Introduction
Summary of the Book One of Us by Åsne Seierstad Before we proceed, let’s look into a brief overview of the book. Imagine a story so chilling that it shook an entire nation to its core. This is the tale of Anders Breivik, a man whose journey from a troubled childhood to becoming one of Europe’s most notorious terrorists is both fascinating and terrifying. Through ten gripping chapters, we delve deep into the life events, choices, and dark ideologies that led to the tragic events of July 22, 2011. As you turn each page, you’ll uncover the complexities of Breivik’s mind, the failures of the systems meant to protect, and the profound impact of his actions on countless lives. Get ready to embark on a compelling exploration of one of the most disturbing chapters in recent history, and discover the lessons we must learn to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Chapter 1: Discovering the Turbulent Beginnings of Anders Breivik’s Early Life.
Anders Breivik’s childhood was anything but stable. Born in 1979, his parents, Jens and Wenche Breivik, had only been together for a short time before moving to London when Anders was just six months old. This move marked the beginning of a challenging family life. His father, Jens, took on a demanding job as a counselor at the Norwegian embassy, leaving Wenche to manage the household alone. This separation created a sense of loneliness and neglect for Wenche, who felt unappreciated despite her efforts to keep the home orderly. When Anders was only four years old, his mother realized she couldn’t handle raising him and his younger sister on her own. This led to a recommendation from psychologists that Anders should be taken away from the family to ensure his well-being. However, despite these concerns, the family stayed together, and Wenche continued to care for Anders and his sister.
Growing up in Oslo, Anders struggled to find his place. The instability at home affected his ability to connect with others, making him feel like an outsider. His mother’s mental health issues added to the chaos, creating an environment where Anders couldn’t fully develop his own identity. Without the support he needed, Anders began to act out, seeking attention and validation in unhealthy ways. This early turmoil set the stage for his later actions, as he grappled with feelings of isolation and anger. Understanding these early years is crucial to comprehending how Anders Breivik became the person who would later commit such horrific acts.
Despite the challenges at home, Anders showed signs of intelligence and creativity. However, his unstable environment made it difficult for him to channel these traits positively. Instead, he often found himself in trouble, whether at home or at school. The lack of a stable support system meant that Anders didn’t receive the guidance he needed to navigate his emotions and frustrations. This lack of direction contributed to his growing resentment towards those around him, laying the groundwork for his extremist beliefs in the future. The foundation of his troubled childhood is a key piece in the puzzle of understanding his descent into terrorism.
As Anders grew older, the gaps in his family life became more pronounced. His relationship with his father deteriorated, especially after Anders was caught in illegal activities like graffiti tagging. Jens Breivik decided to cut ties with his son, refusing to have any further contact. This rejection was a significant blow to Anders, further fueling his sense of abandonment and worthlessness. Without his father’s support, Anders felt even more isolated, turning inward and seeking solace in increasingly radical online communities. This complete breakdown of his family relationships played a critical role in shaping his dark path ahead.
Chapter 2: Navigating School Years and Finding Solace in the Graffiti Scene.
During his school years, Anders Breivik’s behavior made him stand out in more ways than one. While he was naturally shy, he also had a short temper that often led to conflicts with classmates and teachers. In preschool, Anders struggled to make friends, feeling different from those around him. However, as he grew older, he found a small group of peers who shared his interest in graffiti. This new hobby gave him a sense of belonging and purpose. Together with his friends, Anders would spend hours creating graffiti art, which allowed him to express himself creatively and gain recognition among his peers.
In 1992, Anders entered secondary education and transferred to a new school. This change was a turning point for him as he discovered the world of graffiti tagging. Alongside three friends, he became part of a close-knit group that valued their unique style and the thrill of creating art in public spaces. They would embark on adventures to buy spray paint, building a reputation in the local graffiti scene. Despite getting caught by the police twice, Anders and his friends never revealed the identities of others involved in their activities. This loyalty earned them respect among their peers, making Anders feel more connected and valued.
However, Anders’ lack of empathy began to create problems within the graffiti community. In this scene, there was a hierarchy where novice taggers were called ‘toys’ and the top artists were known as ‘kings.’ Anders coveted the title of king and was determined to rise to the top. Breaking the unwritten rule that forbade newcomers from tagging over the king’s work, Anders decided to challenge this norm. His rebellious act of tagging over a respected artist’s work was seen as a direct affront, leading to a loss of respect and acceptance both in the graffiti community and at school. This action isolated him further, reinforcing his feelings of being an outsider.
