Description
Book SynopsisThis story reveals the fate of two Jewish families during the German invasion and subsequent Holocaust in Norway in 1940. Inspired by the authorâs own experience growing up Jewish in 1940s Norway, it brings readers both young and old into the touching struggles of one incredible family.
Trade ReviewBerman 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 Bartók, The Memory Palace
Table of ContentsChapter 1—Oslo—War Comes to Norway, April 9, 1940 Chapter 2—Aalesund—Who is Hitler?, April 9, 1940 Chapter 3—Oslo—Are we running away?, April 11-12, 1940 Chapter 4—Aalesund—Far, please listen, May 30, 1940 Chapter 5—Oslo—The Pendant, June 10, 1940 Chapter 6—Aalesund—An Unfulfilled Dream, September 15, 1940 Chapter 7—Oslo—Are Jews Different?, September 30, 1940 Chapter 8—Aalesund—Grandmother’s Story, January 1941 Chapter 9—Oslo—Icy Spots, February 28, 1942 Chapter 10—Aalesund—Cousins Connect, April 28, 1942 Chapter 11—Oslo—The Blueberry Tooth, May 7, 1942 Chapter 12—Aalesund—Isak is Arrested, May 12, 1942 Chapter 13—Oslo—Persecution of the Jews begins, September/October 1942 Chapter 14—Aalesund—Where is God’s Part in this? October 17, 1942 Chapter 15—Oslo—Arrest of Jewish Men, October 25, 1942 Chapter 16—Aalesund—“Where is Everybody?” October 26, 1942 Chapter 17—Oslo—Tante Marie, October 28, 1942 Chapter 18—Aalesund—Ingrid’s Plot, November 2, 1942 Chapter 19—Oslo—Next—Women and Children, November 3-25, 1942 Chapter 20—Aalesund—Leyla gives in, November 25, 1942 Chapter 21—Oslo—The Wrong Train, November 25, 1942 Chapter 22—Aalesund—The White and the Black Raincoat, November 25, 1942 Chapter 23—Oslo—Annika’s Mistake, November 25, 1942 Chapter 24—Aalesund—The Last Glimpse, November 25-26, 1942 Chapter 25—Oslo—The Yellow Sign, November 25-26, 1942 Chapter 26—Aalesund—Where do I go now? November 26, 1942 Chapter 27—Oslo/Sweden—On Neutral Ground, November 26, 1942 Chapter 28—Aalesund—Immediate surgery, November 26, 1942 Chapter 29—Oslo/Sweden—I Need my Umbrella, November 26, 1942 Chapter 30—Aalesund—Recuperation from what? December 2-31, 1942 Chapter 31—Oslo/Sweden, Who is Miriam Davidson? December 3, 1942 Chapter 32—Aalesund—The Wrong Side of the Floor? December 7, 1942 Chapter 33—Stockholm—Socks vs. Sugar, December 16, 1942 Chapter 34—Aalesund—Time is running out, December 16, 1942 Chapter 35—Aalesund—The Journey with no return, January 23, 1943 Chapter 36—Sweden—When the Lights went out
