She fantasizes about a romance with the pilot. The Nazis are searching for him and the plot proceeds at a good pace. There is quite a bit of descriptive information about the geography, plants and people of Norway.
Two quotes:
"The black mountains rose in waves, churning and white-capped. They climbed ever higher to the east, each row more faded and illusory than the last."
"People seemed to be full of hidden fires, invisible to one another and often even invisible to one self."
I enjoyed reading it and give it 4 out of 5 stars.
Two quotes:
"The black mountains rose in waves, churning and white-capped. They climbed ever higher to the east, each row more faded and illusory than the last."
"People seemed to be full of hidden fires, invisible to one another and often even invisible to one self."
I enjoyed reading it and give it 4 out of 5 stars.
March 25, 2018
Actually 2,5 stars.
Because it was too steep. It was almost unreal. Not so much the story itself as the actions of the characters. I mean how a 15-year-old girl decides to help a pilot and take him to Sweden, so without a second thought. Without telling anyone. Without doing any preparation and without losing time?!
Because it was too steep. It was almost unreal. Not so much the story itself as the actions of the characters. I mean how a 15-year-old girl decides to help a pilot and take him to Sweden, so without a second thought. Without telling anyone. Without doing any preparation and without losing time?!
April 17, 2019
Land of Hidden Fires by Kirk Kjeldsen
I enjoyed reading Land of Hidden Fires... in one sitting.
The book reads like a thriller. There is very little character development or description, it is all action driven. The plot creates an entertaining journey if you don't think too hard - a young girl rescues a downed pilot, and takes him to Sweden while the Nazis pursue.
There is not a lot of historical background either, just descriptions of Norway's terrain and snow. Kjeldsen does use some vivid descriptive language though, such as when he compares a horses screams to those of someone being eviscerated.
The points of view switch mainly between the main character and her father, also that of a disgruntled Nazi lieutenant. I didn't dislike the characters but all we can do is judge their actions.
I almost also wonder if this isn't meant for young adult, I honestly doubt that a 15 year old would have made the decisions and had some of Kari's skills, even if her father was obviously very resourceful and could have taught her some of these things.
There was literally no relationship building between the two characters on the journey as well, which I actually liked because there is no reason to become romantically involved just because you're on a mission. (Cough, every YA book ever.) That said though, they might have chatted or become partners at least.
As I said, totally action driven.
I would definitely recommend for fans of historically set thrillers and thrillers in general
I enjoyed reading Land of Hidden Fires... in one sitting.
The book reads like a thriller. There is very little character development or description, it is all action driven. The plot creates an entertaining journey if you don't think too hard - a young girl rescues a downed pilot, and takes him to Sweden while the Nazis pursue.
There is not a lot of historical background either, just descriptions of Norway's terrain and snow. Kjeldsen does use some vivid descriptive language though, such as when he compares a horses screams to those of someone being eviscerated.
The points of view switch mainly between the main character and her father, also that of a disgruntled Nazi lieutenant. I didn't dislike the characters but all we can do is judge their actions.
I almost also wonder if this isn't meant for young adult, I honestly doubt that a 15 year old would have made the decisions and had some of Kari's skills, even if her father was obviously very resourceful and could have taught her some of these things.
There was literally no relationship building between the two characters on the journey as well, which I actually liked because there is no reason to become romantically involved just because you're on a mission. (Cough, every YA book ever.) That said though, they might have chatted or become partners at least.
As I said, totally action driven.
I would definitely recommend for fans of historically set thrillers and thrillers in general
February 5, 2017
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for review.
Oh, Norway. It's cold. It's snowy. It's got ice.
The best part about reading these Scandinavian novels is just how bleeping cold and blue and ice-like things are. I love the winter, and reading these books that feature people tromping through the wilderness in the snow really rocks my socks.
In this particular snow-trompin novel, Kari is a 15-year-old Norwegian girl in 1943. Norway is occupied. Things are dire. Kari is a resilient young woman who lost her mother and who helps her father on the farm, so she is no stranger to physical and emotional strains. When an allied plane goes down in the mountains, she sets off to investigate, because that's what most 15-year-old girls would do in the middle of the night.
When she gets to the crash site she finds an American pilot and helps him down from a tree without batting an eye. I'm just saying at 38 years of age I would probably give it a couple beats before deciding the best way to help him out of the tree. But not Kari. Kari is one of those characters that knows exactly what to do at the right moment without any debate. We should all be so lucky.
She also decides, without debate, that she will help him into Sweden. I know when I go into the mountains in the middle of the night and help an American pilot out of a tree, the first thing I tell myself is "Yeah, I should just go ahead and walk him into Sweden." I mean, I understand wanting to leave your current living situation, but this may have been a bit above and beyond as far as intensity of thought.
I didn't realize until later that this is considered a young adult novel. This explains why Kari is just so gosh-darn resilient and... perfect. She can do anything. I haven't always had a lot of luck with the young adult classification, so I accept that I may not be the best audience for this book. The backdrop of the occupation of Norway had potential to be interesting to me in a historical context, but overall I felt it was just a convenient time period for the story. The relationship between Kari and the American pilot, Lance, never really went anywhere that I expected, and possibly the largest issue with this book is the lack of character development.
Not only does the story follow Kari and Lance through the snow and mountains into Sweden, we also get the perspective of Kari's father, Erling, once he realizes his 15-year-old is, well, not actually in her bed. He seems to be somewhat emotionally distant from Kari after the death of his wife - her mother - but again I felt this was room where their relationship could have been better defined. Erling is a man of few words, though, so evidently that means his portion of the story can lack any real tension as well.
Overall it was a fine read. Recommended for anyone interested in World War 2, specifically the Nazi occupation in Norway. I wonder if someone who finds young adult novels appealing might better appreciate the story, but if you're looking for character development or interesting character relationships, this is not going to be the story. Still, it's a short novel, quick to read, and, again, it takes place in Norway so one can hardly go wrong with that scenery at all.
Oh, Norway. It's cold. It's snowy. It's got ice.
