After the initial pages, I found myself not connecting with the story or characters, so I decided to pass on this book. Did not finish

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.

This book was fantastic. I had read other books about the resistance but this one had a different feel to it. The book swept me up into the story immediately and I couldn’t put it down. Fantastic read!

Loved the setting of the country of Norway as the setting for this WWII novel. Action packed, thoughtful story of what many main street, normal people did to help the Jews escape the Nazi's. The danger that that out themselves in. Couldn't put the book down.

Read if you like: WW2 resistance stories.
-
Taking place in Nazi occupied Norway, the book follows Rumi as she navigates heartbreak and loss brought on by the war. When she meets Jens, she is bitter and angry and hesitant to join the resistance movement.
-
I really enjoyed reading about Nazi occupied Norway, which is not as popular as other WW2 novels. It was also interesting to read about the Nazi maternity camp, which is as horrifying as it sounds.
-
CW: war, violence, death, torture, imprisonment, pregnancy, childbirth.

So much sadness with every WWII story! Although, it would be hard to make an upbeat story regarding WWII.

This is the story of German occupation of Norway and how the Norwegians fought back with determination and lots of grit!

My thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books for this advanced readers copy. This book released on March 31, 2022.

I have read and loved all of Mandy’s books and The Resistance Girl is another excellent addition to her offerings. Interestingly, this time around Mandy takes her readers to Norway and the story of their resistance during WWII, something I was not familiar with. Mandy writes such great historical war fiction with strong, independent women at the forefront and a realistic fictional tale to coincide with.

‘… they endured the biggest German troop concentration of any occupied nation.’

Mandy’s stories are always well researched and written with absorbing characters and plot lines. She expertly captures both the anger and fear, repression and resistance of the Nazi invasion. I also appreciated the inclusion of certain Norwegian cultural aspects such as fishing and knitting all set against the backdrop of pure Scandinavian landscapes. The story behind the Lebensborn and the baby trafficking to create a pure Aryan race is horrifying. Mandy brings it all to a climactic conclusion with an epilogue to appease those of us always wanting more.

‘Aren’t you always telling me Norwegian women can do anything? Isn’t this the time to prove it?’

For all this, I was not quite as invested in this book as I had been in Mandy’s previous offerings. I can’t really pinpoint the exact reason why - too much inner dialogues, lamenting the past, general story pacing throughout and wishing for a stronger focus on the Lebensborn aspect. Yet it is still an amazing and worthwhile read with such a unique offering from a new perspective in WWII literary fiction and characters that historical fiction lovers are sure to relish.

‘I wouldn’t wish you any other way. This anger, it fuels you, Rumi, to do some good. But I’ve learnt the hard way that it needs to be channelled.’




This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Rumi Orlstad, the Resistance Girl of the title is a strong Norwegian woman, unafraid of Hitler who is determined to do her bit for the Norwegian war effort, even if it means becoming part of the resistance.

Rumi, alongside her Father and others help to smuggles British agents, fugitives and supplies across the North Sea in to her beloved homeland. When an ill fated mission means that Rumi loses her fiancé to the sea, she vows to never put herself or fellow countrymen in danger again.

Until she meets Jens Parkes, a man who is as British as his is Norwegian, but who's heart lie with Norway. A British SOE (Special Operations Executive) sent to gather intelligence, sabotage the occupiers in any way he can, and help the local resistance movements.

The Nazi's who occupy Norway though are notorious, and when Jens realises who one of them is, he realises that it may not only be his life that is at stake. After a frosty start with Rumi, they become accustomed to one another and Jens doesn't want to put any one else in danger.

Rumi is headstrong, determined and stubborn. After a number of false starts following her fiancés loss, she re-joins the resistance fight with a renewed passion, and wants to help Jens in anyway that she can. When she discovers what's going on at a former stately home, she becomes more determined than ever.

The Resistance Girl touches upon a part of WW2 that I wasn't too familiar with before, and it was all the more interesting for that. Of course there are some rather unpleasant things to read about, but that is part of history, and I believe that it is important these things are shared. Overall this was a really enjoyable read, and I look forward to the authors next.

The Resistance Girl is the story of Rumi a strong woman who is trying to survive in the middle of the war, her father and a few others are helping the cause to save many and to survive. The Resistance Girl is a novel about hope, trust, and faith.

Rumi a fearless heroine who was the center of the story shading every soldier and officer that came into her path that's how strong she was.

Rumi lost her husband in a blink of an eye, now she is guarded and careful but at the same time fighting for the same cause, with the help of her father and many others who are desperate as her. she is determined to help especially her friend, Anya who is, on lockdown in a place where everything seems perfectly at peace and normal but evil things happen to many innocent women.

Jensen Parkes lands in the most precarious situation, tangled to a tree, fighting for his life not knowing his life was about to change, by a redhead with a strong attitude and strength.

Rumi never lost her faith, Anya never doubted Rumi was going to help her, Marjit was always an optimist always had good advice to give, and thought Rumi many of the great things she needed to survive.

One of the things that I really liked about this book was the strong female characters and the unity that felt at all times, like all of them were one big family Rumi, Anya, Marjit, Peder, Jens, and Rubio great characters that brought so much to the story.

My favorite Character was Marjit, she was strong, and at times it felt like she was going to lose her temper but she was a sweet woman with a strength that will pale many. I love how she cares for Rumi.

Another thing that I enjoyed was, the story happened in Bergen, Norway a place that I haven't heard of or read before in previous WWll books

The Resistance Girl is a story that will keep you on edge, anxious always feeling like something is going to happen, like the Nazis or the SS will show up at the door at any given time, that's something that really kept me going and going, reading through the last pages.

