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The Resistance Girl
The next gripping and emotional historical fiction read from international bestseller, Mandy Robotham.
Norway, 1942. War rages, and operation Shetland bus is in full swing. Under cover of darkness, Rumi Orlstad and other locals smuggle British agents, fugitives and supplies across the North Sea to the relative safety of Scotland.
But when one mission goes awry, and Rumi’s husband is lost to the dangerous waters, she retreats from the clandestine group, vowing never to take to the seas again.
Meanwhile, her childhood friend Anya has been placed in Lebensborn, one of Himmler’s secret Aryan maternity camps. And when Rumi learns the fate of Anya’s child, she knows she has no choice but to face her fears and help Anya flee from Nazi grip…
Norway, 1942. War rages, and operation Shetland bus is in full swing. Under cover of darkness, Rumi Orlstad and other locals smuggle British agents, fugitives and supplies across the North Sea to the relative safety of Scotland.
But when one mission goes awry, and Rumi’s husband is lost to the dangerous waters, she retreats from the clandestine group, vowing never to take to the seas again.
Meanwhile, her childhood friend Anya has been placed in Lebensborn, one of Himmler’s secret Aryan maternity camps. And when Rumi learns the fate of Anya’s child, she knows she has no choice but to face her fears and help Anya flee from Nazi grip…
400 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 369 reviews
March 31, 2022
4+ stars
This very good historical fiction looks at the impact of war on individuals, the central character is being Jens Parkes and Rumi Orlstad. Both have sadness and tragedy they carry with them permanently. Through these characters and others the author demonstrates the courage and bravery of the resistance to the Nazi invasion of Norway. Rumi has a very particular reason for her involvement and she is determined to make Germany pay, not least for the theft of her country. Rumi and Jens meet in the most dramatic and potentially dangerous of ways and Jens will go onto thwart the Abwehr (German military intelligence) and in particular Lothar Selig in any way he can.
The novel is very well written and you become very absorbed in the characters and their stories and you feel as if you are there alongside them in solidarity. I really like all the central characters and you become personally involved and invested in their survival. As well as the courage of the resistance which comes across loud and clear there is another strand to the storytelling which looks at Lebensborn, the unpalatable baby trafficking of infants deemed pure Aryan. All of this storytelling makes you feel something but this is in a different league altogether.
The author captures the dangers all around and makes you sense it too. The suspicions, who to dare to trust, the fear, fury, the duplicity and every day survival are well depicted. I enjoy the focus on knitting too especially the cultural importance of various items which also give some welcome relief from the dangers outside as two characters in particular meet to knit. All of this is set in some very atmospheric locations especially Bergen which is well described so you can see it in your minds eye.
The novel builds well, it shocks in places which is inevitable given the nature of this war and it builds to a dramatic and tense finale with a well deserved peace in 1945.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Avon Books U.K. for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
This very good historical fiction looks at the impact of war on individuals, the central character is being Jens Parkes and Rumi Orlstad. Both have sadness and tragedy they carry with them permanently. Through these characters and others the author demonstrates the courage and bravery of the resistance to the Nazi invasion of Norway. Rumi has a very particular reason for her involvement and she is determined to make Germany pay, not least for the theft of her country. Rumi and Jens meet in the most dramatic and potentially dangerous of ways and Jens will go onto thwart the Abwehr (German military intelligence) and in particular Lothar Selig in any way he can.
The novel is very well written and you become very absorbed in the characters and their stories and you feel as if you are there alongside them in solidarity. I really like all the central characters and you become personally involved and invested in their survival. As well as the courage of the resistance which comes across loud and clear there is another strand to the storytelling which looks at Lebensborn, the unpalatable baby trafficking of infants deemed pure Aryan. All of this storytelling makes you feel something but this is in a different league altogether.
The author captures the dangers all around and makes you sense it too. The suspicions, who to dare to trust, the fear, fury, the duplicity and every day survival are well depicted. I enjoy the focus on knitting too especially the cultural importance of various items which also give some welcome relief from the dangers outside as two characters in particular meet to knit. All of this is set in some very atmospheric locations especially Bergen which is well described so you can see it in your minds eye.
The novel builds well, it shocks in places which is inevitable given the nature of this war and it builds to a dramatic and tense finale with a well deserved peace in 1945.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Avon Books U.K. for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
April 2, 2022
In a Nutshell: This offers a perspective of WWII I’ve never seen so far – the story of the Norwegian resistance. But it becomes quite hazy in its focus and hence my final feelings are quite muted.
Story:
Where the book worked for me:
😍 I've read so much of WWII fiction that I honestly thought that I've read every single story possible. But this book offered a dual surprise:
👉 A WWII story from the Norwegian perspective.
👉 The story of the Reich's attempt to "manufacture" more Aryan babies using Norwegian women.
I had never heard of Norway’s part in the WWII. So it was a shocker to see that the Nazis had stationed the maximum number of troops in Norway, partly in a bid to ensure their eugenics plan thrived with the help (whether given or forced) of the blonde and blue-eyed Norwegian women. Both these aspects were very interesting to read.
😍 For a change, this resistance story portrays not just the bravery of the resistance fighters but also their insecurities and their frustrations. It made them feel not superhuman but human and vulnerable, thereby leading to a greater empathetic connection with them.
😍 The plot makes wonderful use of Norwegian locales and climate and the local culture.
😍 Some of the main characters make quite an impact. You will feel for Rumi and Jens as they go through their day-to-day lives while managing their secret ops work. Margrit, Rumi’s neighbour is going to be a strong favourite of readers.
😍 The author’s research seems impeccable.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
😑 I would have liked a greater focus on the Lebensborn camp where the pregnant Norwegian ladies were kept. The story reveals their presence but not much about what happens to them afterwards.
😑 It is very slow, especially in the first half where events seem quite repetitive. There’s a lot of time dedicated to Rumi and her anger over the death of Magnus.
😑 The secondary characters aren’t detailed out well. You barely know anything about them even until the end. They make an appearance on an “if-needs-be” basis.
😑 I didn’t expect romance to be part of the storyline. Of course, if it works for the story, I let this go. But in this book, it didn’t seem to proceed naturally from the plot and felt quite forced.
😑 The ending is too neat.
😑 The chapter titles are distracting. Each section begins with the date and the name of the character whose pov we are reading, which was more than enough. The titles weren’t necessary at all.
All in all, I did learn a lot about Norway’s struggles during the WWII and also about Hitler’s pathetic programme of the blond & blue-eyed Aryan superiority (which is quite ironic considering he himself was a brunette. Idiot!) But the writing style didn’t endear the book to me and hence it will be just a one-time read. I do recommend it but not with full gusto. Many other readers have appreciated this story a lot more, so please read their reviews too before you take a call on this work.
3.25 stars from me.
My thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Resistance Girl”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Story:
Norway, 1942. Twenty-five year old Rumi Orlstad is mourning the death of her fiancé Magnus, who drowned while operating the ‘Shetland Bus’ (the secret special-ops waterway link between Shetland in Scotland and German-occupied Norway.) In a bid to bolster Norway’s resistance fight against the German occupiers, Rumi and her dad become part of the underground movement who smuggle agents and fugitives across the North Sea to Scotland. One such agent is half-Norwegian Jens, who has a great role to play as the local coordinator between various resistance groups.
When Rumi’s friend Anya finds herself in a special German-run maternity camp, Rumi knows that she has to help Anya out.
The book comes in a limited third person perspective of Rumi, Jens, and one character from the maternity camp where Anya is located.
Where the book worked for me:
😍 I've read so much of WWII fiction that I honestly thought that I've read every single story possible. But this book offered a dual surprise:
👉 A WWII story from the Norwegian perspective.
👉 The story of the Reich's attempt to "manufacture" more Aryan babies using Norwegian women.
I had never heard of Norway’s part in the WWII. So it was a shocker to see that the Nazis had stationed the maximum number of troops in Norway, partly in a bid to ensure their eugenics plan thrived with the help (whether given or forced) of the blonde and blue-eyed Norwegian women. Both these aspects were very interesting to read.
