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The Historians
The Secret History meets The Alice Network in this riveting tale of murder and conspiracy in Sweden during World War II It is 1943 and Sweden’s neutrality in the war is under pressure. Laura Dahlgren, a bright young historian who is the right hand of the chief negotiator with Germany, is privy to ongoing discussions about the transport of German soldiers to occupied Norway and German access to Swedish iron ore. When Laura finds out that Britta, her former best friend and fellow classmate, has been murdered in cold blood, she is determined to find the killer. Laura learns that Britta had sent a report on racial profiling in Scandinavia to the secretary of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jens Regnell. Jens, who is in the middle of negotiating a delicate alliance with Hitler and the Nazis, doesn’t understand why he has received the report. When the pursuit of Britta’s murderer leads Laura to his door, the two join forces to discover the truth. But as Jens and Laura attempt to untangle the mysterious circumstances surrounding Britta’s death, they only become more mired in a web of lies and deceit. This trail eventually leads them to a shocking revelation, a conspiracy that could topple their nation’s identity—a conspiracy some elements in Sweden will try to keep hidden at any cost.
464 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2020
462 people are currently reading
8897 people want to read
About the author
Cecilia Ekbäck
5 books434 followersCecilia was born in the north of Sweden; her parents come from Lapland. During her teens, she worked as a journalist and after university specialised in marketing. Over twenty years her work took her to Russia, Germany, France, Portugal, the Middle East and the UK.
In 2010, she finished a Masters in Creative Writing at Royal Holloway. She now lives in Calgary with her husband and twin daughters, 'returning home' to the landscape and the characters of her childhood in her writing.
In 2010, she finished a Masters in Creative Writing at Royal Holloway. She now lives in Calgary with her husband and twin daughters, 'returning home' to the landscape and the characters of her childhood in her writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 445 reviews
January 24, 2021
Quick thoughts:
Set in Sweden during WWII, The Historians is a unique and exciting two parts historical fiction, one part mystery, thriller. I’m not sure I’ve read a book set in Sweden before and definitely not during the WWII.
I enjoyed learning about Sweden, especially its position during the war. There’s a conspiracy and tons of secrets, along with a few twists and a strong atmosphere.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Set in Sweden during WWII, The Historians is a unique and exciting two parts historical fiction, one part mystery, thriller. I’m not sure I’ve read a book set in Sweden before and definitely not during the WWII.
I enjoyed learning about Sweden, especially its position during the war. There’s a conspiracy and tons of secrets, along with a few twists and a strong atmosphere.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
March 2, 2021
4.5 stars and I just have to round it up. It's not perfect, but it's close to perfect.
As soon as I saw it was totally embedded in the year 1943 I put reading it off. WWII has just bilge in droves. Fiction beyond horrific all the way to slanted and perverse sentimentality. Hardly readable let alone instructive. Well, this is the opposite.
It is not a book for everyone who likes fiction or historical fiction at all, IMHO. You need to be a student of particulars that are not center stage or much taught in other than the Scandinavian realms. That's just my opinion, but looking at the reviews I believe it is fairly accurate. I myself had to look up 3 or 5 specifics about dates etc. I knew Finland had fought with Germany and against the Soviet Union for diverse reasons, most of them having to do with their very country's survival. I knew that the others had had different category German "occupation" or adversity with neutrality states during most of the war.
I don't want to go long. This is super deep. Immense characterizations for all, but especially for the 5 that were in the special category student group. It's basically also the story of the Sami within historical placements during these times. Plus somewhat before and after. They used to be called Laplanders. It's not central core who-dun-it. It's amazing because it has 2 or 3 embedded themes beyond the cabals and persecuted of the circuitous plots. People die. Are some spies? Where can group think lead? And what happens when some of the group refuse to be woke or enlightened?
It's a book that took me 3 tries in 3 different months to get into. Once in, it sure was worth it. This is not an easy read. It is quite different than Wolf Winter. But she can write and she sure knows her Swedish world. Before, during, after. It does have its faults in length and congruence issues possibly too. Every situation posited is over the complex bridge all the way to essential sustaining territory too. Like the mining products needed by all but especially by Germany. And the trade bottom lines so that most people can eat.
Strongly recommend if you truly like to dig into history's trails. Both in the actual and in the perhaps. I almost gave it 4 stars because I think the ending was a bit tight. Saying more would be spoilers. But in record and in life, I don't believe those types of ends are always tied so evenly or completely.
Can't wait until she has another book out. Wonder where she will go next!
As soon as I saw it was totally embedded in the year 1943 I put reading it off. WWII has just bilge in droves. Fiction beyond horrific all the way to slanted and perverse sentimentality. Hardly readable let alone instructive. Well, this is the opposite.
It is not a book for everyone who likes fiction or historical fiction at all, IMHO. You need to be a student of particulars that are not center stage or much taught in other than the Scandinavian realms. That's just my opinion, but looking at the reviews I believe it is fairly accurate. I myself had to look up 3 or 5 specifics about dates etc. I knew Finland had fought with Germany and against the Soviet Union for diverse reasons, most of them having to do with their very country's survival. I knew that the others had had different category German "occupation" or adversity with neutrality states during most of the war.
I don't want to go long. This is super deep. Immense characterizations for all, but especially for the 5 that were in the special category student group. It's basically also the story of the Sami within historical placements during these times. Plus somewhat before and after. They used to be called Laplanders. It's not central core who-dun-it. It's amazing because it has 2 or 3 embedded themes beyond the cabals and persecuted of the circuitous plots. People die. Are some spies? Where can group think lead? And what happens when some of the group refuse to be woke or enlightened?
It's a book that took me 3 tries in 3 different months to get into. Once in, it sure was worth it. This is not an easy read. It is quite different than Wolf Winter. But she can write and she sure knows her Swedish world. Before, during, after. It does have its faults in length and congruence issues possibly too. Every situation posited is over the complex bridge all the way to essential sustaining territory too. Like the mining products needed by all but especially by Germany. And the trade bottom lines so that most people can eat.