The fallout from his rebellious actions had severe consequences for Anders. His father, who had limited contact with him, was deeply disappointed by his behavior. After Anders was caught a third time by the police, Jens Breivik made it clear that he no longer wanted anything to do with his son. This decision marked the end of their relationship, leaving Anders without a father figure. The complete severance of ties with his father intensified Anders’ sense of rejection and abandonment. With no family support and his social standing diminished, Anders became increasingly isolated, setting the stage for his descent into extremist ideologies.
Chapter 3: Anders Breivik’s Ambitious Journey in the Norwegian Conservative Party.
At the age of 20, Anders Breivik took his first significant step into the world of politics by joining the Norwegian Progress Party, a right-wing political group. Initially, his involvement was limited, but by 2002, he saw an opportunity to rise within the party’s youth branch. Being appointed as the deputy chairman of the Progress Party Youth, Oslo West Branch, was a major milestone for Anders. This position allowed him to network with influential members and gain recognition within the party. He felt a sense of accomplishment and believed that he could make a meaningful impact on society through his political efforts.
Driven by his ambition, Anders immersed himself in the activities of the Progress Party Youth. He attended numerous meetings, built connections, and worked hard to promote the party’s conservative values. His dedication paid off as he became well-known within the youth social scene of the party. Anders enjoyed the camaraderie and the feeling of being part of something larger than himself. He started to believe that he could bring about the changes he desired, seeing politics as a legitimate avenue to express his beliefs and influence the future of Europe.
However, Anders’ political ambitions hit a major roadblock when he failed to secure a nomination for the city council elections. This rejection was a significant blow to his confidence and his faith in the party. Despite his efforts to impress the nomination committee, Anders was left off the final list of candidates just before Christmas of 2002. Feeling overlooked and undervalued, he began to distance himself from the party. The disappointment was so profound that by 2004, Anders had paid his last membership dues and officially left the Progress Party. This failure marked the end of his political aspirations within the party and pushed him further towards extremist ideologies.
The experience of being rejected by the Progress Party left Anders bitter and resentful. He began to question the effectiveness of traditional political systems and grew increasingly disillusioned with the party that he once believed in. This disillusionment was a turning point, leading him to seek out more radical solutions to his frustrations. The inability to rise within the party’s ranks shattered his belief in conventional politics, setting him on a path towards more extreme measures. Anders’ journey in the Norwegian Conservative Party highlighted his deep-seated need for recognition and his unwillingness to accept failure, traits that would later culminate in his tragic actions.
Chapter 4: Immersed in the Digital World, Anders Breivik’s Descent into Far-Right Ideologies.
After leaving the Progress Party, Anders Breivik spent the next five years immersed in the digital world. With his political ambitions dashed, he turned to online gaming and surfing the internet to pass the time. During this period, Anders began to develop far-right ideas, influenced by the extremist content he encountered online. He even tried selling fake diplomas online to make money, but fear of getting caught forced him to stop. As his financial situation worsened, he moved back in with his mother, where he dedicated himself entirely to playing online games.
In the virtual world, Anders found a temporary escape from his troubled reality. He became an avid player of World of Warcraft, a popular online game, and earned the nickname ‘Anders Nordic.’ Despite his enthusiasm, Anders struggled to achieve the top ranks he desired, often feeling frustrated by his lack of success. His competitive nature pushed him to switch servers in search of better opportunities to climb the rankings, but his efforts never placed him among the elite players. This constant quest for validation mirrored his real-life struggles for recognition and acceptance.
As Anders spent more time online, his exposure to far-right websites increased. In 2008, he stumbled upon platforms like Document.no, Gates of Vienna, and Stormfront, where users shared racist and Islamophobic ideas. He was particularly influenced by Fjordman, a Norwegian user known for his anti-Islam sentiments. These websites became Anders’ new community, providing him with the approval and sense of purpose he had been missing. He began to absorb and adopt the extremist views propagated by these platforms, which painted Islam as a threat to European values and society.
By 2009, Anders was no longer interested in gaming. Instead, he was consumed by his newfound ideology and started writing a book about conservatism and the Crusaders. He confided in his cousin that he was planning a crusade to save Europe from what he saw as the corrupting influence of Islam and cultural Marxism. This obsession with radical ideas became his new purpose, leading him to draft his manifesto. Anders’ deep dive into far-right ideologies and his shift away from mainstream society marked a critical step in his transformation into a terrorist, driven by a twisted sense of mission to protect Europe.
Chapter 5: Crafting the Deadly Manifesto That Justified Terrorism in Europe.