😍 For a change, this resistance story portrays not just the bravery of the resistance fighters but also their insecurities and their frustrations. It made them feel not superhuman but human and vulnerable, thereby leading to a greater empathetic connection with them.
😍 The plot makes wonderful use of Norwegian locales and climate and the local culture.
😍 Some of the main characters make quite an impact. You will feel for Rumi and Jens as they go through their day-to-day lives while managing their secret ops work. Margrit, Rumi’s neighbour is going to be a strong favourite of readers.
😍 The author’s research seems impeccable.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
😑 I would have liked a greater focus on the Lebensborn camp where the pregnant Norwegian ladies were kept. The story reveals their presence but not much about what happens to them afterwards.
😑 It is very slow, especially in the first half where events seem quite repetitive. There’s a lot of time dedicated to Rumi and her anger over the death of Magnus.
😑 The secondary characters aren’t detailed out well. You barely know anything about them even until the end. They make an appearance on an “if-needs-be” basis.
😑 I didn’t expect romance to be part of the storyline. Of course, if it works for the story, I let this go. But in this book, it didn’t seem to proceed naturally from the plot and felt quite forced.
😑 The ending is too neat.
😑 The chapter titles are distracting. Each section begins with the date and the name of the character whose pov we are reading, which was more than enough. The titles weren’t necessary at all.
All in all, I did learn a lot about Norway’s struggles during the WWII and also about Hitler’s pathetic programme of the blond & blue-eyed Aryan superiority (which is quite ironic considering he himself was a brunette. Idiot!) But the writing style didn’t endear the book to me and hence it will be just a one-time read. I do recommend it but not with full gusto. Many other readers have appreciated this story a lot more, so please read their reviews too before you take a call on this work.
3.25 stars from me.
My thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Resistance Girl”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
March 21, 2022
Norway 1942, and war was in full swing, with the Germans having taken over the town of Bergen, much to the horror of Norwegians. Rumi Orlstad worked with her father Peder and Rubio, her almost-brother, with Peder’s fishing trawler, which, while fishing daily, also covered a darker secret. Helping the resistance was the reason for their existence in this shocking war, and already Rumi had lost her fiancé to the North Sea and her anger was always just below the surface. Her next-door neighbour, Marjit, was the closest Rumi had to a mother, since hers had passed, and her strength and steadfastness carried them all through.
The night Rumi rescued a Norwegian tangled in the trees by his parachute, was the night their world changed – slowly but surely. Jens Parkes was SOE and there to assist the resistance, with British help, to rid Norway of the Germans. Staying in front of the Germans as they set their explosives, destroying munitions, realizing retribution would be immediate, was a constant challenge. But their determination was high. When Rumi’s best friend, Anya, needed help to escape from the Nazis, there was no hesitation. Would they escape the horrors of the war with their lives? Would they all come together once the war was over?
The Resistance Girl by Mandy Robotham is another excellent, well researched (albeit with difficulty because of covid) historical novel, set in a place not often written about (that I’m aware of) – Norway where the Germans decided they needed the blood of the Norwegians – the blond hair and blue eyes, by stealing what was never theirs. Himmler’s secret maternity homes were set up around the country. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and loved the main characters – their strength, courage and utter determination was formidable. Mandy Robotham is fast becoming a favourite author, and I have no hesitation in recommending The Resistance Girl highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
The night Rumi rescued a Norwegian tangled in the trees by his parachute, was the night their world changed – slowly but surely. Jens Parkes was SOE and there to assist the resistance, with British help, to rid Norway of the Germans. Staying in front of the Germans as they set their explosives, destroying munitions, realizing retribution would be immediate, was a constant challenge. But their determination was high. When Rumi’s best friend, Anya, needed help to escape from the Nazis, there was no hesitation. Would they escape the horrors of the war with their lives? Would they all come together once the war was over?
The Resistance Girl by Mandy Robotham is another excellent, well researched (albeit with difficulty because of covid) historical novel, set in a place not often written about (that I’m aware of) – Norway where the Germans decided they needed the blood of the Norwegians – the blond hair and blue eyes, by stealing what was never theirs. Himmler’s secret maternity homes were set up around the country. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and loved the main characters – their strength, courage and utter determination was formidable. Mandy Robotham is fast becoming a favourite author, and I have no hesitation in recommending The Resistance Girl highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2023
Rumi Orlstad lives in a small Norwegian town of Bergen and her widowed father Peder is a fisherman. Peder is involved with the Shetland Bus, a network that smuggles information, agents, weapons and supplies back and forth across North Sea and while looking out for German patrols.
Rumi knows exactly how dangerous it is, her fiancée Magnus was lost at sea two months ago and he was on the way to the Shetland Islands. Two agents have recently been dropped into Norway during a snow storm and Rumi is the only one available to try and find them. She locates one stuck up a tree, she takes Jensen Parkes home and she asks her neighbor Marjit Sabo to help treat the freezing SOE. Jen’s is half Norwegian, he should be able to blend in with the town’s residents and not be caught by the Germans.
Anya Lindvig is Rumi’s best friend, she’s working at a hotel in Stavanger and she’s assaulted by a German soldier while on a date. Anya is placed in a home for unwed mothers in Hop, and something about the place gives Anya a bad feeling and she discovers it’s a Lebensborn. One of Germany’s secret Aryan Maternity Homes, most Norwegian women have blond hair and blue eyes, they want to use them to produce babies for the Third Reich and childless German couples. Rumi is determined to help Anya escape Hop house, for her friend to be safe and keep her newborn baby.
I really enjoyed reading about the close relationships between the main characters in the narrative especially, Rumi, Peder, Marjit, Jens, Rubio and Anya. Marjit is like a second mother to Rumi and how they spent their evenings together sharing a drink and knitting using traditional Norwegian patterns. How Jens transmitted messages to England, took part in acts of sabotage, stayed in different safe houses and had to stay one step ahead of Gestapo, Wehrmacht and the German Military Intelligence.
Like all of Mandy Robothams stories The Resistance Girl is well written and her research has been through. I learnt a lot about life in Norway during World War Two, the Shetland Bus network and Lebensborn. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley and Avon Books UK, an unforgettable story and five stars from me.
Rumi knows exactly how dangerous it is, her fiancée Magnus was lost at sea two months ago and he was on the way to the Shetland Islands. Two agents have recently been dropped into Norway during a snow storm and Rumi is the only one available to try and find them. She locates one stuck up a tree, she takes Jensen Parkes home and she asks her neighbor Marjit Sabo to help treat the freezing SOE. Jen’s is half Norwegian, he should be able to blend in with the town’s residents and not be caught by the Germans.
Anya Lindvig is Rumi’s best friend, she’s working at a hotel in Stavanger and she’s assaulted by a German soldier while on a date. Anya is placed in a home for unwed mothers in Hop, and something about the place gives Anya a bad feeling and she discovers it’s a Lebensborn. One of Germany’s secret Aryan Maternity Homes, most Norwegian women have blond hair and blue eyes, they want to use them to produce babies for the Third Reich and childless German couples. Rumi is determined to help Anya escape Hop house, for her friend to be safe and keep her newborn baby.
I really enjoyed reading about the close relationships between the main characters in the narrative especially, Rumi, Peder, Marjit, Jens, Rubio and Anya. Marjit is like a second mother to Rumi and how they spent their evenings together sharing a drink and knitting using traditional Norwegian patterns. How Jens transmitted messages to England, took part in acts of sabotage, stayed in different safe houses and had to stay one step ahead of Gestapo, Wehrmacht and the German Military Intelligence.
Like all of Mandy Robothams stories The Resistance Girl is well written and her research has been through. I learnt a lot about life in Norway during World War Two, the Shetland Bus network and Lebensborn. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley and Avon Books UK, an unforgettable story and five stars from me.
