The Last Light Over Oslo

by Alix Rickloff

A gripping historical novel set in Norway and Sweden in 1940, based on true events, which follows one of the first female US Ministers, Daisy Harriman, and her fictional niece as the two are unexpectedly caught up in the German invasion of Norway.

Cleo Jaffray was an American. A war in Europe had nothing to do with her. She told herself that right up until the man she loved went missing in Poland and Cleo was forced to turn to the only person who might be able to help—her aunt Daisy, the US Minister to Norway.

Daisy Harriman has never shied away from a challenge, be it canvassing for women’s suffrage or driving Red Cross ambulances in WWI, so as only the second woman ambassador, she is determined to prove the naysayers wrong and succeed in her post. When her disgraced niece Cleo lands on her doorstep, penniless and demanding help to find her lost lover, Daisy must balance her responsibilities as a diplomat with her desire to help her family.

Their search for answers is interrupted when Germany invades Norway and the two of them find themselves on the run in a countryside that is quickly becoming a battleground. Then as Daisy is given the task of escorting the Norwegian Crown Princess and her young children to America, Cleo’s lover resurfaces with a story that doesn’t add up and dangerous enemies on his trail.

This riveting historical novel, based on the astounding life of Daisy Harriman and a real-life royal rescue, vividly captures a desperate time and a fearless heroine.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, World War II, Womens, Audiobook, Sweden

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 6, 2024

About the author

Critically acclaimed author of historical fiction, Alix Rickloff’s family tree includes a knight who fought during the Wars of the Roses (his brass rubbing hangs in her dining room) and a soldier who sided with Charles I during the English Civil War (hence the family's hasty emigration to America). With inspiration like that, what else could she do but start writing her own stories? She lives in Maryland in a house that’s seen its own share of history so when she’s not writing, she can usually be found trying to keep it from falling down.

Reviews

[Madeline Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a book with strong female protagonists and this story of one of the first female US Ministers sneaking a princess out of Norway under Nazi occupation absolutely fits that bill. The Last Light Over Oslo is an enthralling read with page-turning action and rich historical details. Alix Rickloff has outdone herself with this novel and readers are going to love it!

[Bryn Turnbull · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Light over Oslo is a beautifully paced and written story, which introduces readers to Daisy Harriman, a historical heroine of epic proportions who revolutionized the role of ambassador in a world at war. A fabulous addition to your TBR pile!

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love historical fiction when it’s well done. I always hope that an era or a specific event can be brought to life by the author so that I gain insight to the people that played important roles during that time, the circumstances that they and others faced, and the actions they took, for better or worse. The Last Light over Oslo only partially fulfilled my hopes and expectations. In my view, the book took a divergent tactic by introducing a totally fictional character, Cleo, whose antics were mildly interesting but not compelling until near the end, and further, the focus on Cleo meant less time focused on the person I most wanted to read about, Daisy Harriman, appointed as the US Minister to Norway in 1937 by President Roosevelt. In my view, the book could have focused much more on her background as a socialite turned volunteer and activist for socially important causes before her appointment as US Minister to Norway. The book flowed well enough, and the research appears sounds as far as Daisy’s escape route from Oslo ahead of the German invasion and also her responsibility for moving certain members of the royal family to safety in the United States. It was a decent read, but as historical fiction, could have focused more on the events and less on Cleo and her misadventures.

[Krista (Mrs K Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is based on the fearless life of Daisy Harriman and a real-life royal rescue, “The Last Light over Oslo” vividly captures the resiliency of its characters in the face of adversity. With its captivating plot this story offers a compelling glimpse into a tumultuous period in history.

[Sarah (read.with.prncss1204) · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed learning about a piece of WWII history that I knew nothing about I wasn't as captivated by this story as I'd hoped to be. I think Daisy Harriman's life was interesting enough that her story could have carried the novel without having to include the fictional goddaughter, Cleo. The story focused more on her than on Mrs. Harriman. It was also very slow and didn't pick up until the 70% mark when Micky finally shows up and Daisy finally begins the task of escorting the Norwegian Crown Princess and her children to safety. Additionally, I don't particularly enjoy stories where everything is told to the reader rather than shown. Everything was quickly resolved or faded to black without any tension or "edge of your seat" moments. Overall, I would have preferred a more focused account of Mrs. Harriman and her position in Norway during WWII.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a deeply moving story inspired by Daisy Harriman, U.S. Minister to Norway, on the brink of the Nazi invasion, as she and her niece Cleo embark on a breath-taking journey to protect the Royal family. Hardship and hope, loyalty and betrayal, danger and triumph, this story of a little known slice of Ms. Harriman's life has it all.

