Resistance

Description

A gripping action-adventure tale set against the historic war-time backdrop of occupied Norway. Norway, September 1943 For brothers Marek and Olaf, a hunting trip out on the frozen Hardanger plateau offers a brief chance to escape the German occupation. But returning home they witness the horror of their father's arrest by the Gestapo and the start of a brutal regime under the evil Lieutenant Wold. When their daring plan for revenge goes horribly wrong, they are forced to seek refuge in the vast and unforgiving Norwegian wilderness. Saved from an icy grave by Resistance freedom-fighters, fourteen-year-old Marek is captivated by their courage and determination. He may not be a crack shot like his brother, but he is quick-thinking, resourceful and a talented mechanic. With youth on his side, the Germans probably won't suspect him - perfect for a part in the ambitious sabotage attack planned by the group. But can he keep his nerve, especially when the final assault throws his friends and family into the path of the enemy?

Born in the New Forest in 1962, Craig Simpson spent his childhood in southern England. At eighteen he packed his bags and headed off to veterinary school in Bristol. Soon realizing the study of anatomy wasn't for him and that in the wrong hands a scalpel could do more harm than good, he handed in his stethoscope and switched to studying science. The animal kingdom blew a collective sigh of relief. After graduating, he moved to Cambridge and spent a while juggling test tubes before realizing there had to be more to life. After fifteen years scaling the corporate ladder, and travelling widely in Europe and North America, he jumped ship to become an independent consultant. A keen amateur historian and inspired by true stories of remarkable courage shown by ordinary people, he set himself a challenge - to abandon the rat-race and write fictional adventure novels. He now lives between the New Forest and the Hampshire seaside.

Simpson's awareness of the divisions and dilemmas of a country under foreign occupation and the injustice and ruthlessness inherent in war itself, lifts this novel beyond run of the mill heroics * Books for Keeps * The book is clearly the result of considerable research and enthusiasm. This will appeal to readers of 14 upwards, particularly boys. The relationship between the two contrasting brothers is strongly conveyed through dialogue -- Sandra Bennett * The School Librarian * This book is written with an obvious understanding of how a young boy might feel as he tries to understand the events taking place around him. He is surrounded by adults who are having to kill and who are being killed, all for a cause which he does not understand and yet which at the same time hurts and confuses him -- Marya Jansen-Gruber * Through the Looking Glass * A terrific romp, full of car chases, explosions, stiff upper lips and U-boats; fans of films starring Bruce Willis (or David Niven) should love it -- Jo Klaces * TES *