Strongly recommend if you truly like to dig into history's trails. Both in the actual and in the perhaps. I almost gave it 4 stars because I think the ending was a bit tight. Saying more would be spoilers. But in record and in life, I don't believe those types of ends are always tied so evenly or completely.
Can't wait until she has another book out. Wonder where she will go next!
December 26, 2020
With a DNF, there is always a build up for me. You start out by wishing the story would move faster- and at this point, everything slows down for you. So you start skimming, waiting for the interesting stuff....but it never comes, so you keep skimming, and then realize you are waisting your time.
I am rating this 3 years because this is meant for someone, but not me. I did give it the college try and made it 200 pages, a little under half the book. The Historians is fine, but it is VERY slow. The author of the book is clearly very passionate about Swedish history so theres a huge push in it to really comb the fine details of that- as well as talk a lot about Swedish government agencies and such. Basically, this is a history nerds book. The characters are not the strong suit here- interesting as they are on the surface. Theres good bones, but development of the characters and mystery were a snail's pace. The Historians is meant to provide an atmospheric world war 2 experience- and it does this very well.
Patience is a virtue and I am not patient.
I am rating this 3 years because this is meant for someone, but not me. I did give it the college try and made it 200 pages, a little under half the book. The Historians is fine, but it is VERY slow. The author of the book is clearly very passionate about Swedish history so theres a huge push in it to really comb the fine details of that- as well as talk a lot about Swedish government agencies and such. Basically, this is a history nerds book. The characters are not the strong suit here- interesting as they are on the surface. Theres good bones, but development of the characters and mystery were a snail's pace. The Historians is meant to provide an atmospheric world war 2 experience- and it does this very well.
Patience is a virtue and I am not patient.
February 12, 2021
Cecilia Ekback has written a historical mystery thriller with an unusual perspective and setting.It takes place in Sweden in 1943 and explores the politics of that purportedly neutral country and the tensions and fears within the Baltic and Scandinavian region.
At the outset of the story, a thirteen year old Sami girl goes missing while setting rabbit traps on a mountain that houses an iron mine. A history graduate student, the daughter of the mine foreman, is brutally murdered in Stockholm for no discernible reason. Also, an assistant to a high ranking government minister gets hints of secret conversations at the highest level that are being covered up.
These three storylines provide the basis for a twisting and riveting account of life and intrigue in a region not often portrayed in wartime fiction.The story unfolds by following three main characters. The first is Laura, who is one of five history students, including the deceased girl, who had formed a close and elite circle while in university. After graduation, they have drifted apart but gradually are drawn together at Laura’s instigation to find out what happened to their friend. The second is the ministerial assistant, Jens, whose curiosity exposes him to political pushback.The third “character” is the mining community and the Sami people inhabiting the area.
Within this framework swirls a host of other characters.Some are fictional and some are historical. They all combine to present a portrait of the geopolitical anxieties experienced in the Baltic region, the lurking undercurrent of racial paranoia and the ambivalent attitude towards Germany and the Reich.
The plot develops slowly while setting up the narrative strands. During the early portions of the book, there is a host of fascinating detail about the history of Sweden and the region. There is a cast of characters listed at the start of the book which proved useful early on to familiarize me with the many people introduced in the book.
Once these pieces are firmly in place, the plot moves quickly with loads of tension.This book both educates and entertains. It appears that the author plans a sequel, as a number of storylines can still be developed.I will be waiting.
At the outset of the story, a thirteen year old Sami girl goes missing while setting rabbit traps on a mountain that houses an iron mine. A history graduate student, the daughter of the mine foreman, is brutally murdered in Stockholm for no discernible reason. Also, an assistant to a high ranking government minister gets hints of secret conversations at the highest level that are being covered up.
These three storylines provide the basis for a twisting and riveting account of life and intrigue in a region not often portrayed in wartime fiction.The story unfolds by following three main characters. The first is Laura, who is one of five history students, including the deceased girl, who had formed a close and elite circle while in university. After graduation, they have drifted apart but gradually are drawn together at Laura’s instigation to find out what happened to their friend. The second is the ministerial assistant, Jens, whose curiosity exposes him to political pushback.The third “character” is the mining community and the Sami people inhabiting the area.
Within this framework swirls a host of other characters.Some are fictional and some are historical. They all combine to present a portrait of the geopolitical anxieties experienced in the Baltic region, the lurking undercurrent of racial paranoia and the ambivalent attitude towards Germany and the Reich.
The plot develops slowly while setting up the narrative strands. During the early portions of the book, there is a host of fascinating detail about the history of Sweden and the region. There is a cast of characters listed at the start of the book which proved useful early on to familiarize me with the many people introduced in the book.
Once these pieces are firmly in place, the plot moves quickly with loads of tension.This book both educates and entertains. It appears that the author plans a sequel, as a number of storylines can still be developed.I will be waiting.
March 8, 2021
Had I not read Cecilia Ekbäck’s previous novels, and had I not known what incredible stories she can come up with, I would have enjoyed this book a lot more than I eventually did.
Once again set in Sweden, with the sublime mountain Blackåsen framing the narrative canvas, the focal point of the book is the solving of a murder. In the early months of 1943 and the midst of the war, Britta Hallberg is found dead, obviously tortured before the shot that sent the bullet in her head, in the building of the Historical Society of the Uppsala University. Laura Dahlgren, her best friend, along with Jens Regnell, who believes that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, whom he is secretary to, is covering up illegal activities—most likely against the government—, decide to investigate the homicide despite the elements against them and soon discover that what Britta was involved in is much larger than they’d first assumed. At the same time the Sami people of the Blackåsen mountain, now a mine that supplies the Reich with iron, live in fear; the Swedish Institute of Racial Biology is researching their children, while often settlers among them disappear leaving no traces behind, and are thought to be devoured by the spirit of the mountain. Taneli, a ten-year-old boy whose sister is gone, and mine director Sanders, who’s almost completely stripped off of his authority because of forces he cannot comprehend, attempt to fight the injustice and uncover secrets that could put the country in danger.
