“Shadow on the Mountain,” by Margi Preus.
Amulet Books, New York, 2012, 286 pages, Grades 7-9.
Adventure stories stir the imaginations and hearts of readers. The main characters are often faced with dangerous and overwhelming odds. As the protagonists struggle with problems, tension rises. Will they be able to overcome these dangers? Will the characters wanting to hurt them succeed? All of these issues are present in Margi Preuss’s thrilling tale, “Shadow on the Mountain.”
Set in occupied Norway during World War II, the central character Espen must surmount many dangers to help the Norwegian Underground in their fight against Nazi Germany.
Fourteen-year-old Espen can hardly believe it. On April 9, 1940, Nazi Germany descends on peaceful Norway and within weeks, turn the country into an occupied satellite of the Third Reich. The Norwegians are flabbergasted that it happened so quickly. Soon, German regulations begin to be enforced: newspapers not adhering to the party line are suppressed; criticism of the evil Norwegian Nazi Party headed by Vidkun Quisling is considered treason.
Suddenly, three million formerly free people are in the Nazi dragnet. Espen decides he must do something to fight this oppression. But what?
As he ponders this, an opportunity arises. He tells an older lady, called Tante Marie, of his desire to oppose the Nazis. She looks at him with a measured glance and asks if he really means it. Espen says he wants to fight the Germans. So Tante Marie gives him a simple assignment: deliver some papers to a man in the town. Additionally, she gives him a code name, Odin, the all-seeing Norse god.
After this he begins to get more and more dangerous assignments. Soon he gathers a group of like-minded boys and they begin gathering weapons and ammunition for the Norwegian Underground. But the Gestapo continue to look for anyone trying to overthrow the Quisling government.
Very painful and difficult choices face everyone in Norway. Former friends have joined the Nazi occupiers. People begin betraying others. The Gestapo brutally interrogates all captured underground fighters and usually executes them.
Time passes and by 1944, World War II is becoming a colossal defeat for Germany. But a final assignment is vitally needed by the Allies before reoccupying Norway. The architectural plans of a German military base must be uncovered. Without them, the Allies could face significant casualties. Only an underground fighter can carry this out. Espen, now 19, is called upon for one last dangerous mission.
Does Espen discover the architectural plans of the German base? Do two of his friends try to betray him to the Nazis? Why must he attempt a desperate cross-country ski race to avoid being shot? How does Espen continue to show heroism and patriotism throughout this compelling novel? To find out, go to the library and check out this exciting novel, “Shadow on the Mountain” by Margi Preus.
I read this novel from start to finish in one sitting. Preus shows us the terrible costs imposed on the Norwegian population. Former friends betray each other. Food and household items are increasingly rationed by the Germans. Lying and deception become standard ways of surviving. But above all, Preus shows us that love can conquer hate and greed. Espen must learn this important but painful lesson throughout the novel. He always chooses the higher path.
This story is based on the life of Erling Storrusten, a Norwegian teenager and his many dangerous and successful military actions to fight the Nazi regime. So, though this book is a fictional novel, it reads like an exciting work of historical nonfiction. These events actually took place. Junior high school students will enjoy reading this well-written book. Adults will also find it moving. Pick it up at the library; you will be glad you did.