The best part about reading these Scandinavian novels is just how bleeping cold and blue and ice-like things are. I love the winter, and reading these books that feature people tromping through the wilderness in the snow really rocks my socks.
In this particular snow-trompin novel, Kari is a 15-year-old Norwegian girl in 1943. Norway is occupied. Things are dire. Kari is a resilient young woman who lost her mother and who helps her father on the farm, so she is no stranger to physical and emotional strains. When an allied plane goes down in the mountains, she sets off to investigate, because that's what most 15-year-old girls would do in the middle of the night.
When she gets to the crash site she finds an American pilot and helps him down from a tree without batting an eye. I'm just saying at 38 years of age I would probably give it a couple beats before deciding the best way to help him out of the tree. But not Kari. Kari is one of those characters that knows exactly what to do at the right moment without any debate. We should all be so lucky.
She also decides, without debate, that she will help him into Sweden. I know when I go into the mountains in the middle of the night and help an American pilot out of a tree, the first thing I tell myself is "Yeah, I should just go ahead and walk him into Sweden." I mean, I understand wanting to leave your current living situation, but this may have been a bit above and beyond as far as intensity of thought.
I didn't realize until later that this is considered a young adult novel. This explains why Kari is just so gosh-darn resilient and... perfect. She can do anything. I haven't always had a lot of luck with the young adult classification, so I accept that I may not be the best audience for this book. The backdrop of the occupation of Norway had potential to be interesting to me in a historical context, but overall I felt it was just a convenient time period for the story. The relationship between Kari and the American pilot, Lance, never really went anywhere that I expected, and possibly the largest issue with this book is the lack of character development.
Not only does the story follow Kari and Lance through the snow and mountains into Sweden, we also get the perspective of Kari's father, Erling, once he realizes his 15-year-old is, well, not actually in her bed. He seems to be somewhat emotionally distant from Kari after the death of his wife - her mother - but again I felt this was room where their relationship could have been better defined. Erling is a man of few words, though, so evidently that means his portion of the story can lack any real tension as well.
Overall it was a fine read. Recommended for anyone interested in World War 2, specifically the Nazi occupation in Norway. I wonder if someone who finds young adult novels appealing might better appreciate the story, but if you're looking for character development or interesting character relationships, this is not going to be the story. Still, it's a short novel, quick to read, and, again, it takes place in Norway so one can hardly go wrong with that scenery at all.
February 28, 2017
This book is fast paced and exciting. It was easy to read in one fell swoop and it was a great read for a cold winter afternoon.
The book is set in Norway during World War II. Kari, a teenager, lives on a farm and has romantic dreams of someday going to America. Life is hard on the farm and the privations of the Nazi occupation only add to the burden. Kari sees an American plane go down. She tells her father about it and he tells her to leave it alone. Kari decides that she cannot and goes to check out the crash site. She finds the pilot and decides to help him get to the Swedish border.
The pilot, Lance, and Kari set out for Sweden without her father knowing what she is doing. She takes the horse and cart and some supplies. The trail is harsh and dangerous and it is extremely cold which is complicated by trying to avoid discovery. They are soon pursued by the Nazis who are aided by a friend of Kari's father who knows where they are going. Kari's father, Erland, realizes what Kari is doing and the danger that she is in so he goes after her to try and save her if he can. It is a thrilling chase.
The end is wonderful. Kari succeeds in her mission but at the end of it, she has to choose between between her dreams or her family.
The book was well written and the author told the story simply and cleanly. I enjoyed it and I will be looking for more by this author.
I received an advance copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review. I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read it.
The book is set in Norway during World War II. Kari, a teenager, lives on a farm and has romantic dreams of someday going to America. Life is hard on the farm and the privations of the Nazi occupation only add to the burden. Kari sees an American plane go down. She tells her father about it and he tells her to leave it alone. Kari decides that she cannot and goes to check out the crash site. She finds the pilot and decides to help him get to the Swedish border.
The pilot, Lance, and Kari set out for Sweden without her father knowing what she is doing. She takes the horse and cart and some supplies. The trail is harsh and dangerous and it is extremely cold which is complicated by trying to avoid discovery. They are soon pursued by the Nazis who are aided by a friend of Kari's father who knows where they are going. Kari's father, Erland, realizes what Kari is doing and the danger that she is in so he goes after her to try and save her if he can. It is a thrilling chase.
The end is wonderful. Kari succeeds in her mission but at the end of it, she has to choose between between her dreams or her family.
The book was well written and the author told the story simply and cleanly. I enjoyed it and I will be looking for more by this author.
I received an advance copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review. I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read it.
February 6, 2017
This was my first dip into the writing of Kirk Kjeldsen. It turned out to be a delightful experience. I have a recent fascination with Norway already, so when I found that the book is set there, it was pretty much a forgone conclusion that I'd want to check it out. LAND OF HIDDEN FIRES was an easy book for me to get involved in, enjoying the storyline and the time period, all handled in a wonderfully descriptive writing style. It became a battle between wanting to finish the book to see how it ends, and trying to keep from inhaling it too quickly so that it wouldn't be over too soon. Something that doesn't happen all too frequently for me. A satisfying read that has me already looking forward to future works by this author. My thanks to Netgalley, Grenzland Press, and the the author himself for the complimentary copy to read.
July 30, 2017
GNab I received a free electronic copy of this historical novel from Netgalley, Kirk Kjeldsen, and Grenzland Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all, for sharing your hard work with me.
This is one of those books that hook you from the get go. It is WWII and Norway has already been taken by the Germans. Life is hard and winter, always long, seems endless. Land of Hidden Fires is a fast read, and a good tale, but the descriptive phrases sing, and the beauty of the land is heart wringing. Kari and her father Erling are all that you need them to be: strong, stoic, silent, loyal. This is a keeper. Kirk Kjeldsen is an author to watch for.
Pub date Jan 24, 2017
Grenzland Press
This is one of those books that hook you from the get go. It is WWII and Norway has already been taken by the Germans. Life is hard and winter, always long, seems endless. Land of Hidden Fires is a fast read, and a good tale, but the descriptive phrases sing, and the beauty of the land is heart wringing. Kari and her father Erling are all that you need them to be: strong, stoic, silent, loyal. This is a keeper. Kirk Kjeldsen is an author to watch for.
