My Father's House: AS SEEN ON BBC BETWEEN THE COVERS (The Rome Escape Line, 1)

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Such a small area had it's limit of how many people could be hidden so with the help of brave individuals from all walks of life, clothes, food, medicine, papers, and money were gathered continually to allow thousands to flee to refuge in the countryside surrounding Rome and then on to safer havens. I particularly like the way the author chooses to tell his tale via the countdown in 1943, which is interspersed with BBC Interviews of the choir members recorded in 1962 to 63 and some transcripts.

The novel’s evocative scene-setting, its propulsive narration and its powerful depiction of bravery and unity in extremis, all make for an engrossing read. He wasn't alone in his efforts, aided by seven other brave souls who refer to themselves as 'the choir'. Driven by a deluded patriotism, he dreams of delivering to Hitler a conquest that will strengthen his career and bring prosperity to his family. His vivid descriptions made it possible to see the events in this book/audiobook takin place in my mind. Based on a true story, My Father’s House is a powerful thriller from a master of historical fiction.The book is based on the true story of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty who, along with others, risked his life to smuggle thousands of Jews and escaped Allied prisoners out of Italy. While I feel two stars is appropriate from me, don't be turned away if you can follow the narration. He is the author of the novels Cowboys and Indians (short-listed for the Whitbread Prize), Desperadoes, The Salesman, Inishowen, Star of the Sea and Redemption Falls, as well as a number of bestselling works of non-fiction. It's incredible how they helped so many escaped prisoners and Jews, with money, medicine, papers, clothes - whatever they needed, also hiding them using every bit of available space. I found this a strong work of historical fiction, strengthened by the fact that it was based on a true story, and is very much about compassion, love, faith, and resilience during the most extreme of circumstances.

The countdown to the Rendimento adds further suspense and tension, and I like the way the author almost draws this out (in a good way) as you’re almost holding your breath and when it comes you are willing them on, but so afraid for them. Under cover of music they explore plans and escape routes, false names and addresses as they prepare for a major mission, codenamed the Rendimento. The commentaries became less and less convincing in terms of voice and the characters became stereotypes. In the 1943 timeline, we follow Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty and his Choir in the days leading up to Rendimento (Christmas Eve, 1943).Written in O´Connor´s usual lyrical,perfect prose,it´s moving,thought provoking and full of perfectly rounded characters,most of which you´d like as friends.

It’s the story of tremendous bravery and sacrifice, and is based on the true story of Hugh O’Flaherty. Included with those fleeing were many Jews who hid among the thousands hoping to find a way to safety. All the characters are well fleshed out and the author skillfully brings all the threads of the story together weaving a cohesive, intense and suspenseful narrative that is hard to put down. A man facing the not inconsiderable pressures of a Himmler expecting him to destroy the Escape Line through which so many are spirited out of the city and the country.The glory and the incandescence of the human spirit shines so much brighter against the darkness of the failed Fascist ideology. Hauptmann already has utter contempt for the Irish priest after he was appointed to serve as an official Vatican visitor to the Italian concentration camp for British prisoners of war.

That book utilised a number of structural techniques including diary entries, letters and transcripts of conversations as well as more traditional third person narration, and the same is true of this latest novel. Rome is perhaps the ideal setting for a historical novel, and Joseph O’Connor explores its mysteries in gripping detail. I’d never heard of ‘the Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican’ before and was curious as to how he hid and protected so many from the Nazis.

I really enjoyed reading this novel, and will definitely read the next two in the Escape Line trilogy; however, I saw it more as a recounting of heroism in a terrible time, rather than a deeply moving work. A masterwork… so urgent, so incredibly alive… A searing and beautiful example of storytelling’s infinite importance. But Hauptmann's net begins closing in on the Escape Line and the need for a terrifyingly audacious mission grows critical. He heavily suspects O'Flaherty of being the mastermind, but his efforts to trap him keep falling flat. Never has the incredible story of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty been fictionalised in such a vividly immersive experience.