Darkness Over Denmark

An account of people in Denmark who risked their lives to protect and rescue their Jewish neighbors from the Nazis during World War II.

The dramatic story of neighbors in a small Danish fishing village who, during the Holocaust, shelter a Jewish family waiting to be ferried to safety in Sweden. It is 1943 in Nazi-occupied Denmark. Anett and her parents are hiding a Jewish woman and her son, Carl, in their cellar until a fishing boat can take them across the sound to neutral Sweden. The soldiers patrolling their street are growing suspicious, so Carl and his mama must make their way to the harbor despite a cloudy sky with no moon to guide them. Worried about their safety, Anett devises a clever and unusual plan for their safe passage to the harbor. Based on a true story.

* NOW WITH A NEW CHAPTER * 'A hugely enjoyable romp through the pleasures and pitfalls of setting up home in a foreign land.'- Guardian Given the opportunity of a new life in rural Jutland, Helen Russell discovered a startling statistic: Denmark, land of long dark winters, cured herring, Lego and pastries, was the happiest place on earth. Keen to know their secrets, Helen gave herself a year to uncover the formula for Danish happiness. From childcare, education, food and interior design to SAD and taxes, The Year of Living Danishly records a funny, poignant journey, showing us what the Danes get right, what they get wrong, and how we might all live a little more Danishly ourselves. In this new edition, six years on Helen reveals how her life and family have changed, and explores how Denmark, too – or her understanding of it – has shifted. It's a messy and flawed place, she concludes – but can still be a model for a better way of living.

The rescue of the Danish Jews from Nazi persecution in October 1943 is a unique exception to the tragic history of the Holocaust. Over fourteen harrowing days, as they were helped, hidden and protected by ordinary people who spontaneously rushed to save their fellow citizens, an incredible 7,742 out of 8,200 Jewish refugees were smuggled out all along the coast - on ships, schooners, fishing boats, anything that floated - to Sweden. Now, for the first time, Bo Lidegaard brings together decades of research and new evidence, including unpublished diaries and documents of families forced to run for safety and of those who courageously came to their aid, to tell this story of ordinary glory, of simple courage and moral fortitude that shines out in the midst of the terrible history of the twentieth century and demonstrates how it was possible for a small and fragile democracy to stand against the Third Reich.

“German troops entered [Denmark, a] country of four and a half million persons on April 9, 1940, and three years passed before the purge against Danish Jews was begun. On the night of October 1, 1943, the Nazi boot kicked open doors in rooms largely empty. Only a fraction of the Danish Jews — 472 — were caught and sent to Theresienstadt Concentration Camp (where 53 of them died). The remaining 7,500 escaped — thanks to one German and several thousands of their countrymen. How? That was the question that puzzled the American journalist and television-writer, Harold Flender... He returned to Denmark for intensive research among rescuers and rescued and in archives. This book is the result... Flender brings out the risks and agonies, the drama and the heroism, in straight, professional reporting... [a] well-done work.” — Poul Lassen, The New York Times “One of the most exciting books about the frustration of the Nazis that has come out in a long time... a fabulous story.” — Wilmington News “A marvelous story...” — Chicago Tribune “As thrilling as it is uplifting.” — The Christian Science Monitor “Heartwarming story told in thrilling detail... should he read by everyone...” —Cleveland Plain Dealer “Inspiring and little-known story...” — Columbus Dispatch “Remarkable account of human courage and decency.” — The Denver Post “Powerful, heart-warming... one of the best and most starring stories out of the Nazi terror...” — Grand Junction Daily Sentinel “A graphic story of one of history’s greatest rescues.” — Hartford Times “Suspenseful... lifts the spirit... a rewarding book.” — Honolulu Star Bulletin & Advertiser “Simple, dramatic and moving... One of the most exciting and heartening [stories] to come out of the war.” — The London Observer “Impossible to stop reading... Everybody should read it.” — The London Spectator “An inspiring story of courage and good will...” — Library Journal “Remarkable... Effectively and comprehensively told...” — Los Angeles Times “A book that exceeds in fascination, as well as strangeness and truth, any current work of fiction.” — National Jewish Post & Opinion “Is stranger than fiction.” — Norfolk Virginian Pilot “Definitely should be read...” — Philadelphia Bulletin “Very moving and exciting...” — Publishers’ Weekly “Dramatic... well written account...” — Roanoke Times “Exciting and well documented...” — Sacramento Bee “Moving... true story of adventure and devotion...” — St. Petersburg Times “Easy to read and as exciting as any work of fiction...” — Yorkshire Evening Press (UK)

The dramatic and compelling rescue of the Danish Jews from the hands of the Nazis, told through firsthand accounts and personal stories

In the Bronx, New York, during the McCarthy era, twelve-year-old Jamie keeps a terrible secret about her family, but when the truth is exposed, her parents lose their jobs and she is fired from the school newspaper.