Laila Brenden

Shadows beneath the surface

About secrets from the past and contending with the small-town parochial beast

1914
Europe is in flames and Ane Solingen flees Bremen to seek refuge in Norway with her husband Carl and her son. But even in the tiny village near the city of Kongsvinger it is difficult to find peace. The small-town parochial beast never rests and Carl’s German origin makes the family an easy target as acts of war begin to affect Norwegian interests.

Ane attempts to navigate considerations for friends and family, but then she meets a housekeeper who knew her mother, who died when Ane was four years old. Though the housekeeper can’t tell her much, it is enough to awaken a desire to learn more. However, when she starts asking questions people are evasive. It is as if someone doesn’t want her digging up the past – as if someone has a great deal to lose should Ane’s family secrets be brought out into the light of day.