Pub date Jan 24, 2017
Grenzland Press
March 30, 2017
Overall a quick, enjoyable and fast paced book, the author does a pretty good job describing the scenery which gets the reader very much immersed in the story.
Although I liked the somber mood and tone of the book, I thought it felt a bit flat at times. I also finished the book and never got a sense of who the characters really were, a bit too one dimensional for my taste.
Although I liked the somber mood and tone of the book, I thought it felt a bit flat at times. I also finished the book and never got a sense of who the characters really were, a bit too one dimensional for my taste.
March 26, 2017
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is a short read, and interesting in parts. I'm not sure if author was going for historical fiction or coming of age or maybe both. It has bits of everything in it. What I didn't find was a character I could truly warm up to. Kari is a head strong fifteen year old that sets out to explore a plane wreckage. This is 1943 and she is not liking her father much. Her father begans to look for her and we slowly learn little about him. I just wasn't completely sold on this book, but it will probably have more of an audience with readers that love this kind of genre.
December 12, 2016
'He that lives on hope shall die fasting.’
Kirk Kjeldsen simply has it! Having worked through the hoops of preparation - an MFA from USC and serving as an assistant professor of cinematic arts at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts - Kirk lived in Shanghai, adapted the poetry of Yarjei Vesaas into a feature film, and has a résumé that reads like an actor's tryout for heavy movie roles. He now lives Essen,Germany with his family.
But to have all that background and then come to the literary table with a debut novel as polished as TOMORROW CITY suggests that his rightful role may be as an author or a screenwriter. Now with his second novel LAND OF HIDDEN FIRES he is becoming well established as a novelist of the first rank. His use of language is so appropriate and filtered free of extraneous clutter that the reader soon understands that to lose attention for a moment on a page will be like falling off a cliff!
Kirk’s poetic fluid style deserves an example for those new to his gifts: ‘Snow began to fall. It came down in hard, tiny bits at first that stung the skin and crackled as it hit the trees. Then, as it picked up, it softened, falling like flour from a sifter. Before long, big saucer-shaped flakes began to flutter down an fill the air, choking out the moonlight. It muffled every sound, blanketing the forest with silence.’ Eloquent, conjuring the atmosphere for his new book.
In this novel Kirk enters the era of WW II and carries his experience into the climes of the Nordic region to create a story that seems simple while reading, but that carries a relationship lesson well past the final pages. The plot is well spelled out in the intro: ‘Occupied Norway, 1943. After seeing an allied plane go down over the mountains, headstrong fifteen year-old Kari Dahlstrøm sets out to locate the wreck. She soon finds the cocky American pilot Lance Mahurin and offers to take him to Sweden, pretending she's a member of the resistance. While her widower father Erling and the disillusioned Nazi Oberleutnant Conrad Moltke hunt them down, Kari begins to fall for Lance, dreaming of a life with him in America. Over the course of the harrowing journey, though, Kari learns hard truths about those around her as well as discovering unforeseen depths within herself.’
Fine writing this, and a fine follow up to his first novel. We can only hope that he will continue to parcel out novels during his busy life - he has the gift!
Kirk Kjeldsen simply has it! Having worked through the hoops of preparation - an MFA from USC and serving as an assistant professor of cinematic arts at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts - Kirk lived in Shanghai, adapted the poetry of Yarjei Vesaas into a feature film, and has a résumé that reads like an actor's tryout for heavy movie roles. He now lives Essen,Germany with his family.
But to have all that background and then come to the literary table with a debut novel as polished as TOMORROW CITY suggests that his rightful role may be as an author or a screenwriter. Now with his second novel LAND OF HIDDEN FIRES he is becoming well established as a novelist of the first rank. His use of language is so appropriate and filtered free of extraneous clutter that the reader soon understands that to lose attention for a moment on a page will be like falling off a cliff!
Kirk’s poetic fluid style deserves an example for those new to his gifts: ‘Snow began to fall. It came down in hard, tiny bits at first that stung the skin and crackled as it hit the trees. Then, as it picked up, it softened, falling like flour from a sifter. Before long, big saucer-shaped flakes began to flutter down an fill the air, choking out the moonlight. It muffled every sound, blanketing the forest with silence.’ Eloquent, conjuring the atmosphere for his new book.
In this novel Kirk enters the era of WW II and carries his experience into the climes of the Nordic region to create a story that seems simple while reading, but that carries a relationship lesson well past the final pages. The plot is well spelled out in the intro: ‘Occupied Norway, 1943. After seeing an allied plane go down over the mountains, headstrong fifteen year-old Kari Dahlstrøm sets out to locate the wreck. She soon finds the cocky American pilot Lance Mahurin and offers to take him to Sweden, pretending she's a member of the resistance. While her widower father Erling and the disillusioned Nazi Oberleutnant Conrad Moltke hunt them down, Kari begins to fall for Lance, dreaming of a life with him in America. Over the course of the harrowing journey, though, Kari learns hard truths about those around her as well as discovering unforeseen depths within herself.’
Fine writing this, and a fine follow up to his first novel. We can only hope that he will continue to parcel out novels during his busy life - he has the gift!
March 8, 2017
I would like to give this book a 3.5/5 Rating.
I want to thank NetGalley, the Publisher and the Author for my ARC copy for a fair and honest review.
This YA novel has a personal link to me. My Grandmother's family lived in Trondheim before and after the war, so getting a glimpse at the beautifully described scenery was almost magical to me. The Authors descriptions make it very easy to visualize the scenery and feel and see what that the characters face throughout the novel.
The story takes place during WWII in Norway, which had been overrun by the German Occupation. Kari, the heroine of the novel, lives on a farm with her father. After the loss of her mother, Kari and her father Erling drift apart. While Kari was outside she spots an Allied plane smoking and out plummeting to the ground. Now Kari has always had a love for all things American, so when she sees the plane coming down, she feels compelled to find the pilot and help him, even at the risk of her own life. If she were to be caught she could be sent to a work camp, or at the worst be killed as a traitor. Kari finds the pilot Lucas and helps rescue him from the trees and so their adventures begin.