Although the story is promising, I was disappointed. Laura’s part of the narrative, which often includes glimpses of her past that put together the puzzle pieces of her life as a university student, significantly lacks originality. The plotline that concerns her strongly resembles Donna Tartt’s “The Secret History”, to such an extent that I was easily able to guess exactly what would happen with her and the circle of talented students she herself belonged to that exclusively gathered around their charismatic professor, who personally chose each of them for his elitist research group. Jens’ point of view was more skillfully written, and I loved the politics involved (what an astonishing research Cecilia Ekbäck conducted to put her story together!), as was Taneli’s and director Sanders’. I was still left with the impression, however, that most of the characters felt somewhat numb and there was this strange flatness about them. Apart from Jens, Taneli and Sanders the character development of the rest was insignificant to non-existent, and I didn’t feel particularly connected to anyone but Matti—responsible for which is perhaps this instinctive, immediate fancy that I take on the Finnish because of my Erasmus+ exchange in Helsinki. The big secret everyone is after was surely a great twist but didn’t explode to take me by surprise, and the closing of the book didn’t excite me either.
I can’t tell what I was expecting when I first got my hands on this book, but I was overall disappointed. I missed the magic of the previous books in the series, this touch of magical realism that made them so special, the well-built characters and the more elaborate take on the culture of the Lapps. The research on the social and political history of the Nordic countries was immense, and the result when discussed was fascinating. I loved how the literature used is listed at the end of the book. And, well… All in all, the Historians is a perfectly decent novel, and I would definitely recommend it; it’s just that it didn’t meet my expectations of the writer, but it definitely worths a shot!
Once again set in Sweden, with the sublime mountain Blackåsen framing the narrative canvas, the focal point of the book is the solving of a murder. In the early months of 1943 and the midst of the war, Britta Hallberg is found dead, obviously tortured before the shot that sent the bullet in her head, in the building of the Historical Society of the Uppsala University. Laura Dahlgren, her best friend, along with Jens Regnell, who believes that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, whom he is secretary to, is covering up illegal activities—most likely against the government—, decide to investigate the homicide despite the elements against them and soon discover that what Britta was involved in is much larger than they’d first assumed. At the same time the Sami people of the Blackåsen mountain, now a mine that supplies the Reich with iron, live in fear; the Swedish Institute of Racial Biology is researching their children, while often settlers among them disappear leaving no traces behind, and are thought to be devoured by the spirit of the mountain. Taneli, a ten-year-old boy whose sister is gone, and mine director Sanders, who’s almost completely stripped off of his authority because of forces he cannot comprehend, attempt to fight the injustice and uncover secrets that could put the country in danger.
Although the story is promising, I was disappointed. Laura’s part of the narrative, which often includes glimpses of her past that put together the puzzle pieces of her life as a university student, significantly lacks originality. The plotline that concerns her strongly resembles Donna Tartt’s “The Secret History”, to such an extent that I was easily able to guess exactly what would happen with her and the circle of talented students she herself belonged to that exclusively gathered around their charismatic professor, who personally chose each of them for his elitist research group. Jens’ point of view was more skillfully written, and I loved the politics involved (what an astonishing research Cecilia Ekbäck conducted to put her story together!), as was Taneli’s and director Sanders’. I was still left with the impression, however, that most of the characters felt somewhat numb and there was this strange flatness about them. Apart from Jens, Taneli and Sanders the character development of the rest was insignificant to non-existent, and I didn’t feel particularly connected to anyone but Matti—responsible for which is perhaps this instinctive, immediate fancy that I take on the Finnish because of my Erasmus+ exchange in Helsinki. The big secret everyone is after was surely a great twist but didn’t explode to take me by surprise, and the closing of the book didn’t excite me either.
I can’t tell what I was expecting when I first got my hands on this book, but I was overall disappointed. I missed the magic of the previous books in the series, this touch of magical realism that made them so special, the well-built characters and the more elaborate take on the culture of the Lapps. The research on the social and political history of the Nordic countries was immense, and the result when discussed was fascinating. I loved how the literature used is listed at the end of the book. And, well… All in all, the Historians is a perfectly decent novel, and I would definitely recommend it; it’s just that it didn’t meet my expectations of the writer, but it definitely worths a shot!
March 2, 2022
3.5
Esta novela es un thriller histórico ambientado en la Segunda Guerra Mundial en Suecia. En el año 1943, la neutralidad de este país se encuentra bajo presión. Laura es la mano derecha del negociador jefe del gobierno. Pero la mejor amiga de Laura, Britta, es descubierta asesinada y Laura estará dispuesta a encontrar al asesino.
Antes de morir, Britta manda un informe sobre la discriminación racial que hay en Escandinavia al secretario del Ministrio de Relaciones Exteriores, Jens. Y con esto, Jens y Britta deciden buscar al asesino por su cuenta.
La trama es bastante interesante, ambas amigas estudiaban historia. Suecia durante el nazismo estaba en una posición ambigua, eran declarados neutrales, pero muchos suecos veían el gobierno de Hitler con buenos ojos. La autora nos muestra como estas ideas condicionaron a los estudiantes.
Historia que esta muy bien documentada y con descripciones que hacen que te metas en la historia. Decir que el final es algo predecible y que hay gran cantidad de personajes
Esta novela es un thriller histórico ambientado en la Segunda Guerra Mundial en Suecia. En el año 1943, la neutralidad de este país se encuentra bajo presión. Laura es la mano derecha del negociador jefe del gobierno. Pero la mejor amiga de Laura, Britta, es descubierta asesinada y Laura estará dispuesta a encontrar al asesino.