Thank You, NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the advanced copy of The Resistance Girl in exchange for my honest review.

I only got about 50% through this book and could not finish it. I felt it moved far too slow and I could not find myself caring for the characters despite the fact that they were part of the resistance against the Nazis. I am normally a fan of this author but don't feel as if this was one of her best works. I am hoping that moving forward I will be able to be more engaged with her story.

Another resounding success for Mandy Robotham! Gripping, compelling and thrilling, an easy recommendation to any fans of historical fiction.

Another beautiful book by Mandy Robotham. Set in WW2 but giving another perspective from German occupied Norway. The story centers around Rumi, a no nonsense, strong but angry Norwegian and Jens Parkes, a man who holds Norway close to the heart, being half Norwegian. Both have deep seated sadness, grief and guilt to work through. Their common interest, protecting Norway and ousting the Germans. They have different roles to play but find their missions would be more successful with the help of the other. Their efforts eventually lead them to learn about Germany’s Ledensborn program due to a personal link.

Well written and very descriptive. I was on the seat of my chair quite often. Author does a great job making the reader visualize the dangers of living under Nazi rule, especially if you dared to join the resistance. But also shows that humanity and simple joys can’t be crushed.
Also love that the secondary characters are just as important as the leads. And you come to care for them just as much.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ms. Robotham and Avon Books UK for the ARC.

I have never read a book about the Norwegian Resistance, so this was a nice change. I had never heard of the Shetland Bus, which Peder is involved with. Peder is her widowed father who is a fisherman by trade. Shetland Bus is a network involved in the resistance. Material things and information is being supplied across the North Sea. Everyone has to lookout for the Germans
Rumi is Peder daughter. Rumi’s fiancée was lost at sea and finding his way back to Shetland Islands. Rumi has found two agents that were dropped during a storm. One of the agents if half Norwegian and she hopes he can blend into the town, covered with Germans.
Rumi’s best friend Anya is working at a local hotel, and she is raped by a German soldier. Soon she discovers she is pregnant and is sent off to one of Germany’s secret maternity home. With the Norwegian women having blue eyes and blond hair, the Third Reich hopes to find these children homes with childless German couples.
Does Anya deliver a healthy baby? Does the network help her out? How do these stories connect? Another amazing novel by this author.

The Resistance Girl by Mandy Robotham
The Resistance Girl by Mandy Robotham is my first read by this author. I'm really impressed by the work and research that was done to write an amazing book.

I love WII books and have read tons and "The Resistance Girl" is now one of my favorite. The characters were likable and very real. The book was a page-turner and I just couldn't put it down. The story just has a way of making you feel like your actually there.

I would highly recommend this book to family and friends through review sites and social media.

The book is a 5 out of 5 stars

I received this complimentary copy of this book from publisher through Netgalley for a honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone.

Another compelling story from this author. I was blown away by this WW2 novel, written from the perspective of a young Norwegian woman living in Bergen during the Nazi Occupation.
Jens, an Allied SOE operative drops into her life, quite literally, and turns out to be half Norwegian. His aunt is a good friend and neighbour of Rumi and her father Peter.
The riveting story of how Rumi and Jens interact with other Resistance members in Bergen and beyond, especially the sea run called the ‘ Shetland Bus’ ferrying escapees and supplies to safety in Scotland., is tense and exciting.
The characterisation of every player is fully rounded, from the main protagonists to the lesser players - I felt I knew them all.
Rumi uncovers the Lebensborn plan by the occupying forces to further the purity of the Aryan race, by using young Norwegian women for their chilling purpose. This part of the narrative escalates to a real nailbiting conclusion, leading to a loss of sleep for this reader, as I really could not put the book down.
The writing is so skilful, the storytelling unforgettable, and the research impeccable. The narrative never flags, keeping the reader breathless with anticipation. A triumph of a book for Mandy Rowbotham, one of my favourite authors.
I learned so much about Norway’s part in WW2, which I had known little of before reading this book.
I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy sublime storytelling.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this title.

Another gripping read from Mandy Robotham. This time the setting is Norway during the 1940s when the Nazis were in power. At the start of the novel, Rumi Orlstad has lost everything and is suffering from a broken heart. Through the experiences of her friend, she uncovers what Hitler’s plans for Norway and with the resistance she risks she willingly risk her life to fight against the injustice. Through Mandy’s characters, the bravery, the selfless acts, and the sacrifices of the Norwegian’s are remembered.

It is a compelling, emotional tail which has the reader entranced and yet at the same time involved. Just as if we too, were there living through each event and it forces the reader to ask the question on everyone’s mind: what would we have done in such a situation?

Once begun, the reader is drawn into every situation, and you just want to read until the book is done. Thank you, Mandy, for another masterpiece of storytelling.

I loved this book set in Norway it had a good plot and characters and I learned a lot about this time period through its engaging story and plot
Thanks for letting me review this book to the publisher

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a fantastic historical fiction about WWII set in Norway with the resistance and Lebonsbirn program. Rumi and Jens were excellent characters! The suspense, action and conflict were well done and had me reading quickly to get to the end. Fantastic research done to make all the details real! Highly recommend this author and this book!

Set in No9rway during WWII this is a story of love, loss, and immense bravery among those who chose to resist the might of Hitler's Germany.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book which appeared to be well researched. I was for a time immersed in wartime Norway following the lives of the main characters, The story has several concurrent themes and knits them together well allowing it to move along at a good pace. Not having previously read anything by this author I was pleasantly surprised by this book.

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:
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-today 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.