What happens next is that they set off trying to get to Sweden, which is about the only safe place for Lucas. They set off and have many near misses and face multiple challenges as they race towards Sweden. Erling realizes his daughter is missing and sets off after her, therefore you have multiple storylines throughout the novel, but they flow well with each other.
You also have Moltke, the German Oberleutnant that wants to have an active role in the War and not be sitting on the sidelines in Norway. Moltke's goal is to capture Lucas and claim the glory so that he may finally get to leave Norway and start to earn himself some military glory like his ancestors.
Unfortunately, I found the characters were missing some depth. They could of had some more personality and maybe filled us in a bit more on the back story, such as why Kari and her father were at such odds.
I wish that we found out what happened to the main characters after the conclusion of this novel. The historic accounts in the novel are quite accurate and well done. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I want to thank NetGalley, the Publisher and the Author for my ARC copy for a fair and honest review.
This YA novel has a personal link to me. My Grandmother's family lived in Trondheim before and after the war, so getting a glimpse at the beautifully described scenery was almost magical to me. The Authors descriptions make it very easy to visualize the scenery and feel and see what that the characters face throughout the novel.
The story takes place during WWII in Norway, which had been overrun by the German Occupation. Kari, the heroine of the novel, lives on a farm with her father. After the loss of her mother, Kari and her father Erling drift apart. While Kari was outside she spots an Allied plane smoking and out plummeting to the ground. Now Kari has always had a love for all things American, so when she sees the plane coming down, she feels compelled to find the pilot and help him, even at the risk of her own life. If she were to be caught she could be sent to a work camp, or at the worst be killed as a traitor. Kari finds the pilot Lucas and helps rescue him from the trees and so their adventures begin.
What happens next is that they set off trying to get to Sweden, which is about the only safe place for Lucas. They set off and have many near misses and face multiple challenges as they race towards Sweden. Erling realizes his daughter is missing and sets off after her, therefore you have multiple storylines throughout the novel, but they flow well with each other.
You also have Moltke, the German Oberleutnant that wants to have an active role in the War and not be sitting on the sidelines in Norway. Moltke's goal is to capture Lucas and claim the glory so that he may finally get to leave Norway and start to earn himself some military glory like his ancestors.
Unfortunately, I found the characters were missing some depth. They could of had some more personality and maybe filled us in a bit more on the back story, such as why Kari and her father were at such odds.
I wish that we found out what happened to the main characters after the conclusion of this novel. The historic accounts in the novel are quite accurate and well done. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
September 17, 2018
Norway, 1943 under Nazi occupation, bleak winter, woods, snow for miles…it’s very atmospheric and makes for a great setting for a story of a 15 year old Norwegian girl who saves the life of an Allied American pilot, who may or may not deserve the effort. After them are the Nazi officer in charge of the region and the girl’s father desperate to find her in time. Very straight forward plot with a likeable tough young protagonist and it renders a compelling detailed picture of a specific historical time. Not to mention how nice it is to see a story told succinctly in just 215 pages. The moral is presumably something about doing the right thing no matter how difficult and unrewarding it may be or that such a thing is a reward in itself. Quick entertaining read. For a Kindle freebie you can’t really ask for more.
February 4, 2018
An allied plane goes down over a remote region in Norway. Kari Dahlstrom is out working on her family's farm when she sees it drop. Though her recently-widowed father forbids her to get involved, Kari investigates the crash anyway, and when she finds the pilot alive, she decides to help him cross the border into Sweden. Land of Hidden Fires is about their journey through the cold and unforgiving countryside as they try to avoid being captured by SS officers.
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did, but I was hooked from the start. It's a short little nugget of a story but still completely captivating in a quietly suspenseful sort of way. The characters are very reserved, but their inner lives are revealed just enough so that it is easy to empathize with them. Kari's father, Erling, surprised me by becoming one of my favorites.
I also really appreciated how fully author Kjeldsen was able to describe the harsh Norwegian climate. I felt like I was frozen on a mountain right next to these people.
My only minor complaint is that the story's ending felt rushed. I liked where the book ended up, but Kjeldsen seemed too eager to get there. As an example, it took a whole novel for Kari to get from her farm to Sweden, but it only took a few pages for her to go from Sweden back to her farm. I wish there had been a little more detail at the end. I wasn't ready to let go that quickly.
Still, I loved getting lost in this story. The characters are endearing, the setting harsh but gorgeous, and the plot is unique and creative. Not a bad little book.
ARC given to me by author.
See more of my book reviews at www.BugBugBooks.com.
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did, but I was hooked from the start. It's a short little nugget of a story but still completely captivating in a quietly suspenseful sort of way. The characters are very reserved, but their inner lives are revealed just enough so that it is easy to empathize with them. Kari's father, Erling, surprised me by becoming one of my favorites.
I also really appreciated how fully author Kjeldsen was able to describe the harsh Norwegian climate. I felt like I was frozen on a mountain right next to these people.
My only minor complaint is that the story's ending felt rushed. I liked where the book ended up, but Kjeldsen seemed too eager to get there. As an example, it took a whole novel for Kari to get from her farm to Sweden, but it only took a few pages for her to go from Sweden back to her farm. I wish there had been a little more detail at the end. I wasn't ready to let go that quickly.
Still, I loved getting lost in this story. The characters are endearing, the setting harsh but gorgeous, and the plot is unique and creative. Not a bad little book.
ARC given to me by author.
See more of my book reviews at www.BugBugBooks.com.
February 3, 2017
I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Kirk Kjeldsen, and Grenzland Press in exchange for an honest review.
This is a touchingly awkward, yet very interesting and original novel: historical young adult adventure with touch of Jack London stories, full to the brim of Scandinavian gloom.
There are the White Silence, icebound expanses of the Stjørdalen Valley and stern reticent people with 'hidden fires' inside, who spend their time together in silence while having intense internal monologues. Also I really liked the colorful descriptions of nature and local daily routines.
