The Rat Catcher

Beskrivelse

The Rat Catcher sheds light on the Norwegian resistance fighters during World War II, known for handling the toughest missions. Written by Max Manus, a notable resistance member, this novel explores life after the war through the eyes of veterans grappling with their past and searching for normalcy.

An intimate glimpse into the lives of Norway’s wartime resistance and their struggles in the aftermath.

The term "Rat Catcher" referred to Norwegian resistance fighters who took on the grim task of eliminating informers, torturers, and collaborators working for the Germans during the Second World War.

This compelling short novel, penned in 1948 by Max Manus-one of the most renowned resistance fighters-centers on Freddy, his alter ego, and a group of veterans. It follows their attempts to find love and a place in post-war society while coping with haunting memories from their wartime experiences in various ways.

Max Manus is a well-documented figure. He published Det vil helst gå godt in 1945, followed by Det blir alvor in 1946, and later, in 1995, his autobiography Mitt liv (My Life) was released. Additionally, the book Tikken, about Max’s wife, was published in 2009.

His wartime books were hugely popular-Max even claimed that only the Bible outsold them in the post-war years! People were eager to learn about the true experiences of these young men during the war.

In 2008, the film Max Manus became a major hit and Norway’s most-watched movie. Directed by Joachim and Espen Sandberg (known for Pirates of the Caribbean, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Kon-Tiki, Bandidas), it authentically captures the wartime atmosphere and Max’s role, as confirmed by his wife.

The Rat Catcher (Rottejegeren in Norwegian) tells a story set just after the war and was likely written in 1948, when Max felt confident in his writing abilities. His partnership in Clausen & Manus allowed him some freedom, and by 1953, he launched his own business, Max Manus Kontormaskiner, specializing in office machines.

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