Northern Light: Norway Past and Present, A Critical Analysis – Nils-Johan Jørgensen

Here is a new and challenging appraisal of Norway, the author’s country of birth, that redefines its history, culture and heritage -‘after Ibsen – and looks, with a degree of ominous foreboding, at its future and the future of Europe.  Ex-diplomat and widely published author Jørgensen explores an array of topics, from Norway’s Viking pat, its pursuit of independence, the German occupation, its politics and cultural heritage, the defence of NATO, the relationship with Europe, and the challenge of Russia, concluding with ‘self-image and reality’.  In Northern Light, the author challenges many existing perceptions and stereotypes, making this an essetial reference for anyone interested in Norway and its people, international affairs, European history and its cultural legacy.

Back with another book by blog favourite Nils-Johan Jørgensen, Northern Light, much like his other nonfiction books, An Image of the Times and Four Days in January, is an insightful look at his chosen topic, which in this case is a well-rounded, authoritative insight into his country of birth. One that is not too well known on the international stage, especially considering the dramatics of other countries, but is nonetheless worthy of thorough investigation.

After the Vikings, and the discovery of America, the history books tend to go quiet when it comes to Norway, and Scandinavia in general, up until the second world war in the case of the UK education system.  This book allows for the discovery, or rediscovery, of Norway’s role in such diverse events as the Napoleonic Wars and its relationship with Russia, a nation whose shadow looms large with aggression over the whole arctic region.

A country of mystery with the Aurora Borealis, the picturesque fjords, as well as its international exploration, and being the so-called best place to live, there is so much more to uncover.  Not least its inhabitants attitudes of both isolationism yet at the same time the wish to embrace the world.

The discussion on the EU, and the inevitable look at Brexit are one of the most coherent examinations of the whole debacle that I have yet come across.  It speaks volumes that it comes not from a native of these islands yet holds more weight because of the author’s past as a diplomat, who has served his country on three different continents.

This love letter of a book does not hold back on scrutinizing the problems that Norway has faced and still faces but tackles them head on and also shows the impact, often behind the scenes, that Norway has had on decisions effecting both Europe and the wider world.

Although a short book the range of topics covered is both varied and fascinating; a rich source of information to mine for the general reader and those who already have a taste for the Nordic charms.

In many ways Norway is an enigmatic country, but one thoroughly worth taking the time to investigate and study in great depth.  From Ibsen to Leif Erikson, and who can forget journeyman striker John Carew,  there is a lot of interest to uncover in the region and this book is a highly recommended place to start.