Antes de morir, Britta manda un informe sobre la discriminación racial que hay en Escandinavia al secretario del Ministrio de Relaciones Exteriores, Jens. Y con esto, Jens y Britta deciden buscar al asesino por su cuenta.
La trama es bastante interesante, ambas amigas estudiaban historia. Suecia durante el nazismo estaba en una posición ambigua, eran declarados neutrales, pero muchos suecos veían el gobierno de Hitler con buenos ojos. La autora nos muestra como estas ideas condicionaron a los estudiantes.
Historia que esta muy bien documentada y con descripciones que hacen que te metas en la historia. Decir que el final es algo predecible y que hay gran cantidad de personajes
November 8, 2020
📚 Hello Book Friends! THE HISTORIANS by Cecilia Ekbäck was a revelation and taught me so much about the position of Sweden during WWII. The story is intriguing, and the author keeps you on your toes from start to end. A young woman is discovered tortured and murdered, and this is the start of an investigation to find out why. Three people not related, work together to investigate, and will stumble on a conspiracy that could overthrow the Swedish government and change Sweden forever. They will encounter many obstacles, and many will try to stop them from uncovering the conspiracy. Will they be able to succeed?
Cecilia Ekbäck delivers a strong historical novel with all the elements of a great investigative novel. This is a must-read for any WWII story lovers.
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August 20, 2021
WOW !!!! I did enjoy this read. It was intriguing with the setting beginning on a university in Uppsala, located in Sweden, not far from Stockholm, in 1943 in the middle of WWII. Laura Dahlgren, who works for the government negotiating contracts with Germany for iron in Sweden, is Britta Hallberg's best friend. It is with disbelief that Laura learns her best friend is missing and later finds her dead.
This begins the mystery and the suspense. The investigation leads Laura to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and beyond. She reconnects to old classmates Erik (Denmark), Matti (Finland), and Karl-Henrik (Norway). The five classmates, with Laura Dahlgren and Britta Hallberg from Sweden, were once very close and part of the elite group of the nachspiele who would debate history, politics, theology, or any other subject.
Laura together with classmates and Jens Regnell, secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discover a horrible secret about the Scandinavian government that led to Britta's death and the demise of the nachspiele. Keep reading this novel. It will not disappoint.
Quotes:
"I don't know," he said, rising to stand. "The coldest wounds can display the most passion, don't you think?"
But how many men managed to keep their visions alive as reality hit them?
"If Finland loses, Laura. Russia's western border will be the Baltic Sea. Think about that."
He wondered........ Annika thought Daniel had been killed, but you would hardly kill someone if you were trying to save others. But something was off.
The man had actually shot him. Cold-bloodedly, without any fear for the consequences. What kind of support did Notholm have?
"No. You have a responsibility, Laura. And that responsibility lies with your country, goddammit. Your county! Your fellow citizens. Not to Britta. Not to some friends. And definitely not to the Sami people."
This begins the mystery and the suspense. The investigation leads Laura to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and beyond. She reconnects to old classmates Erik (Denmark), Matti (Finland), and Karl-Henrik (Norway). The five classmates, with Laura Dahlgren and Britta Hallberg from Sweden, were once very close and part of the elite group of the nachspiele who would debate history, politics, theology, or any other subject.
Laura together with classmates and Jens Regnell, secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discover a horrible secret about the Scandinavian government that led to Britta's death and the demise of the nachspiele. Keep reading this novel. It will not disappoint.
Quotes:
"I don't know," he said, rising to stand. "The coldest wounds can display the most passion, don't you think?"
But how many men managed to keep their visions alive as reality hit them?
"If Finland loses, Laura. Russia's western border will be the Baltic Sea. Think about that."
He wondered........ Annika thought Daniel had been killed, but you would hardly kill someone if you were trying to save others. But something was off.
The man had actually shot him. Cold-bloodedly, without any fear for the consequences. What kind of support did Notholm have?
"No. You have a responsibility, Laura. And that responsibility lies with your country, goddammit. Your county! Your fellow citizens. Not to Britta. Not to some friends. And definitely not to the Sami people."
September 6, 2020
I can't praise Cecilia Ekbäck enough for her story. You have to read her author's note and historical background to get where she's coming from after you read the story. You start out in 1943 with Laura, then Jens, and then Blackåsen Mountain in that order. We start out with Laura working for Jacob Wallenberg, who was Sweden's chief negotiator with Germany. Then we learn of her best friend being killed. We find in her previous life Britta, Laura, Erik, Matti, and Karl-Henrik were all in as History majors with Professor Lindahl in a group that met in Laura's rooms. Jens was the secretary to Christian Günther, who was the Minister of Foreign Affairs. And Jens had a friend who was the archivist, Daniel Jonsson, who was later a suicide. At Blackäsen Mountain Taneli's older sister went missing over hundred days before, they were both Sami. These are the three stories that lead to the same conclusion and the reason for this story. Cecilia has us on pins and needles throughout the book and we have many killings to offer. I've given you what the players there are now you need to read the story to find out what happens. Like me you'll find it a book you can't forget.
October 25, 2022
“La historia trata del pasado, sin duda, pero es mucho más que eso. La historia es conocimiento. [...] La historia nos permite comprender lo que vino antes de nosotros, pero también vislumbrar el futuro, pues en nuestro pasado están las semillas del porvenir”.
En pocas palabras… ¡Me ha encantado!
Lo empecé con bajas expectativas, pero la historia me enganchó desde el inicio y no me soltó hasta lamentablemente tener que terminarlo. “La estudiante de historia” es una novela de ficción histórica y al mismo tiempo un thriller, con datos y sucesos súper interesantes ocurridos en una Suecia, “no tan neutral”, durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial.