This story will certainly make lovers of Nordic literature happy.
This is a touchingly awkward, yet very interesting and original novel: historical young adult adventure with touch of Jack London stories, full to the brim of Scandinavian gloom.
There are the White Silence, icebound expanses of the Stjørdalen Valley and stern reticent people with 'hidden fires' inside, who spend their time together in silence while having intense internal monologues. Also I really liked the colorful descriptions of nature and local daily routines.
This story will certainly make lovers of Nordic literature happy.
October 4, 2018
Even if I told you what the book was about and the reason I gave it five stars, you would not believe me! I am very curious about the author and the emotions he intended to evoke from his readers. Read other reviews, read the book. You will be entertained by the slippery slope, pun intended, this book takes. The author's writing mechanics were excellent.
Thank you, Mr. Kjeldsen, for an amazing read.
Thank you, Mr. Kjeldsen, for an amazing read.
July 13, 2017
I am just bowled over to how such an amazing story can fit into so few pages. In this book a young girl with every step she takes leaves behind everything that was the innocence of being a child through war time in Norway on a remarkable journey that will change some lives and end others. Not everyone can have a fairy tale ending.
Fifteen year old Kari lives with her father that can not see past his own grief after losing his wife years before to be able to form any sort of relationship with her, except as provider of a roof over her head and food. When she sees a small plane go down in the mountains she is determined to be first on the scene where she finds an American pilot stuck in a tree. Lance realising that this girl could be his only chance of survival soon sweet talks her into helping him down and she in all innocence of day dreams, fairy tales and happy ever afters says she is part of the resistance and can get him over ruggered mountains in the heart of winter to the safety of Sweden.
OMG what a tremendous and perilous journey that not only has its battles with nature in the wintery mountains of Norway but also a determined German Officer and Nazi Oberleutnant Conrad Moltke hot on the pairs tails and gaining ground all the time along with his hot shot team of soldiers that are intent on capture of the American pilot and the traitor that is helping him. Erling, Kari's father has finally woken up to the fact that he has a daughter and he must find before the Nazis get to her. A race against time and the elements.
Wow, Wow, Wow, what an outstanding story Kirk Kjeldsen tells with such vivid and crisp descriptions of this beautiful country that I could close my eyes and I was there. The contrasts then between such beauty and the ugliness of invasion was so very dramatic. If the beauty of this country wasn't taking my breath then fear was. I can't find the right words for how I felt because helpless and frightened just don't do it.
I would say to anyone read this book because it is more of an experience than just reading words. Outstanding! I wish to thank Kirk Kjeldsen for a NetGalley link to this book which I have chosen to review.
Fifteen year old Kari lives with her father that can not see past his own grief after losing his wife years before to be able to form any sort of relationship with her, except as provider of a roof over her head and food. When she sees a small plane go down in the mountains she is determined to be first on the scene where she finds an American pilot stuck in a tree. Lance realising that this girl could be his only chance of survival soon sweet talks her into helping him down and she in all innocence of day dreams, fairy tales and happy ever afters says she is part of the resistance and can get him over ruggered mountains in the heart of winter to the safety of Sweden.
OMG what a tremendous and perilous journey that not only has its battles with nature in the wintery mountains of Norway but also a determined German Officer and Nazi Oberleutnant Conrad Moltke hot on the pairs tails and gaining ground all the time along with his hot shot team of soldiers that are intent on capture of the American pilot and the traitor that is helping him. Erling, Kari's father has finally woken up to the fact that he has a daughter and he must find before the Nazis get to her. A race against time and the elements.
Wow, Wow, Wow, what an outstanding story Kirk Kjeldsen tells with such vivid and crisp descriptions of this beautiful country that I could close my eyes and I was there. The contrasts then between such beauty and the ugliness of invasion was so very dramatic. If the beauty of this country wasn't taking my breath then fear was. I can't find the right words for how I felt because helpless and frightened just don't do it.
I would say to anyone read this book because it is more of an experience than just reading words. Outstanding! I wish to thank Kirk Kjeldsen for a NetGalley link to this book which I have chosen to review.
February 5, 2017
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Overall, I think this book was a good debut novel, but it had some rough patches. I'll start with what I liked about this book.
I liked the way Kjeldsen describes the landscape. Yes, it's cold and snowy the whole time you're tagging along with the characters, but the way he describes it, especially the sky, is quite picturesque. Here's some examples:
"Erling arrived . . . as the storm clouds began to gather, bunching like bed sheets after a long and sleepless night."
" . . . the full moon shone like a bowl of cream, luminous and pale."
"She kept going until the day turned to night, and the sky had become as purple-black as a bruise."
And even though it's nearly always snowing, the author describes the snow in different ways, such as stinging or falling down like flour from a sifter. It really helped me create a mental image of the scenes.
I also really liked that I could tell the author had done his research, and perhaps even had first-hand experience. (You can tell when someone writes about a place they've been, versus pouring over research and writing about it as if they know the area.) Some things I even looked up (like if the sun could be up til midnight in Norway and if some of the flora/fauna were native to the area), because I wanted to make sure it was true. I love when detailed facts are integrated into fiction, but only if they're accurate.
Similarly, I felt the author did his research historically, both through his own investigation and accounts of family members. I really enjoy a well-researched historical novel that gives new insights into a time or place that is fairly common, such as Europe in WWII. I can't say I've read a book about Norway during the second world war, so it was really refreshing. (Side note: I would have liked if the author had added an appendix explaining the German and Norwegian words he uses, such as the ranking of the German military.)
Okay, on to the things that did not work for me in this book:
1) The dialogue
2) The characters and character interactions
The prose in the novel seemed to flow well, but once it hit a scene with character dialogue, it felt shaky and disjointed. Here's an example:
"I'm Lance Mahurin, of the U.S. Army Air Corps—"
She interrupted him.
"I know," she said.
"How—?"
She interrupted him.
"I saw it on your plane," she said.
"Well now," he said grinning.
She turned away, trying not to blush.
