The Mystery of Nils. Part 1 - Norwegian Course for Beginners. Learn Norwegian - Enjoy the Story. Paperback – 7 May 2014

I've really enjoyed using this book as an additional tool to learning Norwegian. I've been to classes and used more conventional textbooks and CDs before but this was a really different way to revise and cover some of the same vocabulary and grammar points. I found the grammar explanations really clear. There were a few grammar points which I hadn't been able to understand before and the explanations here worked really well for me. I enjoyed the story and it kept me motivated to continue through to the end. I also liked some of the motivational parts about why it's important to do certain things to be successful in learning a language. I'm now spending more time practising my vocabulary and pronunciation as the book really convinced me it would be worth the effort. The additional online tools were helpful to listen to the text but it would be good if this was developed further or if there was a CD with the texts to accompany the book. I'm still very glad I bought it and I'm looking forward to the follow up being published.

I was initially looking for a book on Norwegian grammar but after reading the reviews I chose this course for beginners in Norwegian. I am very glad that I did. Its an enjoyable story and from lesson 1 you are reading Norwegian and learning grammar as you go along. I am only as far as lesson 5 at the moment but taking it steady. When learning Norwegian it is very important to get the pronunciation right and if you go to the website you can hear Norwegian spoken. Every chapter has an accompanying audio file. I found the audio files very quiet at first but I turned up the sound on my computer and then it was OK. I am enjoying working my way through this book. It's an enjoyable way to learn a language.

I love this book and would recommend to anyone learning Norwegian. Its not like a boring textbook and keeps you engaged!

The brilliant educators who have put this textbook together have achieved something quite rare: they've made learning a language fun and easy! The trick is that they've built the learning experience around a charming story which while simple enough to follow with your budding Norwegian language skills is never dull nor patronising. A great solution for learners of all ages!

The Mystery of Nils 1 is an excellent introduction to Norwegian. Within the confines of written bokmål Norwegian, it offers comprehensive coverage with text passages to read, vocabulary builders, grammar explanations and exercises to test one's learning.The book is built around a story about a little doll called Nils, a delightfully naive chap who has to keep the fact he is conscious secret from the family that owns him. Each chapter of the book starts with a passage from this story, before introducing relevant grammar and idiomatic topics and finally presenting the reader with some exercises to build understanding.What's Good About the Book?The biggest strength of the book is how comprehensive it is for the serious student. Unlike many courses which are pitched at getting the reader speaking enough phrases to get their pølse from the kiosk or ask directions to the nearest fjord, this book is keen to lay the groundwork to start really learning and understanding the language. Grammar is explained, not in excruciating detail and not too much all at once, but enough that you understand the whys and wherefores of the word forms you are reading.Another great thing is that the book is fun. This is a tough call for a language book. Honestly, all try but learning a language for most is hard, brutal work which needs to be sustained over a long period. It's not like learning to draw where nothing really matters as long as one is having fun. However, a light, conversational tone, little cartoons and, of course, the engaging main story keep things as light as possible.What's Bad About the Book?The biggest issue with the book is that there is little chance to practice speaking or hearing Norwegian. This is something the book itself acknowledges and, to its credit, it tells the reader with refreshing bluntness that, unless they practice their pronunciation, they will get practically nowhere and Norwegians will struggle to understand them and may even find them funny. There are even free audio readings of the story passages on the book's website. However, it certainly means that this course is no one-stop-shop - but then maybe that's asking a bit much of a book, really!Would I Read This Book Again?Yes. This book will be a valuable resource to me as I move onto other resources and courses to build my language skills further.In conclusion, The Mystery of Nils 1 is a mature, comprehensive introduction to written Norwegian. Working through the book has left me with a decent ability to read basic Norwegian, although more work is needed for me to start hearing it as well. This probably underscores the need to combine any book work with an actual tutor or at least a group of native language speakers.

Book arrived earlier than expected, in great condition.I’m learning Norsk and whilst my language app deals with most aspects, it doesn’t explain grammar usage, which this book does.Many people have recommended this book to help me and I’m super pleased it came so fast!

I like the way the course is structured. Having a story to read motivates you (well me, anyway) to learn the vocabulary and structures at the same time. I started learning Norwegian with an online course, which is great for pronunciation but feels rather 'bitty'. The narrative is the good thing about this book and the grammar explanations are accessible and not too dry, but it would not be enough on its own - you would still need a listening and speaking element.

Love it, really really useful book!If you're starting out in learning Norwegian or like me have been learning it for some years now this book is great, before reading this book I was struggling with verb tenses and sentence structure but it's really made it so simple to understand and it's fun reading the story along the way about Nils. They have now produced a second book to follow on from this which I'm excited to get onto, but I'm most excited about getting the most out of this book and am positive i'll be a better speaker after finishing it.