Influenced by the extremist content he had absorbed online, Anders Breivik set out to create a document that would justify his radical actions. In September 2009, he published a 1,518-page manifesto titled ‘2083: A European Declaration of Independence’ on Document.no, a platform for right-wing ideas. The manifesto was a passionate denunciation of what Breivik saw as the decline of European values. He blamed social changes like cultural Marxism, feminism, and the Islamization of Europe for the moral deterioration of society. Through lengthy citations from conservative writers like Robert Spencer and Henrik M. Broder, as well as Fjordman, Breivik built a narrative that positioned his violent actions as necessary to save Europe.
The first part of the manifesto focused on critiquing modern European society. Breivik yearned for a return to the values of the 1950s, such as patriarchy, the condemnation of homosexuality, and the sanctity of marriage. He believed that these traditional values were under threat from progressive movements and Islamic influence. By attacking these societal changes, Breivik aimed to rally like-minded individuals to his cause, presenting himself as a defender of Europe’s cultural heritage. His persuasive and detailed arguments were designed to appeal to those who felt similarly marginalized or threatened by the rapid changes in society.
In the latter part of his manifesto, Breivik shifted from ideological criticism to practical instructions for terrorism. He outlined how to plan and execute a successful terrorist attack, providing step-by-step guidance on bomb-making and weapon acquisition. This section was chilling in its specificity, revealing Breivik’s meticulous planning and commitment to his cause. He even included an interview with himself, where he discussed his preparations and the motivations behind his planned atrocities. This self-promotion within the manifesto served to inspire and instruct others who might share his extremist views, further spreading his dangerous ideology.
Ultimately, Breivik’s manifesto was not just a document of grievances but a blueprint for violence. By combining ideological rhetoric with practical instructions, he aimed to legitimize his actions and encourage others to follow in his footsteps. The manifesto became a cornerstone of his extremist beliefs, justifying the massacre he would soon carry out. It highlighted the dangerous potential of radical ideologies when combined with personal vendettas and a desire for recognition. Understanding the content and purpose of the manifesto is essential to grasping the full extent of Breivik’s threat and the motivations behind his heinous acts.
Chapter 6: The Stealthy Preparation and Construction of a Deadly Bomb by Breivik.
With his manifesto complete, Anders Breivik moved to the next phase of his plan: preparing for the attack. He knew that to carry out his deadly mission, he needed to acquire weapons and construct a bomb that could cause maximum devastation. In the winter of 2010-2011, Anders attended shooting classes at the Oslo Pistol Club without any issues, successfully obtaining a firearms license. This step was crucial, as it allowed him to legally purchase the weapons he needed for his attack. His ability to navigate the legal system without raising suspicions highlighted his meticulous planning and determination.
Building a bomb, however, was a more complicated endeavor. Anders rented a farm in the Norwegian countryside, a secluded location that provided him with the space and privacy necessary for his work. Under the guise of starting sugar beet production, he explained the large amounts of fertilizer he was purchasing, which was actually intended for bomb-making. He spent months researching online, following instructions from various sources, including militant organizations like Al-Qaeda. Despite encountering numerous challenges and setbacks, Anders persevered, driven by his belief in the necessity of his actions.
The construction of the bomb was a laborious and dangerous process. Anders had to experiment with different materials and techniques to create a functional explosive device. This trial-and-error phase was fraught with frustration, as many of his attempts failed. However, his persistence paid off by July 2011, when he successfully built a working bomb. The completion of the bomb marked a significant milestone in his plan, bringing him one step closer to executing his devastating attack. His ability to overcome obstacles and maintain focus under pressure demonstrated his unwavering commitment to his cause.
Throughout his time at the farm, Anders managed to keep his activities hidden from neighbors and authorities. Although neighbors noticed his frequent purchases of fertilizer and his secluded behavior, they never suspected the true purpose behind his actions. This ability to mask his true intentions allowed Anders to work undisturbed, ensuring that his preparations remained secret until it was too late. The combination of careful planning, strategic deception, and relentless determination made Anders Breivik a formidable threat, ultimately leading to the tragic events that would unfold on July 22, 2011.
Chapter 7: The Fateful Day Breivik’s Attack Unfolded Amidst Police Miscommunication.
On July 22, 2011, Anders Breivik executed his meticulously planned attack, shocking the world with the deadliest incident on Norwegian soil since World War II. The day began with Breivik donning a police uniform and renting a van to carry out his first act of terror: a car bomb explosion in Oslo. This attack was aimed at the government and civilian population, killing eight people instantly. Following the bombing, Breivik set his sights on Utøya, an island hosting a summer camp for the Norwegian Social Democratic Youth League. His goal was to eliminate those he viewed as traitors to European values.
