A wonderfully unique thriller set in Nazi-occupied Norway during World War II. It is nice to see Mr. Gross step out from the shadow of his frequent co-author, James Patterson.
The Saboteur is the story of the daring members of the Norwegian resistance during World War II. Norway has been taken over by the Nazi war machine at the start of the story. A small band of Norwegian resistance fighters execute a daring plan to get to England. With training and supplies, the men return to Norway to stop Hitler’s minions from creating an atom bomb. A crucial ingredient is heavy water, which is only created in a heavily fortified Norwegian factory. The location is ill suited to Allied bombs so a ground offensive must be attempted.
The plot of The Saboteur is based on a true story. It is great to read a fresh take on World War II. The story of the Norwegian resistance is a nice change from all the French resistance stories. I thought the icy, impassable terrain seemed like almost another villain fighting our heroes at every turn.
My only concern was how much of this story was fictional. War is hell but Kurt’s romantic issues seem a bit contrived. Still if the reader can suspend belief at times, the action sequences during the allied raids makes this book highly readable. It reads like an action thriller with Brad Pitt as Kurt.
I also have to applaud the narrator, Edoardo Ballerini. His accents appeared perfect and helped differentiate the huge number of characters in this novel. Mr. Ballerini’s excitement while reading is definitely contagious. If possible, get the CD or Audible version to enjoy The Saboteur even more.
I received this audiobook in a Goodreads giveaway but that has not impacted my review.