Laura Dahlgren, nuestra protagonista, vive un poco de esta tensión, pues trabaja con el negociador del jefe de gobierno. Un día, recibe una llamada, y ésta la conduce a buscar a su amiga Britta… que aparentemente está desaparecida. Finalmente es encontrada asesinada a sangre fría. A partir de allí, está dispuesta a todo con tal de dar con su asesino… y encuentra mucho más que esto: una red de complejas mentiras y una conspiración retorcida.
La autora retrata con buena precisión la situación en la que se encuentran los países escandinavos durante la ocupación alemana y cómo van ajustándose a las circunstancias a medida que avanza la guerra. Es una visión que poco he leído en los libros de esta época y he encontrado cosas tan fascinantes como terroríficas.
Los primeros capítulos me parecieron un poco inconexos, no se entienden los saltos entre las situaciones y personajes… pero es algo que dura poco, y es un preámbulo necesario para darle contexto a la historia.
La trama se desarrolla lentamente mientras se van desarrollando y uniendo los hilos narrativos. Durante las primeras páginas del libro, hay una gran cantidad de detalles fascinantes sobre la historia de Suecia y la región.
En definitiva puedo decirles que la novela me encantó, porque tiene muchos de los elementos que disfruto: buena y coherente trama, personajes con los que simpatizas, y contexto histórico interesante. Me gustó que me ha llevado a investigar algunos detalles históricos de los países escandinavos durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial… que eran desconocidos para mí.
Quizás solo lo que le resta puntos… pero vamos que solo unos poquitos… es que se puede prever quién está detrás del asesinato, y un final que ummmmm… me deja pensando en algo más…
“Toda religión es manipulación”.
En pocas palabras… ¡Me ha encantado!
Lo empecé con bajas expectativas, pero la historia me enganchó desde el inicio y no me soltó hasta lamentablemente tener que terminarlo. “La estudiante de historia” es una novela de ficción histórica y al mismo tiempo un thriller, con datos y sucesos súper interesantes ocurridos en una Suecia, “no tan neutral”, durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial.
Laura Dahlgren, nuestra protagonista, vive un poco de esta tensión, pues trabaja con el negociador del jefe de gobierno. Un día, recibe una llamada, y ésta la conduce a buscar a su amiga Britta… que aparentemente está desaparecida. Finalmente es encontrada asesinada a sangre fría. A partir de allí, está dispuesta a todo con tal de dar con su asesino… y encuentra mucho más que esto: una red de complejas mentiras y una conspiración retorcida.
La autora retrata con buena precisión la situación en la que se encuentran los países escandinavos durante la ocupación alemana y cómo van ajustándose a las circunstancias a medida que avanza la guerra. Es una visión que poco he leído en los libros de esta época y he encontrado cosas tan fascinantes como terroríficas.
Los primeros capítulos me parecieron un poco inconexos, no se entienden los saltos entre las situaciones y personajes… pero es algo que dura poco, y es un preámbulo necesario para darle contexto a la historia.
La trama se desarrolla lentamente mientras se van desarrollando y uniendo los hilos narrativos. Durante las primeras páginas del libro, hay una gran cantidad de detalles fascinantes sobre la historia de Suecia y la región.
En definitiva puedo decirles que la novela me encantó, porque tiene muchos de los elementos que disfruto: buena y coherente trama, personajes con los que simpatizas, y contexto histórico interesante. Me gustó que me ha llevado a investigar algunos detalles históricos de los países escandinavos durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial… que eran desconocidos para mí.
Quizás solo lo que le resta puntos… pero vamos que solo unos poquitos… es que se puede prever quién está detrás del asesinato, y un final que ummmmm… me deja pensando en algo más…
“Toda religión es manipulación”.
December 5, 2021
I enjoyed this novel's noir-ish feel, which played out in my head like a 1930s or '40s Hollywood movie. (Think, The Mortal Storm where Margaret Sullavan & Jimmy Stewart play Germans hunted by the Nazis.) This well-researched story realistically portrays the characters' shock & despair as they discover how many folks around them agree with the Nazi eugenics philosophy. Their once-normal world has become a nightmare, where they experience one betrayal after another until a climax that nearly breaks them but also brings them hope. The build up at the beginning was a little too slow for me, but I'm glad I stuck with this quality mystery/thriller.
March 8, 2022
I loved Wolf Winter,but this is plain silly.Reads like a mix of Nancy Drew (and a pretty thick one at that) and a transparent conspiracy plot based on a very real,atrocious subject. Boring too,predictable.
June 12, 2022
The Historians is the first novel I've read set in Scandinavia during WWII. While I did learn quite a bit about the different positions of Scandinavian countries during the war, the dark academia/government conspiracy storyline got a bit too dark for me.
Unlike the majority of other WWII novels I've encountered, Ekbäck has a good grasp of the intellectual culture of Europe leading up to the war, on which she bases a fictional plot that's not too hard to imagine, but is quite unpleasant to do so.
I never quite warmed up to the characters, possibly because Ekbäck often tells the reader exactly how a character is feeling rather than showing emotion through the character's actions. I honestly can't think of the last time I read a novel for adults that said a character "felt sorry." The funny thing is, in plenty of other places, Ekbäck communicates her characters' emotions better (hands shaking to indicate fear, holding back tears, et c.). I don't know why her editor let those instances slide.
There are quite a few narrators, just one or two too many to follow easily. The characters often have flashbacks with little lead time for the reader to understand the scene is shifting, which makes it confusing to set up the facts in order to follow the mystery. I enjoy multiple narratives and time jumps in books, but it was confusing even for me. Setting the flashbacks in italic script would have helped, or with section breaks. Developing a stronger narrative voice for each of the different narrators would have helped, too.
Overall, while I didn't hate the novel, I didn't really enjoy it, and I am not super interested in anything else by Ekbäck. Yet, The Historians made me want to read more Scandinavian novels. It's a lacuna in my reading life, and I have several on my list waiting to be read.