[Ali Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were some aspects of this book that were a little slower but overall, I enjoyed the story and learning about someone new and their fictional perspective.

[Heather Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Last Light over Oslo” by Alix Rickloff is a captivating historical novel set in Norway and Sweden in 1940, inspired by true events. The story follows Daisy Harriman, one of the first female US Ministers, and her niece Cleo Jaffray, as they become embroiled in the chaos of the German invasion of Norway.

As war rages in Europe, Cleo’s personal struggles are suddenly intertwined with global events when her beloved goes missing in Poland. Desperate for help, she turns to her aunt Daisy, a determined diplomat who has never backed down from a challenge. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to find Cleo’s lost love, all while navigating the challenges of wartime diplomacy and danger.

When Germany invades Norway, Daisy and Cleo find themselves on the run in a country rapidly becoming a battleground. Amidst the chaos, Daisy is tasked with escorting the Norwegian Crown Princess and her children to safety in America, further complicating their mission.

Based on the remarkable life of Daisy Harriman and a real-life royal rescue, “The Last Light over Oslo” vividly captures the bravery and resilience of its characters in the face of adversity. With its gripping plot and fearless heroine, this novel offers a compelling glimpse into a tumultuous period in history.

[Ashley Osborne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read my fair share of books based on real events during World War II, so this one caught my eye as interesting.

Overall I think this book is good but not great. It uses slightly over dramatic prose ("Petra sniffed her dismissal of this nonsensical notion"), but is not a difficult read. I also wasn't captivated by it and can't really put my finger on why, except for the style of writing. While some of the characters are based on extremely interesting real people, so many of the events feel contrived and they make it less fun to read. It doesn't have the effortless storytelling that many "based on true events" stories have, and in some ways goes for sensationalism (such as inventing a fictional character so that a main character can have a romantic conflict). If it were less based on true events, or more based on the true events, I might have enjoyed it more. As is, it's an odd amalgam of truth and fiction, one that probably won't stick with me after I set it back on the shelf.

I received this book as a giveaway from the publisher and am thankful for the opportunity to have read an advance copy.

[Ken Fredette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good story on how the Princess of Norway got by the Nazi's to the U.S.A.. Petra Kristiansen was Daisy Harriman's secretary as she was the Ambassador to Norway. Cleo Jaffray was Daisy's niece and she was looking for her boyfriend named Micky Kominski told by the Nazi's that he was killed in a bomb in Zakopane Poland, but Cleo didn't believe he was dead. After the Nazi's took Norway from the King of Norway the U.S. Ambassador fled from Norway. Lieutenant Bayard work for the Ambassador and the author makes many different scenarios from Petra being killed and the Ambassador driving into Sweden. After a few months they decide to go to Finland and take the Princess with them. Micky finds Cleo in Sweden and follows them to Finland. I'll let you finish reading the book which will meet your interest. Alex take you through many many different scenarios in this book which I can't tell you, but If you read it you'll be quite surprised.

[erin (readingwithremy) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to William Morrow for my advanced copy of The Last Light Over Oslo by Alix Rickloff.

A WWII Historical Fiction based on the true events of one of the first US female ministers - Daisy Harriman as she's caught up in the German invasion of Norway.

I like that this is based on the real-life of such a fascinating woman and I enjoy learning about new aspects of WWII but this book was SO boring. I didn't like that Cleo was a fictional character and that really ruined this book for me.

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

This may be good if Cleo wasn’t in it

[Book.ishJulie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Last Light Over Oslo by Alix Rickloff illuminates the past by pulling history from the shadows.

Although this story is really meant to showcase real-life Daisy Harriman (who was one of the first female U.S. Ministers), I was instead drawn more towards Cleo's fictional storyline. I found Cleo to be a compelling character who was both fierce and achingly independent - the kind of female I love to read! I could easily feel her heartache, agony, and longing coming off the pages.

Rickloff's writing was simple yet eloquent, making this historical fiction straightforward rather than daunting. At times, I found some word choices slightly too modern-sounding for the WWII era that it represented, but this didn't distract from my reading experience.