March 14, 2022
Norway, 1942: War rages, and operation Shetland bus is in full swing. Under the cover of darkness, Rumi Orlstad and other locals smuggle British Agents. fugitives and supplies across the North Sea to the relative safety of Scotland. But when one mission goes awry, and Rumi's husband is lost to the dangerous waters, she retreats from the clandestine group, vowing never to take to the seas again. But when she learns that her childhood friend Anya has been placed in Lebensborn, one of Himmler's secret Aryan maternity camps, Rumi knows she has to help Anya escape.
Set in Norway during WWII. Rumi met Jen when he as stuck in a tree hanging from his parachute. The courage people like Rumi and Jen showed was second to none. The resistance also played their part. They were dedicated to helping others. I hadn't heard of the Shetland bus that helped smuggle people and supplies from Norway to Scotland. I was quickly drawn into this intriguing and informative read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #MandyRobotham for my ARC of #TheResistanceGirl in exchange for an honest review.
Set in Norway during WWII. Rumi met Jen when he as stuck in a tree hanging from his parachute. The courage people like Rumi and Jen showed was second to none. The resistance also played their part. They were dedicated to helping others. I hadn't heard of the Shetland bus that helped smuggle people and supplies from Norway to Scotland. I was quickly drawn into this intriguing and informative read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #MandyRobotham for my ARC of #TheResistanceGirl in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2023
I was drawn to this book due to the interesting backdrop of occupied Norway, the Norwegian Resistance, the Shetland Bus and the sickening Nazi genetic breeding programme involving the Nordic bloodline. To me this had the potential to be a bit of a different WWII story. So I was a bit disappointed with the shallow storyline that emerged from the intriguing ingredients.
February 1, 2022
This is another compelling book by Mandy Robotham. My thanks to Netgalley and Publishers HarperCollins for the opportunity to read, comment and review this ARC of The Resistance Girl.
In 1940 with German armies sweeping through France and Allied forces crumbling the decision was made to evacuate troops from Norway, thus leaving it exposed to full German invasion.
It's 1942, Rumi Oristad who has had little to do with the resistance since her fiancé was killed now finds that as events unfold she once again is dragged back into assisting and becomes heavily involved. British, Jens Parkes and partner Karl SOE operatives have been parachuted in to set up transmitters to assist and coordinate resistance communication and activities. Jens parachutes into a tree and unable to free himself, realises that he'll probably freeze to death. However there is a ground party and Rumi finds him giving him an attitude as frosty as the environment. Karl is found later but has been wounded. The three struggle to Marjit Sabo's house where with a bit of cloak and dagger, Jens relationship to Marjit, his aunt is kept secret for now.
After a few false starts with Rumi's gnarled personality Jens manages to get her to accompany him to a social event that involves German High Command as well as the local business people who are intent on procuring financial gain from the changed political situation. Jens is able to mingle undetected due to his Norwegian looks inherited from his mother. With what Rumi has learned after dancing with a high up German officer, Jens realises that the SOE operations have all of a sudden become even more perilous with Lothar Selig from German Military Intelligence coming to town. Jens is fully aware of his reputation and German sophisticated tracking.
At a beautiful mansion once lived in by the Lauritzens family for over a hundred years, housekeeper and trusted family companion, Fru Nesse now in her fifties wonders what is going to become of her once the Germans move in. All too soon she becomes aware of German intentions, her extended family is threatened with dire consequences if she reveals anything of what is now happening in the house. Warning her family to move away she packs a small bag in preparation of leaving quickly herself when the time comes.
Anya, a friend of Rumi's, who has moved away writes several letters to her and for which they are able to meet up in Stavanger while Rumi, unknown to Anya, is on a mission with Jens. However in one later letter she makes a strong request for Rumi to visit her where she is now living in a large house. After visiting her and outlining her plight, Rumi and Jens become further involved in another Nazi plan that has dire consequences for their safety and many young women.
Fru Nesse, (meant possibly as a secondary character) but for many who understand the need to be invisible as a servant or employed in minor positions finds her brave heart and is able to help Anya, suffers the consequences but at the end of the war is reunited with those who love her.
In 1940 with German armies sweeping through France and Allied forces crumbling the decision was made to evacuate troops from Norway, thus leaving it exposed to full German invasion.
It's 1942, Rumi Oristad who has had little to do with the resistance since her fiancé was killed now finds that as events unfold she once again is dragged back into assisting and becomes heavily involved. British, Jens Parkes and partner Karl SOE operatives have been parachuted in to set up transmitters to assist and coordinate resistance communication and activities. Jens parachutes into a tree and unable to free himself, realises that he'll probably freeze to death. However there is a ground party and Rumi finds him giving him an attitude as frosty as the environment. Karl is found later but has been wounded. The three struggle to Marjit Sabo's house where with a bit of cloak and dagger, Jens relationship to Marjit, his aunt is kept secret for now.
After a few false starts with Rumi's gnarled personality Jens manages to get her to accompany him to a social event that involves German High Command as well as the local business people who are intent on procuring financial gain from the changed political situation. Jens is able to mingle undetected due to his Norwegian looks inherited from his mother. With what Rumi has learned after dancing with a high up German officer, Jens realises that the SOE operations have all of a sudden become even more perilous with Lothar Selig from German Military Intelligence coming to town. Jens is fully aware of his reputation and German sophisticated tracking.
At a beautiful mansion once lived in by the Lauritzens family for over a hundred years, housekeeper and trusted family companion, Fru Nesse now in her fifties wonders what is going to become of her once the Germans move in. All too soon she becomes aware of German intentions, her extended family is threatened with dire consequences if she reveals anything of what is now happening in the house. Warning her family to move away she packs a small bag in preparation of leaving quickly herself when the time comes.
Anya, a friend of Rumi's, who has moved away writes several letters to her and for which they are able to meet up in Stavanger while Rumi, unknown to Anya, is on a mission with Jens. However in one later letter she makes a strong request for Rumi to visit her where she is now living in a large house. After visiting her and outlining her plight, Rumi and Jens become further involved in another Nazi plan that has dire consequences for their safety and many young women.
Fru Nesse, (meant possibly as a secondary character) but for many who understand the need to be invisible as a servant or employed in minor positions finds her brave heart and is able to help Anya, suffers the consequences but at the end of the war is reunited with those who love her.
March 14, 2022
I’ve read and really liked a few of Mandy Robotham’s historical fiction books. Her main characters typically are strong, independent women and the background stories factually accurate.
The Resistance Girl, told from different POVs, focuses on the Nazi occupation of Norway during World War II. It tells of the Quisling collaborators and the Norwegian’s courageous resistance, as well Hitler’s secret Aryan maternity program, Lebensborn.
While I didn’t like this book quite as much as Robotham’s others, it still is a well written, worthwhile, engrossing read. It is atmospheric and suspenseful. It is also heartbreaking, given what is happening now in Ukraine. How can this be happening again?
One of the things I particularly like about Robotham’s writing is that she usually ends with a strong resolution, tying up loose ends for all her characters.
I highly recommended Many Robotham’s works.
Note: I do not usually provide a synopsis of a book in my reviews; you can read that on Goodreads or Amazon. You can read my other reviews at http://vickieonmarco.blogspot.
The Resistance Girl, told from different POVs, focuses on the Nazi occupation of Norway during World War II. It tells of the Quisling collaborators and the Norwegian’s courageous resistance, as well Hitler’s secret Aryan maternity program, Lebensborn.
While I didn’t like this book quite as much as Robotham’s others, it still is a well written, worthwhile, engrossing read. It is atmospheric and suspenseful. It is also heartbreaking, given what is happening now in Ukraine. How can this be happening again?
One of the things I particularly like about Robotham’s writing is that she usually ends with a strong resolution, tying up loose ends for all her characters.
I highly recommended Many Robotham’s works.
Note: I do not usually provide a synopsis of a book in my reviews; you can read that on Goodreads or Amazon. You can read my other reviews at http://vickieonmarco.blogspot.
April 8, 2022
Mandy Robotham is quickly becoming my go-to author for historical fiction. The way she researches her stories and brings new POVs each time is wonderful.
After The Berlin Girl and The Girl Behind the Wall, this was Mandy Robotham's third book I read and it did not disappoint.
