A Coat Dyed Black: A Novel of the Norwegian Resistance

I have read quite a few Norwegian authors – so, I dare say that PNW author Don Pugnetti Jr. totally gets the vibe of authentic Norwegian literature – the people, the landscape, the language, the entire atmosphere.
Wonderfully enough, the author has used Norwegian sources who lived through WW II during the German occupation, and this is the first time I have actually read a book about this sinister chapter. As a German, I have watched my share of (few) documentaries on TV. It’s usually nothing that touches directly upon an individual fate but rather shows the greater picture. All the more of a treasure is “A Coat Dyed Black”.
A Norwegian farmer turns regular military turns a resistance fighter. Along the way he has to decide whom to trust. And at some points he has to go against his individual conscience and even his love. His secret missions all come to pass – don’t expect Bond-movie like action, though. This is not about being a hero template but about a person dealing with his patriotism, with his people’s independence and freedom, with fears and outrage, with dreams of a future that, at times, seems unattainable. It makes these few missions all the more relatable, as it could be anybody of us if WE had been in such a situation, in such an occupation, under such pressure. Some of the protagonist’s friends choose different and seemingly easier paths, too.
Historical figures don the story even more authenticity, and though I could even have done without the epilogue, everything falls into place, in a free-flowing narrative that catches on and holds you captive to the very last page. A truly unusual historical novel that shows a side of WW II that probably few people outside of Europe are aware of.

I enjoyed the character build. I could picture the characters as I read deeper into the pages. The talk of the scenery, I was seeing it in my mind. The ship ride over to England (not to spoil anything), I almost got sick along with the characters.
Great storytelling. I couldn't wait to resume the next day and pick up where I left off. At the end, the author tells how he came about writing the story, which was as interesting as the book.
I can see this as a movie. It was pretty much nonstop action from opening the book to the end. A thoroughly entertaining and really historical read that had me captivated and sorry to have it end.

All I can say about this book is "Fabulous!" It was so well written. The scenes were described so well that I could picture myself there. I could feel the pain. Well, I could go on and on....

This book held my interest. I didn't want to put it down.