Based on the synopsis, I had expected the bulk of this story to be Daisy accompanying the Norwegian Crown Princess to America, but instead, this novel highlights the build-up to that crossing. Although this creates more of a story, the plot took a long time getting to that main point.

Rickloff created a book that truly sheds light on an aspect of WWII that I knew nothing about, and I enjoyed this original plot in a genre that is often times over saturated with similar stories.

If you’re like me and adore reading historical fiction and learning about history during the cooler months, this is one to pick up as the temperatures drop!

Thank you NetGalley, UpLit Reads and William Morrow for the complimentary copy to read and review.

[Jennifer Cash · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my favorite subgenres of historical fiction is WWII historical fiction. Over the years, I’ve tended to read WWII historical fiction focused on France, England, and Germany. When I heard about The Last Light Over Oslo, I was intrigued. I’m sorry to say that I never considered how WWII affected the Scandinavian countries, and this book taught me so much history that I never knew about!

In Oslo, Norway, Daisy Harriman (one of the first female US ministers) is surprised when her goddaughter, Cleo Jaffray, shows up at her doorstep seeking her help. Her timing couldn’t be worse as Daisy is dealing with Germany’s invasion of Norway and trying to help refugees safely escape to nearby Sweden. Cleo is distraught because the man she loves has unexpectedly gone missing after a bombing in Poland, and she needs Daisy’s help to find him.

The two quickly find themselves on a harrowing journey alongside the Norwegian Royal Family as they, too, try to flee Norway. When it becomes clear Germany has no plans to cease its plans for takeover, Daisy is tasked with escorting the Norwegian Crown Princess and her children to America. At the same time, Cleo’s lover reappears with a story that doesn’t add up and dangerous enemies following his every move.

The Last Light Over Oslo is based on the actual events of US Minister Daisy Harriman’s escape from Norway. This action-packed adventure will keep you on the edge of your seat.

I would recommend The Last Light Over Oslo if you enjoy:
-WWII Historical Fiction
-Stories based on real-life historical figures
-Main characters who are strong, intelligent females
-Books that will take you on an adventure

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know much about the role Norway played during WWII. This book shows the Norwegian experience through the real-life experiences of Daisy Harriman, the first female U.S. ambassador. Daisy fulfills this role in Norway just before and during the German invasion of Norway. She spends most of her time acting as a peacemaker to keep the Germans at bay, and not compromise the U.S. neutrality. This becomes an increasingly difficult balancing act. Her role was important in securing the lives of the Queen of Norway and her children as they dodged the Germans before sailing to the U.S. A fictional niece of Daisy’s gives a glimpse of the life of people fleeing the Germans from Poland and Norway. It was a unique look for me into this small slice of history taking place during the early days before the U.S. entered the war.

This is another well-written historical fiction book about WWII. I was not familiar with this author. I will be looking for other books by her.

[Tiffany E-P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when a book introduces me to another strong female who helped shape history. It’s so uplifting that more of these heroine’s stories are being shared. I’ve done a lot of reading about WWII-mostly set in England, France or Germany though. This book was set in Norway and it led me to do some side research into what happened there in 1940. History aside, this book was well written. Very well researched. And the plot kept me reading and I didn’t want to put the book down.

[Pamela Shropshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this novel based upon a real person, American stateswoman, Florence “Daisy” Harriman who was serving as the US minister to Norway when the Germans invaded in early 1940. The plots are very much fiction. In the story, Daisy has a niece, Cleo, who is at first in the “too stupid to live” vein, but she rises to the circumstances and I like to believe she would go on to make her family quite proud.

The book is set in Norway and Sweden and I loved all the “scenery”.

[kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't have strong feelings. it wasn't bad, but it wasn't exciting.

[Barb in Maryland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well done historical fiction set in Norway during the early days of WWII. Bonus: Our leading character is one of the US's forgotten women of a certain age who played an important (though small) part in world events.

I like to learn something new while I read historical fiction, so I picked up this one because I knew zip about the US in Norway at the start of WWII. I am so glad I did, for I made the acquaintance of the fabulous Florence "Daisy" Harriman.

The blurb does a good job of setting up the plot. I must say it took me a while to warm up to Cleo. But I suspect we weren't supposed to like her when we first meet her. So Cleo's story arc of growing maturity and responsibility was totally satisfying.

Now to track down a copy of Mission to the North, Mrs. Harriman's memoir of her time in Norway.

[Anna Stahl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really thought I would love this book but it’s just so boring. I kept waiting for something exciting to happen and it never did. It felt like it would never end!