It is 1942 Norway. Rumi Orlstad is a Resistance worker. As a course of her work, she rescues Jens Parkes, an SOE sent from Britain to collect intelligence from Norway. He is half-Norweigian and easily blends with the locals.
However, Rumi and Jens, amidst much intrigue and secrecy, discover that the Nazis are involved in more sinister activities in Norway. They want to thwart these operations but SS officer Selig is onto Jens and Selig is worse than a dog who has smelled a juicy bone.
The action does not let up till the end and I enjoyed the story. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator, Antonia Beamish, was flawless. I loved the book all the more due to her.
The idiocy and cruelty of the Nazis never cease to shock me. How can anyone be so inhuman?
The love story felt a bit forced. I didn't mind it much but maybe the book would have been better without the entire plot.
Marjet is a great character while Peder, Rubio, and Anya support the story well. It is, after all, the story of human resilience in the face of extreme terror.
4.5 stars.
After The Berlin Girl and The Girl Behind the Wall, this was Mandy Robotham's third book I read and it did not disappoint.
It is 1942 Norway. Rumi Orlstad is a Resistance worker. As a course of her work, she rescues Jens Parkes, an SOE sent from Britain to collect intelligence from Norway. He is half-Norweigian and easily blends with the locals.
However, Rumi and Jens, amidst much intrigue and secrecy, discover that the Nazis are involved in more sinister activities in Norway. They want to thwart these operations but SS officer Selig is onto Jens and Selig is worse than a dog who has smelled a juicy bone.
The action does not let up till the end and I enjoyed the story. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator, Antonia Beamish, was flawless. I loved the book all the more due to her.
The idiocy and cruelty of the Nazis never cease to shock me. How can anyone be so inhuman?
The love story felt a bit forced. I didn't mind it much but maybe the book would have been better without the entire plot.
Marjet is a great character while Peder, Rubio, and Anya support the story well. It is, after all, the story of human resilience in the face of extreme terror.
4.5 stars.
March 31, 2022
A WW2 book set in Norway was not something I thought would happen that soon, since it doesn't seem to be a very popular setting, but Mandy Robotham proved me wrong, and tackled this in a way only she could.
Which is to say, extremely emotional to the point where I decided to keep a pack of tissues by my side, because I needed them.
This was a more character focused book, and it shows. Every character feels alive, like someone you could meet in real life. I love them all, it's hard to pick a favourite.
There's also a healing theme woven throughout. Rumi loses her fiancé/husband and it takes her most of the book to recover from that and open herself up to other possibilities. I really appreciate that, it was an accurate portrayal.
So if you're going into this expecting a grand romantic story to go with all the action, lower your expectations a tiiiiiny bit, because it's in the background (but still very sweet). It builds bit by bit and feels natural.
My favourite part of the storyline was Anya, and the Lebensborn camps. Not only because it made me shed the most tears, but also because I learned something new. I was aware of the camps but didn't know that much about them aside from what I've seen in one tv show (yes, just one!!! It needs to be talked about more).
And the ending...THE NAME OF ANYA'S BABY. I will never recover from that, it was too precious.
So yes, READ THIS BOOK, CRY WITH ME, YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Which is to say, extremely emotional to the point where I decided to keep a pack of tissues by my side, because I needed them.
This was a more character focused book, and it shows. Every character feels alive, like someone you could meet in real life. I love them all, it's hard to pick a favourite.
There's also a healing theme woven throughout. Rumi loses her fiancé/husband and it takes her most of the book to recover from that and open herself up to other possibilities. I really appreciate that, it was an accurate portrayal.
So if you're going into this expecting a grand romantic story to go with all the action, lower your expectations a tiiiiiny bit, because it's in the background (but still very sweet). It builds bit by bit and feels natural.
My favourite part of the storyline was Anya, and the Lebensborn camps. Not only because it made me shed the most tears, but also because I learned something new. I was aware of the camps but didn't know that much about them aside from what I've seen in one tv show (yes, just one!!! It needs to be talked about more).
And the ending...THE NAME OF ANYA'S BABY. I will never recover from that, it was too precious.
So yes, READ THIS BOOK, CRY WITH ME, YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
July 13, 2022
Mild, undemanding WWII-lite. If you’re in the market for this kind of vibe, The Resistance Girl will suit you fine. I enjoyed that it was set in Norway rather than some of the more well-trodden theatres of WWII, and the Lebensborn angle was sufficiently different to the saturation of Holocaust-lite out there. It leans heavily into the lite angle, which normally vexes me, but I was happy to coast along for the ride this time.
March 30, 2022
I really do enjoy books by this author, she manages to find a good story about just a few people who are affected by a situation that affected millions of people, and makes it personal. I could envisage myself sitting in the kitchen and watching the events unfolding. How brave the resistance was in.Norway and of course the amazing SOE. These books are incredibly informative and Mandy Robotham always manages to give me a history lesson.
May 20, 2022
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Historical / Romance
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Set against the backdrop of a Nazi-occupied Norway during World War II, author Mandy Robotham's The Resistance Girl is the story of the Norwegian resistance movement and shines a light on clandestine SOE group, The Shetland Bus, and the Lebensborn program, Himmler’s secret Aryan maternity camps that resulted in the kidnapping of hundreds of thousands of babies. This book is not just about Rumi Orlstad, it's also about SOE operative Jensen (Jens) Parkes who was raised in England, but has family in Norway in the way of his aunt Marjit Sabo.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Historical / Romance
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Set against the backdrop of a Nazi-occupied Norway during World War II, author Mandy Robotham's The Resistance Girl is the story of the Norwegian resistance movement and shines a light on clandestine SOE group, The Shetland Bus, and the Lebensborn program, Himmler’s secret Aryan maternity camps that resulted in the kidnapping of hundreds of thousands of babies. This book is not just about Rumi Orlstad, it's also about SOE operative Jensen (Jens) Parkes who was raised in England, but has family in Norway in the way of his aunt Marjit Sabo.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
June 18, 2022
A long clandestine and cruel road of resistance to ensure a successful outcome in this historical fiction story.
February 21, 2022
Author Mandy Robotham explores the German occupation of Norway and highlights how the Norwegians fought back through resistance. It’s a refreshing and unique look at wartime fiction as Norway is rarely featured in wartime novels.
Robotham’s narrative highlights a smuggling network of fishing boats, code-named Shetland Bus, used as an escape route to transport spies, supplies and personnel safely across the North Sea to the Shetland Islands. When disaster strikes during one of the transfers, it emboldens ordinary Norwegians to do what they can to loosen the Nazi stronghold on their country despite the challenges the weather brings. The determination and sense of community made the Norwegians a formidable force against the Wermacht and SS.
It’s a gripping read, part mystery/thriller, and involves Special Operations Executive involvement, a stranded parachuter, a secret Aryan Maternity Home, everyday Norwegians doing what they can, resistance fighters, bold fishermen, safe houses, and tons of secrets! I love learning as I read and Robotham indulged me multiple times with her meticulous research. Yes, there were some predictable parts. Yes, she spoon-fed readers what they expected (traditional Norwegian knitting, skiing, and hot drinks). But she also uses her career-specific knowledge to enlighten us about lebensborn and the fate of young girls in Nazi-occupied areas. Readers are left with an understanding of a fiercely committed community that banded together to defy an occupying force.
I enjoyed The Girl Behind The Wall as well as this one and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this author. Her covers are eye-catching and her writing consistent and informative.
I was gifted this advance copy by Mandy Robotham, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Robotham’s narrative highlights a smuggling network of fishing boats, code-named Shetland Bus, used as an escape route to transport spies, supplies and personnel safely across the North Sea to the Shetland Islands. When disaster strikes during one of the transfers, it emboldens ordinary Norwegians to do what they can to loosen the Nazi stronghold on their country despite the challenges the weather brings. The determination and sense of community made the Norwegians a formidable force against the Wermacht and SS.