Content warnings: one open door scene; violence, murder, mentions of human experimentation
Unlike the majority of other WWII novels I've encountered, Ekbäck has a good grasp of the intellectual culture of Europe leading up to the war, on which she bases a fictional plot that's not too hard to imagine, but is quite unpleasant to do so.
I never quite warmed up to the characters, possibly because Ekbäck often tells the reader exactly how a character is feeling rather than showing emotion through the character's actions. I honestly can't think of the last time I read a novel for adults that said a character "felt sorry." The funny thing is, in plenty of other places, Ekbäck communicates her characters' emotions better (hands shaking to indicate fear, holding back tears, et c.). I don't know why her editor let those instances slide.
There are quite a few narrators, just one or two too many to follow easily. The characters often have flashbacks with little lead time for the reader to understand the scene is shifting, which makes it confusing to set up the facts in order to follow the mystery. I enjoy multiple narratives and time jumps in books, but it was confusing even for me. Setting the flashbacks in italic script would have helped, or with section breaks. Developing a stronger narrative voice for each of the different narrators would have helped, too.
Overall, while I didn't hate the novel, I didn't really enjoy it, and I am not super interested in anything else by Ekbäck. Yet, The Historians made me want to read more Scandinavian novels. It's a lacuna in my reading life, and I have several on my list waiting to be read.
Content warnings: one open door scene; violence, murder, mentions of human experimentation
December 2, 2020
I'm a little wary of WWII stories, since so many seem to be repeating the same story. The Historians, though, is unlike any other WWII story I've read in the best possible way.
The Historians takes place in Sweden, following several different characters who are all connected in one way or another to a history student who was found tortured and murdered. While at first it's unclear how the characters are related to each other, eventually, everything ties together and I was racing to see what would happen next.
This is really a book about a conspiracy, with a very noir feel. Unlike most novels set during this time, there's no fighting and no concentration camps. Instead, Sweden is trying to remain neutral and balance the needs of its citizens with the demands of the outside world.
This book does not tie up every loose end, and I'm not sure how I feel about that. I was also a little disappointed to realize that the book is based on more of an idea that existed than on actual events that happened (just because I expect the broad strokes in historical fiction to be true, not because I wanted any of these things to have really happened).
4.5. stars, rounded up.
Thank you to Harper Perennial for a copy of this book!
The Historians takes place in Sweden, following several different characters who are all connected in one way or another to a history student who was found tortured and murdered. While at first it's unclear how the characters are related to each other, eventually, everything ties together and I was racing to see what would happen next.
This is really a book about a conspiracy, with a very noir feel. Unlike most novels set during this time, there's no fighting and no concentration camps. Instead, Sweden is trying to remain neutral and balance the needs of its citizens with the demands of the outside world.
This book does not tie up every loose end, and I'm not sure how I feel about that. I was also a little disappointed to realize that the book is based on more of an idea that existed than on actual events that happened (just because I expect the broad strokes in historical fiction to be true, not because I wanted any of these things to have really happened).
4.5. stars, rounded up.
Thank you to Harper Perennial for a copy of this book!
July 10, 2025
I decided to read this historical thriller set in Sweden in 1943, before taking an upcoming trip to Scandinavia. I didn't get into it right away, but about a third of the way through, I became hooked on the intrigue of the story. Ekbäck succeeds in building suspense by braiding three related strands of the narrative together with alternating short chapters. Along with the primary characters themselves, I found myself unsure to the end about who could be trusted and who the villains were. It's a very compelling story, told skillfully. (4.5 stars)
February 20, 2021
Five historians go through university together, but life takes them in different directions. Then, one of them is murdered and her best friend is determined to find out why. The backdrop of world war 2 looms. Although Sweden was neutral, these friends are anything but.
I really like Scandinavian mysteries. They are so dark, sinister and full of intrigue. This is very different from most world war 2 fiction novels. The story is part mystery, part thriller, part historical fiction.
December 12, 2020
I'll be the first to admit that I've read a substantial amount of World War II historical fiction in my day. However, The Historians takes on a perspective I have never before experienced as a reader - from the eyes of politically neutral Sweden. Told from three different perspectives, this novel centers around a series of disappearances and murders that ultimately gives rise to a dark secret the country has been hiding. With tensions from the Second World War raging around them and Nazis casually roaming the streets and riding the rails, two strangers join forces in an attempt to dismantle a disturbing truth buried in the mountains of Sweden. This novel is a perfect addition to the library of fans of The Alice Network, City of Thieves, and Between Shades of Gray.
March 1, 2022
Me ha gustado bastante, lectura ágil, y unos personajes bien desarrollados.
Tenía dudas con esta autora ya que los dos libros anteriores los abandoné, demasiado lentos.
Y la verdad que me ha sorprendido.
Me ha parecido conocer interesante conocer más de los países nórdicos y su posicionamiento durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial, que se declararon neutrales. Pero aún asi había mucha gente afín a los nazis y a crear una raza pura nordica.
Tenía dudas con esta autora ya que los dos libros anteriores los abandoné, demasiado lentos.
Y la verdad que me ha sorprendido.
Me ha parecido conocer interesante conocer más de los países nórdicos y su posicionamiento durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial, que se declararon neutrales. Pero aún asi había mucha gente afín a los nazis y a crear una raza pura nordica.
December 23, 2022
3.5 stars - premise 💯, unique setting 💯, pacing and overall writing 🤷🏼♀️ I wonder if it's better for Swedish readers and some parts got scrambled in translation?
February 24, 2021
Cecilia Ekback was born in Sweden and now lives with her family in Canmore, Alberta, Canada --- but it is evident from her novel THE HISTORIANS that her heart is still firmly in Sweden. Specifically, she has chosen one of the most stressful times in the history of the world, the midst of World War II, to create a novel that tries to define Sweden’s true identity at a time when the typically neutral nation tried to stay out of world affairs and skirmishes like that one.
