Martine
Strømsnes
Author from Narvik
« Stories from the north. About the lives we hide — and the ones that shape us. »
Explore the booksAuthor from Narvik
« Stories from the north. About the lives we hide — and the ones that shape us. »
Explore the books
About the author
Martine Strømsnes grew up in Narvik, where the mountains meet the fjord and history lies embedded in the landscape. It was here that her dream of becoming an author took shape, and although she has since drawn inspiration from all of Norway, her stories still carry the imprint of Northern Norwegian nature and culture.
Her breakthrough came when she won Cappelen Damm's manuscript competition in 2012, and since then she has written her way into the hearts of a wide readership. With series like Sølvbåndet she brought the toil of the railway era at Ofotbanen to life, while Feriekolonien and Husmorskolen take readers into 1950s Norway, with feelgood, secrets, and human destinies at the centre.
In her books, there is always more beneath the surface than first meets the eye. Behind the norms and polished facades of the era, she explores themes of belonging, choices, and consequences. With over 50 publications, she has established herself as one of Norway's most prolific and widely read serial novelists.
Today she lives with her son in Bodø, and it is the stories of ordinary people in extraordinary times that form the heart of her writing.
News
"When you write serial novels, you live with your characters for many years. I hope they've found a place in your heart — because sharing these stories is the most wonderful thing I can imagine." Martine thanks all loyal readers after her 50th book.
In October and November 2025, Martine Strømsnes was named one of Norway's most-read e-book authors — a fantastic recognition and a heartfelt thank you to all loyal readers!
The final book in the Husmorskolen series, "Lev vel", will be published in 2026. Follow Kikki, Randi, and Anne-Marta through the conclusion.
Martine contributes a new Christmas short story to this year's Julestemning anthology from Cappelen Damm.
The Book Series
From the navvies' toil along the Ofoten Railway to the carefree summers of the holiday colonies and the strict rules of the homemaking school — Martine's novels take you on a journey through Norwegian history.
In the shadow of Fagernesfjellet, the navvies are building the railway that will connect Northern Norway to the rest of the world. Sølvbåndet is the story of the Ofoten Railway — of the people who sacrificed everything to lay the tracks through the wild landscape around Narvik at the turn of a new century. Here we encounter love and betrayal, dreams and disappointments, in a society undergoing rapid transformation.
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Spring 1954. The 23-year-old teacher Ragnhild stands at a crossroads — should she return home to a mother who doesn't understand her and a failed romance, or should she seize the chance and take a summer job at a holiday colony? The choice leads her to Tangholmen, where sun-drenched days, secret crushes, and unexpected friendships await. 1950s nostalgia at its very best.
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Autumn 1952. The meticulous Kikki arrives at Lillevik homemaking school in Vestfold, where she is to learn to become a good wife and homemaker. She shares a room with the confident and quick-witted Randi and the romantic Anne-Marta. But behind the rosy facade, dark intrigues and secrets are hiding — and Kikki lives in constant fear that someone will uncover her secret, which cannot stand the light of day.
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DID YOU KNOW...
Try the first book in Feriekolonien or Husmorskolen completely free — and step into Martine’s world.
Feriekolonien
Join Ragnhild at Tangholmen summer camp, spring 1954.
Go to Serieliv.no
Husmorskolen
Follow Kikki to Lillevik housewife school, autumn 1952.
Go to Serieliv.noForfatterreisen
Som rallarne la skinne for skinne gjennom Nord-Norges villmark, har Martine bygd sitt forfatterskap — bok for bok, serie for serie, fra Narvik til toppen av bestselgerlistene.
Trykk 2012 for å starte reisen
Fra bøkene
Other works
In addition to the major book series, Martine has contributed short stories to several Christmas anthologies and published standalone short stories.
Twelve Christmas stories to put you in the true holiday spirit. Martine contributes a story about Agnes from the Sølvbåndet universe.
A standalone short story from the Sølvbåndet universe featuring the beloved characters from the Ofoten Railway.
Touching, romantic, and dramatic Christmas stories from beloved authors. Martine writes about help that came from an unexpected place.
Wishes spiral completely out of control, revealing what truly matters. Martine's contribution to the year's Christmas anthology.
Another Julestemning collection featuring Martine's warm and atmospheric storytelling.
The newest collection in the Julestemning series with a contribution from Martine Strømsnes.
What's next?
The final books in the Husmorskolen series are being released in 2026. Follow Kikki, Randi, and Anne-Marta through the closing chapters of their time at the homemaking school.
Martine has already begun exploring new time periods and settings for upcoming series. Join her on the continued journey through Norwegian history.
More and more of Martine's books are available as audiobooks through Fabel and other services. Perfect for those who want to enjoy the stories on a walk or curled up on the sofa.
What do readers think?
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Få beskjed om nye bokutgivelser, arrangementer og nyheter fra Martine direkte i innboksen.
Kontakt
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