It’s a gripping read, part mystery/thriller, and involves Special Operations Executive involvement, a stranded parachuter, a secret Aryan Maternity Home, everyday Norwegians doing what they can, resistance fighters, bold fishermen, safe houses, and tons of secrets! I love learning as I read and Robotham indulged me multiple times with her meticulous research. Yes, there were some predictable parts. Yes, she spoon-fed readers what they expected (traditional Norwegian knitting, skiing, and hot drinks). But she also uses her career-specific knowledge to enlighten us about lebensborn and the fate of young girls in Nazi-occupied areas. Readers are left with an understanding of a fiercely committed community that banded together to defy an occupying force.
I enjoyed The Girl Behind The Wall as well as this one and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this author. Her covers are eye-catching and her writing consistent and informative.
I was gifted this advance copy by Mandy Robotham, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
July 22, 2022
What would you do to save a child?
As most of you know I’ve read a million WW11 books. And I thought I had no more tears for this terrible war but this novel showed up on my radar.
Its about Norway and what the Nazi we’re doing over there. I. Had. No. Idea!
I chose to listen to this book on audio and loved Antonia Beamish as the narrator. She was perfect.
I was swept into this and thought it was well done. The author did a really great job and at 78% I couldn’t stop listening.
The writing made me care. It was emotional but in a good way. A lot of these WW11 books make me sad but this did not. I’m so glad I listened to this and highly recommend it if you love historical fiction. Please put this on your TBR list.
Thanks HarperCollins Audio via NetGalley.
As most of you know I’ve read a million WW11 books. And I thought I had no more tears for this terrible war but this novel showed up on my radar.
Its about Norway and what the Nazi we’re doing over there. I. Had. No. Idea!
I chose to listen to this book on audio and loved Antonia Beamish as the narrator. She was perfect.
I was swept into this and thought it was well done. The author did a really great job and at 78% I couldn’t stop listening.
The writing made me care. It was emotional but in a good way. A lot of these WW11 books make me sad but this did not. I’m so glad I listened to this and highly recommend it if you love historical fiction. Please put this on your TBR list.
Thanks HarperCollins Audio via NetGalley.
January 24, 2022
Rumi Orlstad is a strong woman, proud of her convictions, but not immune to suffering. Having lost her fiancé due to a boating accident, Rumi must face losing all she holds dear and her country to the Nazi regime. Not one to take things laying down, she becomes part of the Norwegian Resistance determine to avoid the Nazi’s and their grasp.
I found this book so informative. I knew nothing of the Norwegian Resistance and had never heard of the Shetland Bus. It’s refreshing to read a World War Two themed book set in a different locale and with different themes. This one focuses on love, family, the plight of women forced to stay in Nazi maternity camps, loyalty, perseverance and deep friendship.
The story is very evocative with a diverse cast of characters with some edge of your seat moments. In some ways there is predictability, but yet, there was unpredictability also. The one thing I will say if I was nitpicking and that is that the story might have been a few pages shorter. A minor issue.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I found this book so informative. I knew nothing of the Norwegian Resistance and had never heard of the Shetland Bus. It’s refreshing to read a World War Two themed book set in a different locale and with different themes. This one focuses on love, family, the plight of women forced to stay in Nazi maternity camps, loyalty, perseverance and deep friendship.
The story is very evocative with a diverse cast of characters with some edge of your seat moments. In some ways there is predictability, but yet, there was unpredictability also. The one thing I will say if I was nitpicking and that is that the story might have been a few pages shorter. A minor issue.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2022
The Resistance Girl is simply put historical fiction at its best.
The book is an intense and compelling read as you follow the story of a small Norwegian town of Bergen.
Jens who Rami rescues is part of the resistance and eventually Rami joins.
The courage, strength, tenacity of the towns people and the resistance is amazing.
I cheered for Jens and Rami, I laughed with them during their good times and I cried with them but most of all I admired them.
I am a fan of Mandy Robotham's ; she is a born storyteller.
Her books are captivating , I learn from them and I always hate them to end. The Resistance Girl is no exception.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books Uk, Avon for a book I could not put down.
The book is an intense and compelling read as you follow the story of a small Norwegian town of Bergen.
Jens who Rami rescues is part of the resistance and eventually Rami joins.
The courage, strength, tenacity of the towns people and the resistance is amazing.
I cheered for Jens and Rami, I laughed with them during their good times and I cried with them but most of all I admired them.
I am a fan of Mandy Robotham's ; she is a born storyteller.
Her books are captivating , I learn from them and I always hate them to end. The Resistance Girl is no exception.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books Uk, Avon for a book I could not put down.
February 20, 2022
I really like stories about WWII that are about the resistance fighters and this story made the bill quite well. Mandy Robotham did a great job of explaining how Jens and Rumi had fallen in love over a time and how Rumi's actions saved her man. If I hadn't broken my arm in two pieces I would have finished this story weeks ago. But for some reason I couldn't read. Well the book ended with a double wedding being proposed. It had to be hard for Jens and Rumi to be available to get the women away from the Germans. The story is how the people of Norway survived during the German occupation. I gave Mandy 5 out of 5 stars . The book is worth your reading it.
May 22, 2022
This was ok. It was a part of WWII history that I wasn't aware of which is always enjoyable. This time it was the Norwegan resistance. I also didn't know that Hitler incorporated part of his eugenics plan in Norway. He felt that they were the perfect Arayan race and he set officers on the unsuspecting women and created birth houses in Norway. This was fascinating but only a small part of the story. The rest of the story I had a hard time paying attention to. There was a lot of telling and many characters that just made small appearances.
February 1, 2022
This is another compelling book by Mandy Robotham. My thanks to Netgalley and Publishers HarperCollins for the opportunity to read, comment and review this ARC of The Resistance Girl.
In 1940 with German armies sweeping through France and Allied forces crumbling the decision was made to evacuate troops from Norway, thus leaving it exposed to full German invasion.
It's 1942, Rumi Oristad who has had little to do with the resistance since her fiancé was killed now finds that as events unfold she once again is dragged back into assisting and becomes heavily involved. British, Jens Parkes and partner Karl SOE operatives have been parachuted in to set up transmitters to assist and coordinate resistance communication and activities. Jens parachutes into a tree and unable to free himself, realises that he'll probably freeze to death. However there is a ground party and Rumi finds him giving him an attitude as frosty as the environment. Karl is found later but has been wounded. The three struggle to Marjit Sabo's house where with a bit of cloak and dagger, Jens relationship to Marjit, his aunt is kept secret for now.
After a few false starts with Rumi's gnarled personality Jens manages to get her to accompany him to a social event that involves German High Command as well as the local business people who are intent on procuring financial gain from the changed political situation. Jens is able to mingle undetected due to his Norwegian looks inherited from his mother. With what Rumi has learned after dancing with a high up German officer, Jens realises that the SOE operations have all of a sudden become even more perilous with Lothar Selig from German Military Intelligence coming to town. Jens is fully aware of his reputation and German sophisticated tracking.
At a beautiful mansion once lived in by the Lauritzens family for over a hundred years, housekeeper and trusted family companion, Fru Nesse now in her fifties wonders what is going to become of her once the Germans move in. All too soon she becomes aware of German intentions, her extended family is threatened with dire consequences if she reveals anything of what is now happening in the house. Warning her family to move away she packs a small bag in preparation of leaving quickly herself when the time comes.
Anya, a friend of Rumi's, who has moved away writes several letters to her and for which they are able to meet up in Stavanger while Rumi, unknown to Anya, is on a mission with Jens. However in one later letter she makes a strong request for Rumi to visit her where she is now living in a large house. After visiting her and outlining her plight, Rumi and Jens become further involved in another Nazi plan that has dire consequences for their safety and many young women.
Fru Nesse, (meant possibly as a secondary character) but for many who understand the need to be invisible as a servant or employed in minor positions finds her brave heart and is able to help Anya, suffers the consequences but at the end of the war is reunited with those who love her.
In 1940 with German armies sweeping through France and Allied forces crumbling the decision was made to evacuate troops from Norway, thus leaving it exposed to full German invasion.