It feels awkward, other that the fact that Kari just met an attractive American army man and can't figure out what to say. The whole time Kari is with Lance, their interactions feel stilted.
Kari, as a character, is a rather whiny teenager, and I couldn't figure out why she had such animosity towards her father. Lance is a very under-developed character. I wanted to know more of what he looked like, his personality, his mannerisms. I did, however, like Erling and Moltke's characters, so not all the characters were one dimensional.
In order to avoid spoilers, I will say that I didn't think Erling acted like a parent in a certain situation towards the end of the book. I thought of my own dad, and I couldn't imagine a father being okay with what he decides for Kari.
Although I was frustrated with Lance and Kari, I did like the ending. It reminded me of what Harper Lee said about her book To Kill a Mockingbird: "The novel is a love story pure and simple . . . a father's love for his children and the love they give in return."
And honestly, that's the best kind of love story.
Overall, I think this book was a good debut novel, but it had some rough patches. I'll start with what I liked about this book.
I liked the way Kjeldsen describes the landscape. Yes, it's cold and snowy the whole time you're tagging along with the characters, but the way he describes it, especially the sky, is quite picturesque. Here's some examples:
"Erling arrived . . . as the storm clouds began to gather, bunching like bed sheets after a long and sleepless night."
" . . . the full moon shone like a bowl of cream, luminous and pale."
"She kept going until the day turned to night, and the sky had become as purple-black as a bruise."
And even though it's nearly always snowing, the author describes the snow in different ways, such as stinging or falling down like flour from a sifter. It really helped me create a mental image of the scenes.
I also really liked that I could tell the author had done his research, and perhaps even had first-hand experience. (You can tell when someone writes about a place they've been, versus pouring over research and writing about it as if they know the area.) Some things I even looked up (like if the sun could be up til midnight in Norway and if some of the flora/fauna were native to the area), because I wanted to make sure it was true. I love when detailed facts are integrated into fiction, but only if they're accurate.
Similarly, I felt the author did his research historically, both through his own investigation and accounts of family members. I really enjoy a well-researched historical novel that gives new insights into a time or place that is fairly common, such as Europe in WWII. I can't say I've read a book about Norway during the second world war, so it was really refreshing. (Side note: I would have liked if the author had added an appendix explaining the German and Norwegian words he uses, such as the ranking of the German military.)
Okay, on to the things that did not work for me in this book:
1) The dialogue
2) The characters and character interactions
The prose in the novel seemed to flow well, but once it hit a scene with character dialogue, it felt shaky and disjointed. Here's an example:
"I'm Lance Mahurin, of the U.S. Army Air Corps—"
She interrupted him.
"I know," she said.
"How—?"
She interrupted him.
"I saw it on your plane," she said.
"Well now," he said grinning.
She turned away, trying not to blush.
It feels awkward, other that the fact that Kari just met an attractive American army man and can't figure out what to say. The whole time Kari is with Lance, their interactions feel stilted.
Kari, as a character, is a rather whiny teenager, and I couldn't figure out why she had such animosity towards her father. Lance is a very under-developed character. I wanted to know more of what he looked like, his personality, his mannerisms. I did, however, like Erling and Moltke's characters, so not all the characters were one dimensional.
In order to avoid spoilers, I will say that I didn't think Erling acted like a parent in a certain situation towards the end of the book. I thought of my own dad, and I couldn't imagine a father being okay with what he decides for Kari.
Although I was frustrated with Lance and Kari, I did like the ending. It reminded me of what Harper Lee said about her book To Kill a Mockingbird: "The novel is a love story pure and simple . . . a father's love for his children and the love they give in return."
And honestly, that's the best kind of love story.
February 4, 2017
Full disclosure: I received a complimentary book from the author.
Kirk Kjeldsen’s “Land of Hidden Fires” begins as a story of one young girl’s thirst for adventure and what she does when she finds an opportunity. The book evolves into the individual stories of its characters, separate yet woven together as their lives join for a short moment in time. The author speaks through one of the characters and refers to the thoughts a person keeps hidden from others, “…invisible to one another and often even invisible to oneself.”
While Mr. Kjeldsen won’t constantly tantalize your mind with his descriptions, his writing is to the point and he doesn’t waste words. His passages describe enough of the setting and the action that a reader never feels that there is something missing.
This is not the type of book I normally choose to read. However, Mr. Kjeldsen knows how to present a story, carefully weaving all the elements of the novel together until the reader is totally enmeshed and unable to put the book down. I felt compelled to read the entire book at one sitting.
The basic plot (without spoilers): Kari investigates the area where an Allied plane crashed, finds the pilot, and decides she is going to personally escort him through German-held territory to freedom. The pursuit begins almost immediately, and encompasses the main section of the book. The charm to this story is that it does not employ any outlandish, over-the-top exploits requiring superhuman efforts and unbelievable prowess and skills. This is a novel about real people who have no choice but to embrace what is happening and search for realistic solutions. The pace is steady in the beginning, and finishes quickly.
Bottom line: This is a superb effort and is a book I can easily recommend. The author demonstrates his skill at crafting an excellent story with interesting characters, and the result is a stimulating story that stays with you even after the last page is turned. Five stars.
Kirk Kjeldsen’s “Land of Hidden Fires” begins as a story of one young girl’s thirst for adventure and what she does when she finds an opportunity. The book evolves into the individual stories of its characters, separate yet woven together as their lives join for a short moment in time. The author speaks through one of the characters and refers to the thoughts a person keeps hidden from others, “…invisible to one another and often even invisible to oneself.”
While Mr. Kjeldsen won’t constantly tantalize your mind with his descriptions, his writing is to the point and he doesn’t waste words. His passages describe enough of the setting and the action that a reader never feels that there is something missing.
This is not the type of book I normally choose to read. However, Mr. Kjeldsen knows how to present a story, carefully weaving all the elements of the novel together until the reader is totally enmeshed and unable to put the book down. I felt compelled to read the entire book at one sitting.
