Reviews

A masterpiece. The perfect mix of historical research and literary imagination. Beautiful writing, tremendous sense of place, clever construction and - oh - what a story. It’s only April but I think I’ve found my book of the year already.

ellenmillard's review

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challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

lostwithoutabook's review against another edition

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emotional reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

duchessofreadin's review against another edition

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4.0

This was a great read! I absolutely LOVED that they gave the stories of the people talked about during the book.
Fantastic and perfect for a weekend read. Highly enjoyable book!

candacesiegle_greedyreader's review against another edition

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5.0

It's excellent news that "My Father's House" is the first novel of the Rome Escape Trilogy, because you'll be aching to learn more about Father O'Flaherty's team during World War II. In 1943 the Germans had invaded Rome, and an increasing number of people are taking refuge in Vatican City, one fifth of a square mile of neutral territory. Father Hugh has already been told by those higher up to stop any resistance, but he does not. His team consists of a British Ambassador, an Italian Contessa, a Roman newsagent, A cockney fixer, and a Dutch writer. The Italians and non allied members are vital because they can move about Rome while the others are confined to the Vatican boundaries. It's a tight fit, but they manage to smuggle escaped POWs and threatened Jews to safety.

Fr. Hugh and members of his Choir (they originally met pretending to be a religious singing group) face a smart and ruthless Nazi Obersturmbannfurher Paul Hauptmann, who is receiving threats from Himmler to stop the escapes or else. The stakes are high for everyone.

"My Father's House" is taut, smart, and so very hard to put down. Since it is based on fact, the story is even more affecting. One great read.

mcmorrdog's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging informative reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

ajmckeand's review against another edition

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dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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