Scan barcode
hannagg's review
4.0
In his latest book "My Father's House," Joseph O'Connor creates a protagonist based on a real man, Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, a priest in the Vatican. It's 1943, and the Nazis control Rome, putting a circle around the Vatican, which announced its neutrality. However, one can't remain neutral in the face of evil, which Hugh O'Flaherty believed in, risking not only his potential Vatican career but also his life.
Hugh O'Flaherty was a colorful Irish character: born in Cork and brought up in Kerry, very educated and speaking a few languages. He loved the opera. His mode of transportation was a motorcycle - not a typical way of moving for a priest. He was a warm man, attuned to people's problems, and always ready to listen to those who needed him; for this reason, people were instinctively drawn to him. Eventually, those who became his trusted friends and acquaintances created a secret group that organized the Escape Line, saving the lives of over 6000 Jews and Allied prisoners of war. The "choir," as Monsignor called them, was a diverse and colorful bunch of characters. There was Countess Giovanna Landini, Sir Francis Darcy Osborne, Britain's ambassador to the Holy See, his servant John May and many others. We get a glimpse of their personalities listening to different narrators – and I think the format of an audiobook, read by various narrators, makes this novel even better.
I loved the story's atmosphere, moving through the dark city of Rome, where a false move could result in quick arrest, torture, and death. Exciting as a WWII thriller, this novel is also emotional and heartwarming. There were moments when I had tears in my eyes; other times, I smiled, for example, when a member of British high society coldly criticized the feared Nazi officer's pronunciation.
There are many ways of describing heroes or geniuses in a novel. Combining just enough poetic license with plenty of research based on facts is an art Joseph O'Connor mastered.
Hugh O'Flaherty was a colorful Irish character: born in Cork and brought up in Kerry, very educated and speaking a few languages. He loved the opera. His mode of transportation was a motorcycle - not a typical way of moving for a priest. He was a warm man, attuned to people's problems, and always ready to listen to those who needed him; for this reason, people were instinctively drawn to him. Eventually, those who became his trusted friends and acquaintances created a secret group that organized the Escape Line, saving the lives of over 6000 Jews and Allied prisoners of war. The "choir," as Monsignor called them, was a diverse and colorful bunch of characters. There was Countess Giovanna Landini, Sir Francis Darcy Osborne, Britain's ambassador to the Holy See, his servant John May and many others. We get a glimpse of their personalities listening to different narrators – and I think the format of an audiobook, read by various narrators, makes this novel even better.
I loved the story's atmosphere, moving through the dark city of Rome, where a false move could result in quick arrest, torture, and death. Exciting as a WWII thriller, this novel is also emotional and heartwarming. There were moments when I had tears in my eyes; other times, I smiled, for example, when a member of British high society coldly criticized the feared Nazi officer's pronunciation.
There are many ways of describing heroes or geniuses in a novel. Combining just enough poetic license with plenty of research based on facts is an art Joseph O'Connor mastered.
lilyreads01's review
3.0
My Father’s House by Joseph O’Connor is an engaging and entertaining historical thriller. In September 1943, Rome is occupied by German forces led with terror and force by SS officer Paul Hauptmann. Hugh O’Flaherty, an Irish priest risks his life to help those escaping from the Nazis and with a secret group establishes an escape line. He resides in the Vatican City, a neutral and independent country in which the German occupiers have no power. The book is leading to a mission on Christmas Eve but Hauptmann’s net is also closing in on the group and Hugh must risk all to survive. It is a thrilling and entertaining read that sustained a quick pace and rhythm. The book alternates between narratives between the occupiers and the occupied which creates an expansive viewpoint and reader experience. The writing is precise and no frills but sometimes I found this detracted from the emotional core of the story. It is an interesting and intense read perfect for fans of historical thrillers inspired by real events and people. 3.5 Stars ✨.
margaret21's review
5.0
An immersive story, taking as its starting point the fact that while Rome was under German occupation in 1942 and there was an Irish priest, Hugh O'Flaherty, based at the Vatican and involved in running an escape line for Jews, escaped POWs and resistance fighters during WWII.
The plan is to evacuate scores of refugees and resistance fighters, all separately hidden, out of Rome on Christmas Eve, when perhaps guard is lowered. Plans take place at the rehearsals of a specially convened Chamber Choir: singing drowns out the mutter of whispered instructions to each singer in turn. Each player in the plot has a role, No one knows what any other individual is required to do. Gestapo leader Paul Hauptmann has his suspicions that a plan is afoot, and O'Flaherty is in his sights.
This is a work of fiction, even though heavily indebted to known facts. The present tense narration of Hugh O'Flaherty's part in the drama is interspersed with fictional BBC interviews for a programme made in the 1960s. Each voice is distinctive, authentic, even funny: Irish, English, Italian, aristocrats and shopkeepers.
As in choral music, all involved have a part to play: the whole is more than the sum of the parts. The multiple narrators all bring their own interpretation to the story. The question of morality - whether a churchman should be involved in politics, in possible violence is a constant underlying theme. O'Flaherty's conscience is ever-present, to the very last page.
An often thrilling, always thought-provoking and absorbing story.
The plan is to evacuate scores of refugees and resistance fighters, all separately hidden, out of Rome on Christmas Eve, when perhaps guard is lowered. Plans take place at the rehearsals of a specially convened Chamber Choir: singing drowns out the mutter of whispered instructions to each singer in turn. Each player in the plot has a role, No one knows what any other individual is required to do. Gestapo leader Paul Hauptmann has his suspicions that a plan is afoot, and O'Flaherty is in his sights.
This is a work of fiction, even though heavily indebted to known facts. The present tense narration of Hugh O'Flaherty's part in the drama is interspersed with fictional BBC interviews for a programme made in the 1960s. Each voice is distinctive, authentic, even funny: Irish, English, Italian, aristocrats and shopkeepers.
As in choral music, all involved have a part to play: the whole is more than the sum of the parts. The multiple narrators all bring their own interpretation to the story. The question of morality - whether a churchman should be involved in politics, in possible violence is a constant underlying theme. O'Flaherty's conscience is ever-present, to the very last page.
An often thrilling, always thought-provoking and absorbing story.
turner1277's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
ddejong's review
5.0
Bravissimo! One of the best books I’ve read this year. The writing, story structure, descriptions of Rome, character development, historical backdrop— it all delighted me and captivated me. An exemplar of transcending the “genre literature” of historical fiction. Can’t wait to read more by O’Connor.
smithnaomi's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0