The basic plot (without spoilers): Kari investigates the area where an Allied plane crashed, finds the pilot, and decides she is going to personally escort him through German-held territory to freedom. The pursuit begins almost immediately, and encompasses the main section of the book. The charm to this story is that it does not employ any outlandish, over-the-top exploits requiring superhuman efforts and unbelievable prowess and skills. This is a novel about real people who have no choice but to embrace what is happening and search for realistic solutions. The pace is steady in the beginning, and finishes quickly.
Bottom line: This is a superb effort and is a book I can easily recommend. The author demonstrates his skill at crafting an excellent story with interesting characters, and the result is a stimulating story that stays with you even after the last page is turned. Five stars.
May 4, 2017
There is always that one book that comes at just the right time. Snowed in as I am, surrounded by two-foot drifts, I could see Kjeldsen's landscape simply by looking out my window. Or, as the author did himself, I could look back to my father, uncles and grandfathers who lead me through wintry woods in the north country when I was young. "A Land of Hidden Fires" brought all that back to me with vivid and anxious clarity.
Though young Kari Dahlstrom is the heroine of the adventure, it is more than a coming-of-age novel, rather a story of deep loyalty and surprising betrayal. Clearly, in perfect pacing, Kjeldsen keeps his tale moving without unneeded window-dressing, as fast-paced as London's dog stories. A 500-page adventure novel filled with fluff, would still bring us to the same final drama that Kjeldsen gives us in the end.
Whatever Kirk Kjeldsen has given to other readers, he has given this reader a place to go for a few days which had me breathing heavy climbing the slopes of Norwegian mountainsides, and listening alternately to birdsong and gunfire. For that, I am grateful.
Though young Kari Dahlstrom is the heroine of the adventure, it is more than a coming-of-age novel, rather a story of deep loyalty and surprising betrayal. Clearly, in perfect pacing, Kjeldsen keeps his tale moving without unneeded window-dressing, as fast-paced as London's dog stories. A 500-page adventure novel filled with fluff, would still bring us to the same final drama that Kjeldsen gives us in the end.
Whatever Kirk Kjeldsen has given to other readers, he has given this reader a place to go for a few days which had me breathing heavy climbing the slopes of Norwegian mountainsides, and listening alternately to birdsong and gunfire. For that, I am grateful.
February 7, 2017
Kirk Kjeldsen has both an easy and edgy quality to his writing as evidenced in “Land of Hidden Fires.” It’s a little book, easy to read, and yet lingers in the mind when completed. I attribute that to his characters, expertly drawn with qualities of strength and mousiness in each of his portrayals.
Fifteen-year old Kari Dahlstrφm witnesses an allied plane go down in the occupied Norwegian mountains, locates the American pilot, Lance Mahurin, and sets off on a mission to deliver him to freedom in neutral Sweden. The smitten teenager is driven by visions of a happier life with the young pilot, prompted by her meager existence under Nazi rule.
Her father, Erling, and a Nazi officer, Conrad Moltke, search for her and the pilot through the snowy and freezing mountains, albeit for different reasons. Other assorted characters enter the scene, complicating both the flight and the search. The author’s depiction of these individuals highlights the narrative, realistically bringing out their strengths and weaknesses with a little farce thrown in. A horse and a mule have their own place in the characterizations.
It’s easy to pick Kari as the strongest of the bunch with her father not far behind. Torden, the horse, and Loki, the mule, have to be mentioned for their plucky and courageous roles in the story. Moltke, a despicable individual, has a loathsome appeal, and the determined Sverre adds some travesty with his biking escapades. Who rides a bicycle through thigh-high snow with old rope tires?
Kjeldsen showcases his talent as a writer by taking some improbable concepts and fearlessly incorporating them into his story. As I’ve said repeatedly, an author’s fiction means he or she can bend it any way that works. Kjeldsen’s dialogue is solid, his characterizations are wonderfully drawn, and his visual representations are mesmerizing. The novel might not be a piece of stunning literature, but it’s an entertaining read to be enjoyed, if not to be studied for its uniqueness.
November 23, 2018
Despite the small amount of dialogue, this book was a quick read, yet an intense one. Set in Norway in 1943, fifteen-year-old Kari leaves her farm against her father’s wishes to help an American pilot whose plane has crashed in an isolated area. She makes it her mission to escort him on a sixty-kilometer trek to Sweden, but it’s a battle of survival as they hide from Germans and endure snowy, rugged terrain. Kari’s father sets out after his daughter, and it’s suspenseful to find out if he or the Germans will reach her first, of if any of them will at all.
For me, the strongest aspect of this novel is the setting. I understand why many of the review blurbs rave about the author’s descriptions. The scenes are so vivid that the setting itself becomes a ubiquitous, formidable character. Who knew that there were so many eloquent ways to describe, snow, ice, clouds, light, and sub-zero temperatures?
While I didn’t particularly sympathize with the characters, I did enjoy the satisfying ending. The book isn’t long but it doesn’t need to be. The plot is simple and the tension builds well to a page-turning final confrontation.
For me, the strongest aspect of this novel is the setting. I understand why many of the review blurbs rave about the author’s descriptions. The scenes are so vivid that the setting itself becomes a ubiquitous, formidable character. Who knew that there were so many eloquent ways to describe, snow, ice, clouds, light, and sub-zero temperatures?
While I didn’t particularly sympathize with the characters, I did enjoy the satisfying ending. The book isn’t long but it doesn’t need to be. The plot is simple and the tension builds well to a page-turning final confrontation.
March 5, 2018
I received this book as a goodreads Kindle edition giveaway.
I found this book to be an engaging read. Set in rural Norway during the Nazi occupation, it centers on a young girl, Kari, who sees an Allied plane go down, and sets off during the night to investigate. Posing as a member of the Norwegian resistance, she determines to help him escape to safety in neutral Sweden.
We see their struggles, the pursuit by German soldiers, and also her father's attempt to reach her and bring her home to safety. While at times predictable, the plot is still interesting enough to make this a book you want to continue reading. The growth of Kari's character is interesting to see, as she develops a more mature view of her own life's circumstances, and eventually realizes what is truly important to her.
