Description
Norway didn't have many Jews-but it had enough to attract Hitler's attention. It's 1940 in Norway, and one Jewish family would rather be thinking of anything else. Budding artist Rebekka Davidson sketches the soldiers filling the school and streets, while her cousin Harald Rosenberg learns that he'd rather read about Hitler's politics than experience them. Talented musician Ingrid Rosenberg prepares to go to her dream school while experiencing the wonders of first love-with the nephew of the leader of the local Nazis. Together, the family will do whatever it takes to return to normal life...but will it be enough? By the end of the war, Norway had lost a higher percentage of its Jews than almost any other country in Europe. This story, inspired by the author's own experience growing up Jewish in 1940s Norway, brings readers both young and old into the touching struggles of one incredible family. Norway wasn't too small for Hitler, and for some families, it was everything.
About the Author
Irene Levin Berman was born, raised, and educated in Norway. Her first conscious recollection of life goes back to 1942, when as a young child she escaped to Sweden, a neutral country during World War II, to avoid annihilation. Germany had invaded Norway and the persecution of two thousand Norwegian Jews had begun. Seven members of her father's family were among the seven hundred and seventy-one unfortunate persons who were deported and sent to Auschwitz.
Reviews
Berman impressed me with a story that reads like an action-packed drama, animating through fiction the history she so carefully documented in her earlier nonfiction work.... Berman incorporates traits of her relatives into strong, complex characters who serve as able and appealing protagonists.... I urge everyone to read it, share it in book clubs and classrooms, and keep history alive. * The Norwegian American *
A story of courage, loss, and dignity in the midst of Norway's holocaust-told by one who survived it. Norway's little-known story is an essential one for us to learn from, to record, to remember. -- Rebecca Makkai, author of "Music for Wartime"
A gripping story of the little known history of Norway's Jews during World War ll. As compelling and moving on my second read as on my first. I couldn't put it down. -- Margaret Shapiro, Career Counselor, University of Connecticut School of Law, Hartford, Connecticut
A superb and chilling accounting of the domestic details of two Norwegian families coping with the Nazi invasion! You grow and mature with the teenagers as they recognize the horror they face. Nothing like it! A must read. -- Gerry Bamman, writer, translator, and actor. Known for his role as "Uncle Frank" in "Home Alone" and "Home Alone 2"
This fact-based story of the Holocaust is a compelling educational and literary experience for young readers and adults alike! The vivid reality of daily life in Nazi-occupied Norway, the escapes to Sweden aided by resistance workers, the hospital ploys to save Jewish patients, and the ultimate round up and deportation of Norwegian Jews to death camps are all thrilling and heartbreaking as seen from the perspective of two teens. -- Karin Stahl, Writer
Irene Levin Berman's riveting debut novel, Norway Wasn't Too Small, is a coming of age tale about a budding young artist caught in the midst of a unique and tragic moment in history. Based on true events, this is the untold story of the Holocaust: despite having the lowest number of Jews, Norway lost the highest number by ratio of almost any other country. It is a moving testament to the courage and resilience of those young people who, despite all odds, held fast to their hope and humanity in the Nazi era. This book will linger in the hearts of readers for years to come. -- Mira Bartok, The Memory Palace
Book Information
ISBN 9780761867715
Author Irene Levin Berman
Format Paperback
Page Count 270
Imprint Hamilton Books
Publisher University Press of America
Weight(grams) 404g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 19mm
About the Author
Irene Levin Berman was born, raised, and educated in Norway. Her first conscious recollection of life goes back to 1942, when as a young child she escaped to Sweden, a neutral country during World War II, to avoid annihilation. Germany had invaded Norway and the persecution of two thousand Norwegian Jews had begun. Seven members of her father's family were among the seven hundred and seventy-one unfortunate persons who were deported and sent to Auschwitz.
Reviews
Berman impressed me with a story that reads like an action-packed drama, animating through fiction the history she so carefully documented in her earlier nonfiction work.... Berman incorporates traits of her relatives into strong, complex characters who serve as able and appealing protagonists.... I urge everyone to read it, share it in book clubs and classrooms, and keep history alive. * The Norwegian American *
A story of courage, loss, and dignity in the midst of Norway's holocaust-told by one who survived it. Norway's little-known story is an essential one for us to learn from, to record, to remember. -- Rebecca Makkai, author of "Music for Wartime"
A gripping story of the little known history of Norway's Jews during World War ll. As compelling and moving on my second read as on my first. I couldn't put it down. -- Margaret Shapiro, Career Counselor, University of Connecticut School of Law, Hartford, Connecticut
A superb and chilling accounting of the domestic details of two Norwegian families coping with the Nazi invasion! You grow and mature with the teenagers as they recognize the horror they face. Nothing like it! A must read. -- Gerry Bamman, writer, translator, and actor. Known for his role as "Uncle Frank" in "Home Alone" and "Home Alone 2"
This fact-based story of the Holocaust is a compelling educational and literary experience for young readers and adults alike! The vivid reality of daily life in Nazi-occupied Norway, the escapes to Sweden aided by resistance workers, the hospital ploys to save Jewish patients, and the ultimate round up and deportation of Norwegian Jews to death camps are all thrilling and heartbreaking as seen from the perspective of two teens. -- Karin Stahl, Writer
Irene Levin Berman's riveting debut novel, Norway Wasn't Too Small, is a coming of age tale about a budding young artist caught in the midst of a unique and tragic moment in history. Based on true events, this is the untold story of the Holocaust: despite having the lowest number of Jews, Norway lost the highest number by ratio of almost any other country. It is a moving testament to the courage and resilience of those young people who, despite all odds, held fast to their hope and humanity in the Nazi era. This book will linger in the hearts of readers for years to come. -- Mira Bartok, The Memory Palace
Book Information
ISBN 9780761867715
Author Irene Levin Berman
Format Paperback
Page Count 270
Imprint Hamilton Books
Publisher University Press of America
Weight(grams) 404g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 19mm
