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The Tangled Skein
Back in print from Purple House Press! Quislings—Nazi collaborators! Could it really be true that several members of Solveig’s family were quislings—and that her own brother, Roald, had served as a Nazi spy?
At the close of WWII, 15-year-old Solveig Strand returns to her beloved Norwegian village after a five-year stay in Scotland and she is greeted, not with open arms, but with harsh words and cold looks.
Now it is up to Solveig to restore her brother’s good name and her family’s honor—picking apart the truth about the past, from the falsehoods and rumors, like a tangled skein of yarn. If she succeeds, her scattered family can finally return—with their heads held high as the patriots she knows in her heart they are.
At the close of WWII, 15-year-old Solveig Strand returns to her beloved Norwegian village after a five-year stay in Scotland and she is greeted, not with open arms, but with harsh words and cold looks.
Now it is up to Solveig to restore her brother’s good name and her family’s honor—picking apart the truth about the past, from the falsehoods and rumors, like a tangled skein of yarn. If she succeeds, her scattered family can finally return—with their heads held high as the patriots she knows in her heart they are.
234 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1946
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 18, 2020
4.5 stars (5 are reserved for absolute favorites)
This book also has the alternate title "A Daughter of the Vikings"
Set in Norway right after the second World War, I wasn't expecting this story to be so intense, exciting, and full of mystery. But it was. It kept me reading chapter after chapter eager to find out what happened. And, when, what I thought was the climax, was reached, I discovered that not everything wrapped up so easily.
I loved the characters. They were so real. And the setting. It was easy to picture everything as the story unfolded.
This is a book I'm going to be reading over again, and sharing with my niece and friends.
This book also has the alternate title "A Daughter of the Vikings"
Set in Norway right after the second World War, I wasn't expecting this story to be so intense, exciting, and full of mystery. But it was. It kept me reading chapter after chapter eager to find out what happened. And, when, what I thought was the climax, was reached, I discovered that not everything wrapped up so easily.
I loved the characters. They were so real. And the setting. It was easy to picture everything as the story unfolded.
This is a book I'm going to be reading over again, and sharing with my niece and friends.
February 6, 2026
5+ stars (8/10 hearts). What a ride! Even though I’ve read this book many times, I still am on the edge of my seat for most of it… and I love the characters as much as ever.
Norway, c. 1945. The Second World War has just ended. The Germans have left the country in ruins; the boys are still in Europe, coming home; and danger still lurks from hidden Nazi sympathizers. This historical fiction is a fantastic view of post-WWII! I particularly enjoy reading it after On the Edge of the Fjord. Seymour’s writing style is inconspicuous and nothing out of the ordinary, yet her writing itself is simply amazing.
The characters are wonderfully alive and real. I swear that if I could only discover that mountain and cross it, I’d find the Strands and all their friends. And they’re all so delightful! Shy, strong Solveig; daring, merry Eric; determined, passionate Einar; sweet Ragna; impetuous, clever Roald; darling Besta and Mother and Elin and Father and Tante Bergitta, all their own special selves… along with blunt Jans and kind Peter and dependable Herr Utgaard and the fun-loving American pilots and all the other side characters—and the brash, evil Schwillinbergers and their confederates (seriously, Herr Schwillinberger is one of the most frightening villains I’ve come across!).
The plot is amazing. The excitement and mystery is strong, and stays strong till the very last chapter—without being violent or too scary for little ones. I’m always in awe of how Seymour explained little by little while continuously adding new threads… It can be a little hurried/confusing if you read too fast, but then you get the fun of always finding new stuff when you reread. ;) The different ways the Strands got involved in the resistance and the war, and everything that happened during the war—it’s all so fascinating to read about. The thread of romance is super sweet, and I love the themes of true courage, perseverance, dedication, loyalty, and love!
I fall in love with this book every time I read it—and I’ve been reading it since I was about fourteen. It is one of my top favourite WWII reads and I highly recommend it—to everyone!!
A Favourite Quote: “‘I was awfully scared a lot of the time, Father.’
“‘And went right ahead anyway,” said her father[.] ‘That’s a very fine kind of courage, Solveig.’”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: Under the rose-pink sky sky of a summer night a small Norwegian freighter rocked steadily ahead through the choppy waves of the North Sea. In the prow a tall, dark-eyed boy stood alone, looking with wonder and delight at the midnight sun which dipped now and then below the horizon, only to bob back up, turning the waters from inky blue to bright rose color.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘Sounds good!’ sneered Herr Larson, evidently somewhat alarmed now.... “‘But don’t let him fool you.’
“Eric turned and gave him a long, considering glance that further alarmed the self-important little lawyer. Then Eric gave Einar a rapid direction that sent the boy off like a shot....
“‘Well, we’re through here, I guess. We might as well go,’ said Herr Larson, feeling uneasily that he and his family had better get away from here with all possible speed. Eric looked to him too much as though he might go into some sort of action that would be unhealthy for the Larsons.”