Despite his careful planning, not everything went smoothly on that day. While placing the bomb, Breivik was spotted by a man who noticed his suspicious behavior. The man noted the van’s registration number and attempted to alert the police. However, a series of communication failures within the Norwegian police force led to a delayed response. The operator who received the report was distracted by a phone call and placed a note on a supervisor’s desk, who failed to see it for twenty minutes. As a result, the alert about the suspicious van was not acted upon promptly, allowing Breivik to detonate the bomb and move on to his next target without immediate interference.
With the bomb successfully detonated, Breivik quickly made his way to Utøya. The island was only supposed to host a youth camp, making it a place where young people gathered to discuss politics and engage in social activities. Dressed in the police uniform, Breivik used his rented van to deceive ferry officials into allowing him access to the island. He told them he was conducting a routine security check, persuading them to let him board the ferry with the other campers. This deception was a crucial part of his plan, as it allowed him to reach Utøya undetected and carry out his attack without immediate resistance.
The culmination of Breivik’s efforts was the massacre at Utøya, where he would go on to kill 69 innocent people over the next seventy-five minutes. The combination of his strategic planning and the police’s unfortunate communication failures created the perfect storm for his horrific actions. This tragic day highlighted not only the extent of Breivik’s determination but also the critical importance of effective communication and preparedness within law enforcement. The failures that occurred on that day served as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that can result from both individual extremism and systemic shortcomings.
Chapter 8: The Tragic Massacre on Utøya and the Consequences of Police Errors.
Once Anders Breivik arrived on Utøya, he unleashed a reign of terror that would leave a permanent scar on Norway. The island was bustling with young people attending the annual meeting of the Norwegian Social Democratic Youth League. Disguised in a police uniform, Breivik gained access to the island by convincing ferry officials that he was conducting a security check. Once on Utøya, he separated the attendees and began his systematic attack, targeting the young individuals who represented the political and cultural movements he despised.
For seventy-five agonizing minutes, Breivik roamed the island, using automatic weapons to kill indiscriminately. His actions were driven by a twisted ideology that viewed the attendees as enemies of European values. The victims were mostly teenagers and young adults who had gathered to discuss politics and build a better future. The atmosphere of the island, once filled with hope and camaraderie, was transformed into a scene of horror and despair as Breivik methodically eliminated his targets. The sheer number of lives lost in such a short time was a devastating blow to the community and the nation.
Meanwhile, the Norwegian police were struggling to respond effectively to the unfolding tragedy. After the initial bomb explosion in Oslo, communication breakdowns continued to plague the emergency response. When the first police officers arrived at Utøya, they were ordered to wait for reinforcements rather than taking immediate action. Miscommunication led to the reinforcements heading to the wrong location, further delaying the arrival of help. The police boat, meant to transport officers to the island, was bogged down by heavy equipment and experienced engine failure, adding to the delay.
By the time the police finally reached Utøya, Breivik had already claimed sixty-nine lives. The failure to act swiftly and coordinate effectively allowed Breivik to carry out his attack with minimal interference. The tragic loss of life highlighted significant flaws in the Norwegian police’s emergency response system. In the aftermath, the nation was left grappling with the enormity of the tragedy and the urgent need to address the systemic issues that had contributed to the delay in stopping the massacre. The events on Utøya became a painful lesson in the importance of preparedness and effective communication in the face of terror.
Chapter 9: Breivik’s Unrepentant Trial and the Spread of His Radical Ideologies.
Following the horrific attacks, Anders Breivik was captured and put on trial, where he continued to shock the world with his lack of remorse. The trial began in mid-April 2012 and attracted intense media attention, with hundreds of outlets covering every aspect of the proceedings. From the moment he entered the courtroom, Breivik made it clear that he was unrepentant. He greeted the court with a right-wing extremist salute, signaling that he still stood by his extremist beliefs despite the gravity of his actions.
During the trial, Breivik admitted to committing the attacks but denied being guilty in the traditional sense. Instead, he argued that his actions were necessary to protect Europe from what he perceived as the threats of Marxism and Islam. His defense was based on the principle of necessity, claiming that extreme measures were required to prevent the cultural and societal changes he opposed. This argument was a direct continuation of the ideologies he had outlined in his manifesto, showing that he remained steadfast in his beliefs even in the face of overwhelming evidence and the suffering he had caused.