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been devouring WWII nonfiction and historical fiction since I was in middle school, and I am always delighted when I come across a book that focuses on someone lost to history or an area mostly ignored. In this case, the country of Norway and the second female United States ambassador Florence “Daisy” Harriman.

While the story is based on the true events within Daisy’s time as the US Ambassador to Norway, author Alix Rickloff gives her a fictional niece named Cleo. Having run away to Poland following a called off wedding, Cleo goes to Daisy when her partner goes missing. Believed to be dead, but refusing to accept what she is being told, Cleo continues to dig while she also tries to find her footing inside her aunt’s world.

The book was easy to invest in and the pages flew as multiple streams of plot converged into an ending with limitless possibilities. I thought the pacing was good and I really loved that Rickloff chose to highlight a very important person in history whose name won’t be found in a history book.

Thank you Uplit Reads for the gifted copy.

[Lindsay Lounds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that this book highlighted a strong female leader during WWII! Focusing on the US ambassador in Norway and the impact she made during the war was an inspiring story to read and learn about. While the book was relatively fast paced, I wished for a little more detail during the big action scenes. I think this book was well written and did a great job of highlighting real events in combination with fictional elements!

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this novel for the first few chapters, Cleo is not the most endearing character in the beginning. However, I very much enjoyed this perspective of WW2, never having read about Norway's situation. I ended up really liking this book, even Cleo. Good writing and captivating story.

[Chris Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story based on true events, we go through the perils of escaping Nazis attack in Norway! With the first female ambassador to Norway guiding the escape, she must work in a world of figures against her to ensure that the US is kept in the loop. When she develops a plan to help the royal family escape, secrets from her extended family’s past make it a challenge!

[Susan Luchars · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun tale! I enjoyed learning a bit about Norway’s entry into World War 2 as well as descriptions of cities towns and countryside in Norway and Sweden. The book mixes real historical characters (Daisy Harriman) with fictional ones (her impetuous niece Cleo). It was a light read with suspense and surprises. Also a bit of humor with some strong female characters.

Thank you to Net Galley for providing this book to me.

[Dona · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting look at a small slice of the US ambassador to Norway life when the Nazi's invaded Norway. How she handled herself and what she did for the US and Norway at this time. How she shepherd a large number of refugees to safety.

[Carol Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Historical fictional account about Daisy Harriman. As US ambassador to Norway during WWII, Daisy is a Strong female, main character at a time when female leadership is not well accepted.

[Tina Toxvig · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 🤩

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Light Over Oslo is the compelling story of Daisy Harriman, the U.S. Minister to Norway in the 1940s. Appointed by FDR at a time when very few women had such roles, she found herself escaping Norway from the Germans and trying to keep Washington appraised of the situation and the whereabouts of the royal family.

I was fascinated with Daisy’s background as a wealthy socialite who used her wealth and connections for good as a social reformer and suffragist, eventually rising to bigger political roles. Facing rampant misogyny, she was a force of nature at a time when women weren’t allowed to be. I found myself googling her to learn more.

Daisy’s invented goddaughter Cleo annoyed me from the very start, bringing Daisy trouble she didn’t need. It’s difficult to feel sorry for someone who is handed everything and still makes unwise decisions. Thankfully she has a lot of character growth as the story progresses. While the historical details of Cleo’s story in Zakopane Poland were interesting, I was not interested in finding Micky. I wanted more on Daisy and less on Cleo.

The extraction of Princess Martha and her children was fascinating and I wanted to follow them and Daisy further to the U.S. to have some closure with Roosevelt.

Thank you to Goodreads and the publisher for this ARC. I was a Goodreads giveaway winner.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this from a goodreads giveaway. I am a fan of historical fiction and I really wanted to like this, but it was very slow and felt unfinished. In the Author's Note she talks about the items that she used to research Daisy, but Daisy was not the main focus of the book, Cleo was. And Cleo's story went unfinished. Daisy was the historical part and Cleo (and Baynard) were the fiction part. But the ending made me more curious about Cleo and what happened to her than I was with Daisy getting safely back to America. I want to know if Cleo and Baynard survived and ended up together. I did not care about how Daisy was received at home and if she was removed from her post as ambassador. The book did not seem to flow very well and there were times where I was not sure if we were focusing on Daisy or Cleo. Plus the ending. I enjoy historical fiction but I will probably not read anymore from this author.