It's 1942, Rumi Oristad who has had little to do with the resistance since her fiancé was killed now finds that as events unfold she once again is dragged back into assisting and becomes heavily involved. British, Jens Parkes and partner Karl SOE operatives have been parachuted in to set up transmitters to assist and coordinate resistance communication and activities. Jens parachutes into a tree and unable to free himself, realises that he'll probably freeze to death. However there is a ground party and Rumi finds him giving him an attitude as frosty as the environment. Karl is found later but has been wounded. The three struggle to Marjit Sabo's house where with a bit of cloak and dagger, Jens relationship to Marjit, his aunt is kept secret for now.
After a few false starts with Rumi's gnarled personality Jens manages to get her to accompany him to a social event that involves German High Command as well as the local business people who are intent on procuring financial gain from the changed political situation. Jens is able to mingle undetected due to his Norwegian looks inherited from his mother. With what Rumi has learned after dancing with a high up German officer, Jens realises that the SOE operations have all of a sudden become even more perilous with Lothar Selig from German Military Intelligence coming to town. Jens is fully aware of his reputation and German sophisticated tracking.
At a beautiful mansion once lived in by the Lauritzens family for over a hundred years, housekeeper and trusted family companion, Fru Nesse now in her fifties wonders what is going to become of her once the Germans move in. All too soon she becomes aware of German intentions, her extended family is threatened with dire consequences if she reveals anything of what is now happening in the house. Warning her family to move away she packs a small bag in preparation of leaving quickly herself when the time comes.
Anya, a friend of Rumi's, who has moved away writes several letters to her and for which they are able to meet up in Stavanger while Rumi, unknown to Anya, is on a mission with Jens. However in one later letter she makes a strong request for Rumi to visit her where she is now living in a large house. After visiting her and outlining her plight, Rumi and Jens become further involved in another Nazi plan that has dire consequences for their safety and many young women.
Fru Nesse, (meant possibly as a secondary character) but for many who understand the need to be invisible as a servant or employed in minor positions finds her brave heart and is able to help Anya, suffers the consequences but at the end of the war is reunited with those who love her.
March 29, 2022
Mandy Robotham has quickly become one of my favorite historical fiction writers. She writes of strong women that against all odds seem to find a way to make it through the trials and tribulations thrown at them. Rumi is one of those characters. She’s heartbroken over the loss of her fiancé but slowly she finds her way back to helping the resistance movement.
This book is set in Norway, which is an area we don’t read much about when it comes to WWII. There was a resistance group there and Rumi will do whatever it takes when she happens to fall upon the plans Germany has for Norway.
I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to #netgalley and #avonbooksuk, avon for giving me the opportunity to read this eARC. All opinions expressed above are my own.
This book is set in Norway, which is an area we don’t read much about when it comes to WWII. There was a resistance group there and Rumi will do whatever it takes when she happens to fall upon the plans Germany has for Norway.
I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to #netgalley and #avonbooksuk, avon for giving me the opportunity to read this eARC. All opinions expressed above are my own.
April 19, 2025
W ostatnim czasie coraz częściej spotykamy powieści, których fabuła osadzona jest w czasach II wojny światowej. Choć mogłoby się wydawać, że temat ten został już w pełni wyczerpany, rynek wydawniczy wciąż obfituje w książki z gatunku literatury wojennej. Osobiście jestem wielką miłośniczką literatury wojennej. Przeczytałam wiele powieści osadzonych w realiach wojennych i wciąż z niezmiennym zainteresowaniem sięgam po kolejne nowości. Dlatego nie mogłam przejść obojętnie obok najnowszej powieści Mandy Robotham, autorki „Tajemniczej wiadomości”. „Dziewczyna z ruchu oporu” to historia, która przenosi nas do Bergen w Norwegii w roku 1942, gdzie wśród malowniczych fiordów wspólnie z bohaterami stajemy do walki z niemieckim okupantem.
Główną bohaterką powieści jest Rumi Orlstad, młoda kobieta, która do niedawna aktywnie działała w ruchu oporu. Kiedy pewnej nocy, podczas sztormu, ginie jej narzeczony, Rumi postanawia wycofać się z dotychczasowej działalności konspiracyjnej. Jednak kilka miesięcy później, gdy na jej drodze staje Jens, brytyjski agent, Rumi zdaje sobie sprawę, że nie może pozostać obojętna na plany Hitlera dotyczące Norwegii. Czuje, że jej obowiązkiem jest stawić czoła nazistom i walczyć o dobro swoje oraz ojczyzny.
„Dziewczyna z ruchu oporu” autorstwa Mandy Robotham to piękna i poruszająca opowieść, w której autorka z niezwykłą precyzją maluje obraz życia w okupowanym przez nazistów Bergen. Z fascynacją śledziłam kolejne wydarzenia z kart powieści; ogromne wrażenie zrobiła na mnie nie tylko sytuacja mieszkańców Bergen, ale także sposób, w jaki autorka odmalowała życie, jakie wiedli, oraz ich determinację i niezłomną wolę walki. Czułam do szpiku kości przeszywający chłód i mróz, tak charakterystyczny dla powieści osadzonych w skandynawskim klimacie. Mandy Robotham stworzyła dzieło, które od pierwszych stron wciąga czytelnika w wir przerażających, przesiąkniętych grozą i nieustającym strachem wydarzeń. A wszystko to rozgrywa się w otoczeniu Morza Północnego oraz skutych lodem i pokrytych śniegiem gór, które stają się niemymi świadkami niezwykłej odwagi bohaterów.
W swojej powieści autorka porusza również temat ośrodków Lebensborn. Autorka z niezwykłą wnikliwością i realizmem przedstawia działania tych instytucji, w których w czasach II wojny światowej umieszczano kobiety i dzieci, wychowywane na prawdziwych Aryjczyków. Choć wielokrotnie spotykałam się z tym tematem w literaturze, fakt, że takie ośrodki działały również w Norwegii, był dla mnie dużym zaskoczeniem. Widać, że autorka przeprowadziła doskonały research na temat okupacji Norwegii. Dzięki temu stworzyła świetnie skonstruowaną opowieść, w której w mistrzowski sposób oddała wydarzenia historyczne.
„Dziewczyna z ruchu oporu” to piękna i poruszająca historia o niezłomnej sile, odwadze i wielkiej miłości. Autorka stworzyła fascynujące, wielowymiarowe postaci, doskonale oddała norweski klimat oraz realia II wojny światowej, poruszyła trudne i bolesne tematy, a łącząc to w spójną całość, przelała na papier niezwykłą historię, którą z całego serca polecam.
Główną bohaterką powieści jest Rumi Orlstad, młoda kobieta, która do niedawna aktywnie działała w ruchu oporu. Kiedy pewnej nocy, podczas sztormu, ginie jej narzeczony, Rumi postanawia wycofać się z dotychczasowej działalności konspiracyjnej. Jednak kilka miesięcy później, gdy na jej drodze staje Jens, brytyjski agent, Rumi zdaje sobie sprawę, że nie może pozostać obojętna na plany Hitlera dotyczące Norwegii. Czuje, że jej obowiązkiem jest stawić czoła nazistom i walczyć o dobro swoje oraz ojczyzny.
„Dziewczyna z ruchu oporu” autorstwa Mandy Robotham to piękna i poruszająca opowieść, w której autorka z niezwykłą precyzją maluje obraz życia w okupowanym przez nazistów Bergen. Z fascynacją śledziłam kolejne wydarzenia z kart powieści; ogromne wrażenie zrobiła na mnie nie tylko sytuacja mieszkańców Bergen, ale także sposób, w jaki autorka odmalowała życie, jakie wiedli, oraz ich determinację i niezłomną wolę walki. Czułam do szpiku kości przeszywający chłód i mróz, tak charakterystyczny dla powieści osadzonych w skandynawskim klimacie. Mandy Robotham stworzyła dzieło, które od pierwszych stron wciąga czytelnika w wir przerażających, przesiąkniętych grozą i nieustającym strachem wydarzeń. A wszystko to rozgrywa się w otoczeniu Morza Północnego oraz skutych lodem i pokrytych śniegiem gór, które stają się niemymi świadkami niezwykłej odwagi bohaterów.