Breivik used the courtroom as a platform to disseminate his radical ideas. He read aloud a document he called the framework of his defense, which was essentially a summary of his manifesto. By doing so, he aimed to legitimize his extremist views and inspire others who might share his beliefs. The psychologist observing him noted that his tears were not a sign of remorse but rather an expression of self-love, further demonstrating his detachment from the reality of his actions. Throughout the trial, Breivik remained silent when the prosecutors spoke about the victims, maintaining his focus on promoting his dangerous worldview.
In the end, Breivik’s trial did not result in an apology or expression of guilt. Instead, it served as a chilling reminder of how extremist ideologies can persist even after committing unspeakable acts. By using the trial as a stage to broadcast his beliefs, Breivik ensured that his message would reach a wide audience, potentially inspiring others to follow in his footsteps. The trial underscored the importance of addressing and countering radical ideologies to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. It highlighted the ongoing challenge of dealing with individuals who are determined to spread hate and violence under the guise of ideological conviction.
Chapter 10: The Legal Battle Over Breivik’s Sanity and His Ultimate Conviction.
A critical question during Anders Breivik’s trial was whether he was mentally sane or not. This determination would decide if he could be held fully responsible for his actions and face appropriate punishment. Initially, two psychiatrists assessed Breivik and concluded that he was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder that would make him legally not responsible for his crimes. This report would have meant that Breivik might not have been sent to prison, allowing him to avoid jail time despite his heinous acts.
However, Breivik contested this diagnosis. He believed that being declared insane would undermine the legitimacy of his manifesto and the reasons behind his attack. Wanting to retain control over the narrative, he demanded a new psychiatric evaluation. In February 2012, another pair of psychiatrists reviewed his case and came to a different conclusion. They diagnosed him with antisocial personality disorder with narcissistic traits, a condition that does not absolve him of legal responsibility. This second report aligned with Breivik’s desire to be held accountable, ensuring that his extremist views would not be dismissed as the ramblings of a madman.
Ultimately, the court accepted the second evaluation, finding Breivik legally responsible for his actions. On August 24, 2012, he was convicted and sentenced to the maximum penalty of 21 years in prison, with the possibility of extension as long as he posed a threat to society. This decision affirmed that Breivik was mentally competent and fully aware of his crimes, ensuring that he would remain in custody for the foreseeable future. The conviction was a significant moment, as it reinforced the principle that individuals must be held accountable for their actions, regardless of their mental state.
Breivik’s trial and subsequent conviction highlighted the complexities of dealing with extremist individuals within the legal system. It underscored the importance of accurate psychiatric evaluations and the challenges in determining mental responsibility in cases involving radical ideologies. The outcome of the trial ensured that Breivik would remain in prison, preventing him from continuing to spread his harmful beliefs and potentially inspiring future acts of terror. His case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that one individual’s extremist ideology can have on an entire nation and the crucial role of the legal system in addressing such threats.
All about the Book
Explore the haunting narrative of ‘One of Us’ by Åsne Seierstad, revealing the complexities of human nature through the lens of tragedy and societal reflections on terrorism in contemporary Norway.
Åsne Seierstad, a renowned Norwegian journalist and author, skillfully blends storytelling with investigative reporting, captivating readers through her insight into human experiences and societal issues.
Journalists, Psychologists, Sociologists, Educators, Policy Makers
Reading, Writing, Social activism, Traveling, Cultural studies
Terrorism, Radicalization, Mental health, Societal integration
We have to remember the humanity of all involved, to understand the complexity of the human mind.
Barack Obama, Malala Yousafzai, Stephen King
Norwegian Booksellers’ Prize, Norwegian Literary Critics’ Prize, Hedda Prize
1. What motivated the young man behind the attacks? #2. How did the victims’ lives shape their stories? #3. What societal issues contributed to the radicalization? #4. How can we better understand extremism in society? #5. What role did technology play in the attack? #6. How did the media portray the events afterwards? #7. What psychological factors influence violent behavior? #8. How did Norway respond to the tragedy and trauma? #9. What can we learn from survivor experiences? #10. How did families cope with unexpected loss? #11. What does the book reveal about political extremism? #12. How can communities promote peace and inclusivity? #13. What are the long-term effects of mass violence? #14. How do different cultures react to terrorism threats? #15. What lessons can be learned from police responses? #16. How does personal identity influence radicalization processes? #17. What ethical questions arise from storytelling trauma? #18. How can education combat extremist ideologies effectively? #19. What is the significance of memorializing victims? #20. How can empathy be cultivated in divided communities?
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