There is a two-headed protagonist in this novel who each are coming from different parts of the Swedish government but are destined to come together to solve a mystery that will unearth a conspiracy that will rock the nation to its core --- the likes of which Sweden probably has not seen in modern literature since the works of the late Stieg Larsson. The first is young Laura Dahlgren, not far removed from her days a history student in Uppsala. Now, she is working on a team that is attempting to negotiate iron access with Germany. Her life will be completely upheaved by the unexpected murder of her best friend from College, Britta, and she will not let anything stand in the way of her getting answers about this.
Our other hero is Jens Regnell, the personal secretary to the minister of foreign affairs in Stockholm. He is waiting for a report on racial profiling in Scandinavia that was put together by none other than the recently deceased Britta. For reasons unknown to Jens, this report never finds its way to his desk. Britta had tried reaching out to Laura just prior to her murder and now Laura will never forgive herself for missing out on the potentially important message or warning that could have allowed her to intervene and save her friend’s life.
There are literally dozens of characters coming in and out of the action within THE HISTORIANS and I was extremely thankful that Cecilia Ekback provided an alphabetical list of characters at the front of the novel which I continued to flip to throughout the story. At the heart of the story is the racial profiling by the infamous Adolf Hitler against the Jewish people. There were thousands of Jews in the Scandinavian countries and the atrocities about the millions of Jews who had suddenly disappeared after going to the rumored concentration camps is something that sickened most members of the Swedish government. The fact that Britta’s report might have done more than just speculate about this makes it that much more necessary that Laura and Jens, who eventually join forces based on a common goal, locate it and see that the results are published and acted on.
The problem, of course, is that any conspiracy is going to involve those who sympathize with Hitler and his Nazis and their ideas about exterminating the Jewish race. Will a sharp History student and an honest government official be enough to not only solve Britta’s murder but also reveal the report she was silenced over? Cecilia Ekback believes in them and I am sure readers will as well as THE HISTORIANS is Historical Fiction done right as it places readers in the middle of a point in history and yet is able to create something brand new set against that historical backdrop.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Criminal Element
There is a two-headed protagonist in this novel who each are coming from different parts of the Swedish government but are destined to come together to solve a mystery that will unearth a conspiracy that will rock the nation to its core --- the likes of which Sweden probably has not seen in modern literature since the works of the late Stieg Larsson. The first is young Laura Dahlgren, not far removed from her days a history student in Uppsala. Now, she is working on a team that is attempting to negotiate iron access with Germany. Her life will be completely upheaved by the unexpected murder of her best friend from College, Britta, and she will not let anything stand in the way of her getting answers about this.
Our other hero is Jens Regnell, the personal secretary to the minister of foreign affairs in Stockholm. He is waiting for a report on racial profiling in Scandinavia that was put together by none other than the recently deceased Britta. For reasons unknown to Jens, this report never finds its way to his desk. Britta had tried reaching out to Laura just prior to her murder and now Laura will never forgive herself for missing out on the potentially important message or warning that could have allowed her to intervene and save her friend’s life.
There are literally dozens of characters coming in and out of the action within THE HISTORIANS and I was extremely thankful that Cecilia Ekback provided an alphabetical list of characters at the front of the novel which I continued to flip to throughout the story. At the heart of the story is the racial profiling by the infamous Adolf Hitler against the Jewish people. There were thousands of Jews in the Scandinavian countries and the atrocities about the millions of Jews who had suddenly disappeared after going to the rumored concentration camps is something that sickened most members of the Swedish government. The fact that Britta’s report might have done more than just speculate about this makes it that much more necessary that Laura and Jens, who eventually join forces based on a common goal, locate it and see that the results are published and acted on.
The problem, of course, is that any conspiracy is going to involve those who sympathize with Hitler and his Nazis and their ideas about exterminating the Jewish race. Will a sharp History student and an honest government official be enough to not only solve Britta’s murder but also reveal the report she was silenced over? Cecilia Ekback believes in them and I am sure readers will as well as THE HISTORIANS is Historical Fiction done right as it places readers in the middle of a point in history and yet is able to create something brand new set against that historical backdrop.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Criminal Element
December 12, 2022
A fictional moralistic tale that I found OK.
November 20, 2020
I don't know what exactly I was expecting from The Historians, but it was kind of too noirish for me. I love it when a novel has a wonderfully atmospheric feel to it, and The Historians has that in spades. I also like reading books based on Scandanavian countries, I am very interested in the different cultures and yes, I am NOT a huge fan of the deluge of books during WWII but when it's in a Scandinavian country I also take exception to it. Okay, I did like it but I didn't love it. There was something that to me was missing, and what that was I am not sure about that but I didn't or wasn't able to connect to any of the characters, except maybe to Jens Regnell, who is drawn into the mystery of Britta Hallberg's murder by receiving her Ph.D. on Scandanavian supremacy without understanding why. It did keep me coming back for more and but I wanted more depth to the characters. The concept was good but to me, it was missing something.
December 31, 2020
It’s crazy to think of the things that people do to others simply because they think they’re superior. The Historians tells of such events.
I liked the way the author told the story from different perspectives. I had an idea of who one of “the bad guys” was from early on, but was surprised by the revealing of another.
The reason for the 14A rating is the multiple uses of the f-word, along with other mild profanity, along with some graphic violence.
I liked the way the author told the story from different perspectives. I had an idea of who one of “the bad guys” was from early on, but was surprised by the revealing of another.
The reason for the 14A rating is the multiple uses of the f-word, along with other mild profanity, along with some graphic violence.
February 17, 2021
Disappointing
Disjointed plot, pacing that drags on. filler after filler laden page. Uninteresting characters and blah ending. Maybe her other wotks are more interesting.
Disjointed plot, pacing that drags on. filler after filler laden page. Uninteresting characters and blah ending. Maybe her other wotks are more interesting.