Norway, c. 1945. The Second World War has just ended. The Germans have left the country in ruins; the boys are still in Europe, coming home; and danger still lurks from hidden Nazi sympathizers. This historical fiction is a fantastic view of post-WWII! I particularly enjoy reading it after On the Edge of the Fjord. Seymour’s writing style is inconspicuous and nothing out of the ordinary, yet her writing itself is simply amazing.
The characters are wonderfully alive and real. I swear that if I could only discover that mountain and cross it, I’d find the Strands and all their friends. And they’re all so delightful! Shy, strong Solveig; daring, merry Eric; determined, passionate Einar; sweet Ragna; impetuous, clever Roald; darling Besta and Mother and Elin and Father and Tante Bergitta, all their own special selves… along with blunt Jans and kind Peter and dependable Herr Utgaard and the fun-loving American pilots and all the other side characters—and the brash, evil Schwillinbergers and their confederates (seriously, Herr Schwillinberger is one of the most frightening villains I’ve come across!).
The plot is amazing. The excitement and mystery is strong, and stays strong till the very last chapter—without being violent or too scary for little ones. I’m always in awe of how Seymour explained little by little while continuously adding new threads… It can be a little hurried/confusing if you read too fast, but then you get the fun of always finding new stuff when you reread. ;) The different ways the Strands got involved in the resistance and the war, and everything that happened during the war—it’s all so fascinating to read about. The thread of romance is super sweet, and I love the themes of true courage, perseverance, dedication, loyalty, and love!
I fall in love with this book every time I read it—and I’ve been reading it since I was about fourteen. It is one of my top favourite WWII reads and I highly recommend it—to everyone!!
A Favourite Quote: “‘I was awfully scared a lot of the time, Father.’
“‘And went right ahead anyway,” said her father[.] ‘That’s a very fine kind of courage, Solveig.’”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: Under the rose-pink sky sky of a summer night a small Norwegian freighter rocked steadily ahead through the choppy waves of the North Sea. In the prow a tall, dark-eyed boy stood alone, looking with wonder and delight at the midnight sun which dipped now and then below the horizon, only to bob back up, turning the waters from inky blue to bright rose color.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘Sounds good!’ sneered Herr Larson, evidently somewhat alarmed now.... “‘But don’t let him fool you.’
“Eric turned and gave him a long, considering glance that further alarmed the self-important little lawyer. Then Eric gave Einar a rapid direction that sent the boy off like a shot....
“‘Well, we’re through here, I guess. We might as well go,’ said Herr Larson, feeling uneasily that he and his family had better get away from here with all possible speed. Eric looked to him too much as though he might go into some sort of action that would be unhealthy for the Larsons.”
October 9, 2022
Truly wonderful book. Cannot wait to write a review.
October 13, 2024
An enjoyable read!
February 28, 2024
I like the adventure of the story and all the wonderful culture of Norway- the towns, the food, the dancing, the music- and the insight into how other countries were affected by WWII and how the families rebuilt their towns and culture. I found the characters realistic and like-able, especially how one girl begins shy and gradually finds her voice. The adventure/mystery kept my guessing and was enjoyable.
What I did not like: Plot holes, stereotyping, and a lot of the story hinging on someone jumping wildly to conclusions based on zero evidence and taking drastic action based on a "strong feeling." Also I was unpleasantly surprised to find prejudice, fear, and hatred towards a person (because he has a scarred face and is a foreigner) is justified by the story. Especially odd because the main characters experience prejudice from others and express how much it hurts. Because justifying and normalizing prejudice is such a big part of the plot, I would not have reprinted this book.
The Tangled Skein could be a good book club discussion or study of an essay because it brings up great topics to talk about (prejudice, critical thinking, role of women, courage, grit, vision).
What I did not like: Plot holes, stereotyping, and a lot of the story hinging on someone jumping wildly to conclusions based on zero evidence and taking drastic action based on a "strong feeling." Also I was unpleasantly surprised to find prejudice, fear, and hatred towards a person (because he has a scarred face and is a foreigner) is justified by the story. Especially odd because the main characters experience prejudice from others and express how much it hurts. Because justifying and normalizing prejudice is such a big part of the plot, I would not have reprinted this book.
The Tangled Skein could be a good book club discussion or study of an essay because it brings up great topics to talk about (prejudice, critical thinking, role of women, courage, grit, vision).
August 10, 2022
This reminded me of a good old vintage Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew story, except that it’s set in post-WWII Norway.
June 2, 2022
3.5 The ending was disappointing.
June 3, 2023
This is another great book by Alta Halverson Seymour. It was harder for me to find. But totally worth it. What a great read. I have read it multiple time. It is so neat how she makes the characters names more meaningful when you find out what they mean.
July 19, 2025
I couldn’t decide between three or four stars for this one, so how about 3.75? I could not put it down. This is an excellent post-WWII novel. I highly recommend it — I think 12 and up would be my age recommendation. No violence, no mushy romance, just plenty of adventure! As a side note: I read the new edition from Purple House Press and it is so lovely. :)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews