A Norwegian Twist on WWII Fiction

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The Resistance Girl by Mandy Robotham offers a fresh take on WWII fiction by shifting the setting to Nazi-occupied Norway. It was a welcome change to step outside the usual France-or-England narrative and experience the war from a different vantage point. The icy backdrop, secret missions, and quiet acts of defiance give this story a unique atmosphere.

The plot centers on a young woman drawn into the resistance after a personal tragedy. She’s not a superhero, but her courage feels real—and that grounded strength gives the book its heartbeat. There’s a romantic subplot that adds warmth, though at times it overshadows the larger wartime stakes. A few secondary characters stood out, while others faded into the background.

Robotham skillfully blends historical detail with story—resistance efforts, betrayal, and danger—without bogging things down. The pace dips a bit in the middle, and a couple of plot twists felt a little too tidy.

I switched between the eBook and audiobook. While both worked well, I wish the audio had featured a Scandinavian narrator for authenticity—the accent felt off and occasionally took me out of the story.

Still, this was a satisfying read overall. WWII fiction fans looking for something off the beaten path will find plenty to enjoy.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for a comp. Opinions are my own.

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