March 26, 2022
Ha sido un libro que me ha gustado pero reconozco que hasta casi la mitad estaba bastante perdida. Parecía que eran tres historias diferentes pero cuanto más leía, más convencida estaba de que las tres se unirían al final. La segunda mitad del libro es bastante atrapante y el ritmo se agiliza, y es cuando ya aparecen algunos sospechosos.
Cuando se va descubriendo en el libro la aceptación en Suecia de la ideología nazi de la “raza superior” no me sorprendió demasiado. Ya había leído antes en “Los hombres que no amaban a las mujeres” de Stieg Larsson, Saga Millennium, que una parte de la población sueca era partidaria de la ideología nazi durante la II Guerra Mundial, y que en la actualidad quedaba todavía viva esa ideología en algunas personas.
Me gustó el final y la parte que más me agradó fue en la que Laura descubre que su madre no la abandonó olvidándola, sino que lo hizo obligada por su padre.
Cosas que me han llamado mucho la atención:
Una palabra: “eugenesia: Aplicación de las leyes biológicas de la herencia al perfeccionamiento de la especie humana.” Se parece mucho al desarrollo de la investigación genética actual, pero en el libro se refiere a investigaciones bastantes más crueles y tremendas.
Una frase: "Según quien mande la historia será recordada de una forma diferente" ¿A qué me recuerda esto?
Una idea: Al acabar el libro, en el apartado de "Nota de la autora y trasfondo histórico”, hay un párrafo para reflexionar:
“La esterilización forzada se practicó en Suecia entre 1934 y 2013, a veces por la fuerza, aunque más a menudo mediante la persuasión o la coerción administrativa. Eran sometidos a esterilización los enfermos mentales, las personas con discapacidades físicas o mentales y aquellas consideradas personas antisociales. El objetivo era la higiene racial, el ahorro de fondos, la salud pública y el control de los sujetos antisociales."
Es decir, que hasta hace menos de 20 años la esterilización forzada era una práctica legal y común en un país que consideramos con una sociedad de las más avanzadas de Europa. Las personas víctimas de estas prácticas están definidas pero no quiero ni pensar a quienes se pueden referir con la expresión “personas con discapacidades” o “personas antisociales”.
Mi valoración es de 4 estrellas.
Cuando se va descubriendo en el libro la aceptación en Suecia de la ideología nazi de la “raza superior” no me sorprendió demasiado. Ya había leído antes en “Los hombres que no amaban a las mujeres” de Stieg Larsson, Saga Millennium, que una parte de la población sueca era partidaria de la ideología nazi durante la II Guerra Mundial, y que en la actualidad quedaba todavía viva esa ideología en algunas personas.
Me gustó el final y la parte que más me agradó fue en la que Laura descubre que su madre no la abandonó olvidándola, sino que lo hizo obligada por su padre.
Cosas que me han llamado mucho la atención:
Una palabra: “eugenesia: Aplicación de las leyes biológicas de la herencia al perfeccionamiento de la especie humana.” Se parece mucho al desarrollo de la investigación genética actual, pero en el libro se refiere a investigaciones bastantes más crueles y tremendas.
Una frase: "Según quien mande la historia será recordada de una forma diferente" ¿A qué me recuerda esto?
Una idea: Al acabar el libro, en el apartado de "Nota de la autora y trasfondo histórico”, hay un párrafo para reflexionar:
“La esterilización forzada se practicó en Suecia entre 1934 y 2013, a veces por la fuerza, aunque más a menudo mediante la persuasión o la coerción administrativa. Eran sometidos a esterilización los enfermos mentales, las personas con discapacidades físicas o mentales y aquellas consideradas personas antisociales. El objetivo era la higiene racial, el ahorro de fondos, la salud pública y el control de los sujetos antisociales."
Es decir, que hasta hace menos de 20 años la esterilización forzada era una práctica legal y común en un país que consideramos con una sociedad de las más avanzadas de Europa. Las personas víctimas de estas prácticas están definidas pero no quiero ni pensar a quienes se pueden referir con la expresión “personas con discapacidades” o “personas antisociales”.
Mi valoración es de 4 estrellas.
December 30, 2023
Es un 2 pero le daré un 3 porque fue culpa mía por leer un libro de la segunda guerra mundial, sabiendo cuánto NO quiero leer sobre ella, lamentablemente pensé que si tenía la más mínima posibilidad de gustarme sería con esta autora.
Lo único objetivo que tengo para criticar es que es demasiado lento, la historia se centra mucho en los detalles lo que hace que avance como un caracol, todo lo demás es un caso de “no soy tu, soy yo” porque en este punto de mi vida todas las historias que hablan de la segunda guerra mundial se me hacen parecidas y esta no fue la excepción.
Lo único objetivo que tengo para criticar es que es demasiado lento, la historia se centra mucho en los detalles lo que hace que avance como un caracol, todo lo demás es un caso de “no soy tu, soy yo” porque en este punto de mi vida todas las historias que hablan de la segunda guerra mundial se me hacen parecidas y esta no fue la excepción.
March 2, 2022
Me ha parecido un thriller muy interesante, la combinación de misterio con trazos históricos y cómo se ha engranado ha sido muy buena. Además abre la mente hacia una vertiente de pensamiento nada descabellada especialmente en la época de que se trata.
March 22, 2022
A work of fiction, this haunting book takes on WW2 in Sweden and ends up with a surprise plot twist towards the end. The pacing of the book was very good; suspenseful and it made you want to keep reading. The characters were very believable and the plot was great. Although it was historical fiction, it read more like a murder/mystery/noir type of book. Very dark and creepy in places, but a very good effort.
March 7, 2021
A gripping thriller/mystery set in WWII Sweden. I was hooked from the start and couldn't put this book down. I had no idea about the Sami in Sweden or that Sweden was the first to get into eugenics - which would then influence Hitler and the Nazis. I will be thinking about this book, its characters, its issues, the mystery for a long time.
October 28, 2021
3.5 really. Ugghh common sense really wasn't so common with some characters
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