W swojej powieści autorka porusza również temat ośrodków Lebensborn. Autorka z niezwykłą wnikliwością i realizmem przedstawia działania tych instytucji, w których w czasach II wojny światowej umieszczano kobiety i dzieci, wychowywane na prawdziwych Aryjczyków. Choć wielokrotnie spotykałam się z tym tematem w literaturze, fakt, że takie ośrodki działały również w Norwegii, był dla mnie dużym zaskoczeniem. Widać, że autorka przeprowadziła doskonały research na temat okupacji Norwegii. Dzięki temu stworzyła świetnie skonstruowaną opowieść, w której w mistrzowski sposób oddała wydarzenia historyczne.
„Dziewczyna z ruchu oporu” to piękna i poruszająca historia o niezłomnej sile, odwadze i wielkiej miłości. Autorka stworzyła fascynujące, wielowymiarowe postaci, doskonale oddała norweski klimat oraz realia II wojny światowej, poruszyła trudne i bolesne tematy, a łącząc to w spójną całość, przelała na papier niezwykłą historię, którą z całego serca polecam.
August 14, 2022
I really love to read about aspects of WWII that I did not know about and this did not disappoint. Was easily able to visualize the scenery in my head
March 2, 2022
A tense and gripping story centered around the little-used setting of Norway in WWII and the chilling horrors of the Lebensborn program!
I loved Rumi and Jens and the way they faced danger even when the possibility of personal loss was devastating to even think about. If there was one thing that kept me from giving this book 5 stars it is the present tense-third person point of view which I found jarring and kept pulling me out of the story. It felt less intimate to me, but overall this was a cracking read that is just a little bit different from the other WWII books I've been reading lately.
I loved Rumi and Jens and the way they faced danger even when the possibility of personal loss was devastating to even think about. If there was one thing that kept me from giving this book 5 stars it is the present tense-third person point of view which I found jarring and kept pulling me out of the story. It felt less intimate to me, but overall this was a cracking read that is just a little bit different from the other WWII books I've been reading lately.
April 18, 2022
Historical Fiction is a genre that I very much enjoy and when I find a book about a time, place or event that I know little or nothing about, I am pleased. The Resistance Girl is set in Norway during WWII, dealing with the efforts of the resistance as well as Hitler's plans for the Norwegian people. Rumi Orlstad lives in a small Norwegian town of Bergen and her widowed father Peder is a fisherman. Peder is involved with the Shetland Bus, a network that smuggles information, agents, weapons and supplies back and forth across North Sea and while looking out for German patrols. Rumi knows exactly how dangerous it is, her fiancée Magnus was lost at sea two months ago and he was on the way to the Shetland Islands and she vowed that she would not get involved, but when two agents were dropped into Norway during a snow storm, Rumi is the only one available to try and find them. She locates them but they were in danger due to freezing, so she takes Jensen Parkes to her neighbor Marjit Sabo to help treat the freezing SOE. Jen’s is half Norwegian, he should be able to blend in with the town’s residents and not be caught by the Germans as he works with the resistance. Anya Lindvig is Rumi’s best friend, she’s working at a hotel in Stavanger when she’s assaulted by a German soldier while on a date. Anya is placed in a home for unwed mothers in Hop, and she discovers it’s a Lebensborn, one of Germany’s secret Aryan Maternity Homes. The Germans admire the Norwegian's hardiness and their Aryan appearance, blond hair and blue eyes, so they want to use them to produce babies for the Third Reich and childless German couples. Rumi is determined to help Anya escape Hop house, for her friend to be safe and keep her newborn baby.
The Resistance Girl is very well written and researched story. I enjoyed reading about the close relationships in the story as well as learning about life in Norway during this time. The main characters all had stories and reasons to get involved with the resistance and I couldn't help but become invested in their stories. The courage they portrayed was uplifting, although the situations were heartbreaking. The relationship between Rumi and Marjit gives the reader a peak into a normal life before the war with evenings together sharing a drink and knitting using traditional Norwegian patterns. Jens, who grew up in England to a Norwegian mother, risked his life to work with the resistance and spy networks. It was interesting to read about his service that included transmitting messages to England, taking part in acts of sabotage, and hiding in different safe houses to stay one step ahead of the Germans. I found the parts about Anya and the Lebensborn very interesting yet shocking as well. I knew they had this program in Germany with unwed mothers, but did not know about the plans Hitler had to produce a stronger generation. Mandy Robotham's descriptive writing brought this time to life and had me sitting on the edge of my seat at times. This was a well plotted story that builds to a tense conclusion and ends with peace in 1945. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Antonia Beamish. She does a nice job with the narration and helped to immerse me into this time and place. There are some slower parts in the middle of the story, but overall, a great listen.
The Resistance Girl is very well written and researched story. I enjoyed reading about the close relationships in the story as well as learning about life in Norway during this time. The main characters all had stories and reasons to get involved with the resistance and I couldn't help but become invested in their stories. The courage they portrayed was uplifting, although the situations were heartbreaking. The relationship between Rumi and Marjit gives the reader a peak into a normal life before the war with evenings together sharing a drink and knitting using traditional Norwegian patterns. Jens, who grew up in England to a Norwegian mother, risked his life to work with the resistance and spy networks. It was interesting to read about his service that included transmitting messages to England, taking part in acts of sabotage, and hiding in different safe houses to stay one step ahead of the Germans. I found the parts about Anya and the Lebensborn very interesting yet shocking as well. I knew they had this program in Germany with unwed mothers, but did not know about the plans Hitler had to produce a stronger generation. Mandy Robotham's descriptive writing brought this time to life and had me sitting on the edge of my seat at times. This was a well plotted story that builds to a tense conclusion and ends with peace in 1945. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Antonia Beamish. She does a nice job with the narration and helped to immerse me into this time and place. There are some slower parts in the middle of the story, but overall, a great listen.
March 7, 2022
The Norwegian Resistance
Exciting , suspenseful, tragic and romantic as describes this book. Set during WWII in Norway it is a story of the Norwegian resistance. It is a story of courage and patriotism. The local resistance are working with the British SOE agents to operate a series of boats called The Shetland Bus which helps get compromised agents and other valuable people to safety out of Norway.
It is a story of Rumi and an SOE agent Jens who she rescues when his parachute hangs up in a tree. She helps Jens in the resistance. When he childhood friend Anya is held captive in a lebensborn home Jen helps Rumi rescue her.
I also loved the characters of Peder(Rumi's fisherman father), Marjit (Jen's aunt and Rumi's neighbor) and even the evil character of the Nazi Officer Selig as there has to be a villain.
I love the courage all shown in the face of danger. All the narrow escapes where I held my breath and the tragedy when there was no escape for some. I liked the brave strong woman figures of Marjit and Rumi.
It was a very good story, I couldn't stop reading, I think it was around three in the morning when I finished it. I just had to find out what happened next.
I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Mandy Robotham for writing a great story, to Avon Books UK for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me.
Exciting , suspenseful, tragic and romantic as describes this book. Set during WWII in Norway it is a story of the Norwegian resistance. It is a story of courage and patriotism. The local resistance are working with the British SOE agents to operate a series of boats called The Shetland Bus which helps get compromised agents and other valuable people to safety out of Norway.
It is a story of Rumi and an SOE agent Jens who she rescues when his parachute hangs up in a tree. She helps Jens in the resistance. When he childhood friend Anya is held captive in a lebensborn home Jen helps Rumi rescue her.
I also loved the characters of Peder(Rumi's fisherman father), Marjit (Jen's aunt and Rumi's neighbor) and even the evil character of the Nazi Officer Selig as there has to be a villain.
I love the courage all shown in the face of danger. All the narrow escapes where I held my breath and the tragedy when there was no escape for some. I liked the brave strong woman figures of Marjit and Rumi.
It was a very good story, I couldn't stop reading, I think it was around three in the morning when I finished it. I just had to find out what happened next.
I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Mandy Robotham for writing a great story, to Avon Books UK for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me.