Overall, it's an enjoyable read, quick enough to finish in a day or two, and interesting enough to make you glad you read it. I gave it 3 stars, only because of the predictability of the plot. It didn't ruin the book, but it made it a bit less interesting to me.
I found this book to be an engaging read. Set in rural Norway during the Nazi occupation, it centers on a young girl, Kari, who sees an Allied plane go down, and sets off during the night to investigate. Posing as a member of the Norwegian resistance, she determines to help him escape to safety in neutral Sweden.
We see their struggles, the pursuit by German soldiers, and also her father's attempt to reach her and bring her home to safety. While at times predictable, the plot is still interesting enough to make this a book you want to continue reading. The growth of Kari's character is interesting to see, as she develops a more mature view of her own life's circumstances, and eventually realizes what is truly important to her.
Overall, it's an enjoyable read, quick enough to finish in a day or two, and interesting enough to make you glad you read it. I gave it 3 stars, only because of the predictability of the plot. It didn't ruin the book, but it made it a bit less interesting to me.
November 24, 2020
I enjoyed this well-plotted novel taking place in rural WW2-era Norway. It unfolds cinematically. That is, I could see and watch what was happening. Each scene was set up visually. Each chapter started with a description of the March weather (and beautifully conveyed, I might add). I have always loved to read stories of humans facing the elements and as far as I'm concerned, that's the real theme here, though there is always the fear of Nazi discovery that keeps Kari and Lance running/riding through forested mountains on their way to Sweden. It's definitely a literary thriller, though I think the emphasis is on "literary." A fun book to read on a long winter night. It won't take you long.
May 17, 2017
I liked that Kirk had a tough young woman with the guts to do things that a normal person would not have done. Crossing the river and saving her horse when it was going under the ice. Going into town alone with many Germans in it. Leaving the American pilot in the ending to go back to her father. Growing up in the story, not living in a daydream world. It's worth your time to read this book.
January 28, 2017
Reviewed by me as a member of Rosie Amber's Review Team
3.5 stars
I love to read about adventures in icy northern wastes, so I was pleased to see this on the review team list. The book starts off in occupied Norway in 1943, when 15 year old Kari, who lives on an impoverished farm with widowed father Erling, sees an American plane go down several miles away. Despite wearing insufficient warm clothing and having only eaten dry bread, she walks miles through the snowy wastes to investigate, then pretends to pilot Lance Mahurin that she is a member of the Swedish resistance. She then leads him back to the farm, steals her father's horse, cart and money, and the two of them set off on a long journey to get him to safety. No, I wasn't very convinced, either, but, generally speaking, the book started off on a positive note, as Kari's living circumstances are well-painted, and I like the backdrop of the Norwegian countryside, and the detail about how life has changed in their town since German occupation.
The book moves on with the story of Erling's search for his daughter when he discovers she is missing, and the efforts of Nazi Oberleutenant Conrad Moltke to look for the pilot, too. Moltke, the disillusioned officer entrenched in bitterness because he is not allowed to play a starring role in the war and live up to his father and grandfather, is by far the most interesting character; I found myself looking forward to the parts from his point of view.
The strength of this is the description of the scenery. In depth research has clearly been undertaken, too, which is, for the most part, woven in unobtrusively, and it's technically well written, but I'm afraid that the telling of the story itself lacked the spark, drama, character depth and suspense that keeps me interested in a book, dying to get back to it and unable to put it down. Some of the characters seemed like stereotypes chosen to fit the plot (Kari and her jaunty American, in particular, who, despite being a pilot who's just crashed down in enemy territory, 'sometimes forgets there's a war on'), and there were several incidents I thought unlikely. Too many of the sentences were flat, doing nothing more than delivering information.
It's not a bad book by any means, it's well presented and there were sections I liked, but on the whole it's a 'just okay', for me.
February 28, 2017
In 1943 Norway, 15 yo girl (Kari) poses as a member of the Resistance to help a downed American pilot (Lance) exit the German-occupied country. Will she be able to save him? Will her father be able to find her before it's too late?
This book was compared to The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, but in my opinion, the only thing in common with that amazing, 5 star read was that an American pilot was directed to safety. This is more a coming of age story than it was about the Resistance. Skip this one and read The Nightingale instead. I would, however, maybe recommend this one as a Young Adult version of this topic since it doesn't contain extreme violence or any sex.
Won a copy in a giveaway from Caryn, the Book Whisperer :) Thank you to the author for a copy of this book; unfortunately, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
Speaking of tea, I could have used some while reading this book about trekking through cold, icy Norway hehe ;)
"People seemed to be full of hidden fires, invisible to one another and often even invisible to oneself." - Erling (Kari's father)
This book was compared to The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, but in my opinion, the only thing in common with that amazing, 5 star read was that an American pilot was directed to safety. This is more a coming of age story than it was about the Resistance. Skip this one and read The Nightingale instead. I would, however, maybe recommend this one as a Young Adult version of this topic since it doesn't contain extreme violence or any sex.
Won a copy in a giveaway from Caryn, the Book Whisperer :) Thank you to the author for a copy of this book; unfortunately, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
Speaking of tea, I could have used some while reading this book about trekking through cold, icy Norway hehe ;)
"People seemed to be full of hidden fires, invisible to one another and often even invisible to oneself." - Erling (Kari's father)
January 3, 2017
What fantastic book! Set in Norway during WWII, an American pilot is rescued by 15-year old Kari, taking them on a harrowing, dangerous trip to Sweden. Norway is occupied by the Germans and if the pilot is caught, he will be captured and most likely killed.
Kari is a courageous, tough girl, determined to save the young American, despite the danger involved and the fact she has left her home and distraught father who goes in search after her. A very tense, taught thrill ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat, the author is definitely one to watch.
Thank you Netgalley, Grenzland Press and Kirk Kjeldsen for the ARC.
Kari is a courageous, tough girl, determined to save the young American, despite the danger involved and the fact she has left her home and distraught father who goes in search after her. A very tense, taught thrill ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat, the author is definitely one to watch.
Thank you Netgalley, Grenzland Press and Kirk Kjeldsen for the ARC.
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