September 17, 2022
The history in this book is good but the writing was extremely dry and off putting. I found the style to be totally dry and devoid of life. "He looked, she ate, he fell, she skied". This diary form of writing isn't for me. It was as though even the character's thoughts were frozen by the climate. It is such a disappointment when an author tackles a great historical subject such as this and doesn't manage to breathe life into her story. I don't know what others drew from this story; perhaps they wish to credit the author for tackling such a worthy subject or they are fellow writers. The craft is worthy but as a consumer, I just couldn't hack it. It is such a total let down when the story is so dry. I was already familiar with the history and the way the tale was presented I couldn't stir up interest in what happened. I actually gave up about 70% of the way through the book.
February 26, 2022
Many thanks to #NetGalley and "AvonBooksUK for allowing me to read an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an unbiased review.
There is a real poignancy to reading a book like this at a time when tweets and posts are telling me about the resistance currently taking place in Ukraine. My heart is breaking for them and it made the details in this story come alive all the more for me. The author writes in a style as if the events are happening while the reader watches. At times I tend to find this style distracting, but not this time. The book is based in Bergen Norway and various surrounding towns and places and includes information on the "Shetland Bus" which ran from the Shetland Isles in Scotland to Norway, and on Lebensborn - the German program to have children of good "Aryan" backgrounds born and given to German couples to raise. The authors experience as a midwife really shines through in the parts of the story that detail what giving birth can be like.
The last big trip that my husband and I took before Covid hit took us to Scandinavia and to Bergen, Norway. We took time to visit any museums which would give us information on Norway's experiences during WW2. The background details of this novel definitely agree with what we learned in our travels, and considering they were accumulated during a pandemic when she was unable to visit Bergen herself, really speak well to the authors research skills and networking. I found myself putting my Kindle down occasionally so I could go and look up specific events that she referenced and found it fascinating.
The two main characters in the book are Rumi and Jens although there are many other characters who play an important part in the story. As the novel begins, Rumi is grieving the loss of her fiance in a storm that occurs while he is on the Shetland Bus. She is sent out to the hills surrounding Bergen to look for a member of the S.O.E. (Special Operations Executive) who has failed to turn up as expected. She finds him hanging upside down from a tree entangled in his parachute. His name is Jen Parkes and he is half Norwegian and half British though his heart leans towards his Norwegian background. Different chapters help the reader to experience the events of the war through their eyes and to watch their relationship develop over the months and years of the war. I was immediately drawn into the fear, the need to be cautious about who one could speak to and who might betray them at a moment's notice. So many individuals had their own part to play in helping the resistance and the consequences were severe with German reprisals that were in the extreme. One example of this is the Telavåg tragedy where a whole village was destroyed because two members of the resistance were found there.
In a time where freedom is a word glibly spoken, Robotham shows her readers what people are willing to do to prevent real tyranny from winning. I found myself holding my breath through certain passages waiting for something awful to happen. The strength and support of family were integral to her tale. I found it very hard to put the book down until I had finished it. I would highly recommend it especially in these difficult days.
There is a real poignancy to reading a book like this at a time when tweets and posts are telling me about the resistance currently taking place in Ukraine. My heart is breaking for them and it made the details in this story come alive all the more for me. The author writes in a style as if the events are happening while the reader watches. At times I tend to find this style distracting, but not this time. The book is based in Bergen Norway and various surrounding towns and places and includes information on the "Shetland Bus" which ran from the Shetland Isles in Scotland to Norway, and on Lebensborn - the German program to have children of good "Aryan" backgrounds born and given to German couples to raise. The authors experience as a midwife really shines through in the parts of the story that detail what giving birth can be like.
The last big trip that my husband and I took before Covid hit took us to Scandinavia and to Bergen, Norway. We took time to visit any museums which would give us information on Norway's experiences during WW2. The background details of this novel definitely agree with what we learned in our travels, and considering they were accumulated during a pandemic when she was unable to visit Bergen herself, really speak well to the authors research skills and networking. I found myself putting my Kindle down occasionally so I could go and look up specific events that she referenced and found it fascinating.
The two main characters in the book are Rumi and Jens although there are many other characters who play an important part in the story. As the novel begins, Rumi is grieving the loss of her fiance in a storm that occurs while he is on the Shetland Bus. She is sent out to the hills surrounding Bergen to look for a member of the S.O.E. (Special Operations Executive) who has failed to turn up as expected. She finds him hanging upside down from a tree entangled in his parachute. His name is Jen Parkes and he is half Norwegian and half British though his heart leans towards his Norwegian background. Different chapters help the reader to experience the events of the war through their eyes and to watch their relationship develop over the months and years of the war. I was immediately drawn into the fear, the need to be cautious about who one could speak to and who might betray them at a moment's notice. So many individuals had their own part to play in helping the resistance and the consequences were severe with German reprisals that were in the extreme. One example of this is the Telavåg tragedy where a whole village was destroyed because two members of the resistance were found there.
In a time where freedom is a word glibly spoken, Robotham shows her readers what people are willing to do to prevent real tyranny from winning. I found myself holding my breath through certain passages waiting for something awful to happen. The strength and support of family were integral to her tale. I found it very hard to put the book down until I had finished it. I would highly recommend it especially in these difficult days.
March 20, 2022
Bergen, Norway 1942
Rumi Oristad and her fellow resistance fighters smuggle British agents, fugitives and supplies across the North Sea into Nazi-occupied territory. It is an unforgettable journey of young people risking it all for a movement against Hitler’s regime. The story in this WW11 fiction could possibly have happened and marvels in its descriptions. The bravery of sailors risking their lives on the Shetland bus to help those escaping the Nazis is incredible so are the heartbreaking accounts told by Norwegians.
In alternate chapters, the narration moves between Rumi and Jens, a young British man she rescued from a drop. The two tell their story in vivid details along the way we are drawn into an intriguing and informative read that includes the disturbing Lebensborn maternity program Himmler’s had created. Rumi and Jens helped two young women in their late semester escape via the Shetland bus. The panic and anxiety is palpable. It is easy to get invested in their survival.
It is evident the author loves her subject and know how to penned and exciting story. Her characters are nicely defined so much so that we want their mission to succeed whether is sending a coded message or freeing someone from a difficult situation or even having a quiet moment in the cold snowy mountains....The are many characters POV’s in his wonderful story to captivate us (Peder,Marjit, Selig, Anya,Rubi, Karl, Fru Nesse) to name a few contribute to make this novel a captivating read.
“The Resistance Girl” is an absorbing read, once started hard to put down. The everyday survival, the fear, the suspicions are well captured so is love, family and friendship. Well-said.
I received a copy of this book from Avon Books UK via Netgalleys for my thoughts: this is the way I see it
Rumi Oristad and her fellow resistance fighters smuggle British agents, fugitives and supplies across the North Sea into Nazi-occupied territory. It is an unforgettable journey of young people risking it all for a movement against Hitler’s regime. The story in this WW11 fiction could possibly have happened and marvels in its descriptions. The bravery of sailors risking their lives on the Shetland bus to help those escaping the Nazis is incredible so are the heartbreaking accounts told by Norwegians.
In alternate chapters, the narration moves between Rumi and Jens, a young British man she rescued from a drop. The two tell their story in vivid details along the way we are drawn into an intriguing and informative read that includes the disturbing Lebensborn maternity program Himmler’s had created. Rumi and Jens helped two young women in their late semester escape via the Shetland bus. The panic and anxiety is palpable. It is easy to get invested in their survival.
It is evident the author loves her subject and know how to penned and exciting story. Her characters are nicely defined so much so that we want their mission to succeed whether is sending a coded message or freeing someone from a difficult situation or even having a quiet moment in the cold snowy mountains....The are many characters POV’s in his wonderful story to captivate us (Peder,Marjit, Selig, Anya,Rubi, Karl, Fru Nesse) to name a few contribute to make this novel a captivating read.
“The Resistance Girl” is an absorbing read, once started hard to put down. The everyday survival, the fear, the suspicions are well captured so is love, family and friendship. Well-said.
I received a copy of this book from Avon Books UK via Netgalleys for my thoughts: this is the way I see it
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