Im so disappointed with this one. Some of my all time favourite books were written by Joseph O'Connor - he writing is usually beautiful, complex and emotional. This book just didn't do it for me - the writing was confusing for me and i just wasn't really interested in what was going on. I didn't connect to any of the characters and i didn't feel anything about anything.

‘My Father's House’ by Joseph O'Connor starts with great tension. Nazi-occupied Rome in 1943. A diplomat’s wife, a priest, an injured man are driving madly through the empty city streets. It is ‘119 hours and 11 minutes before the mission.’
This is the story of five days in the life of the resistance members of The Choir, including a priest based in the neutral Vatican City and in neighbouring Rome a collection of Italian and foreign partisans. Hundreds of Allied soldiers are hidden around the city, awaiting movement to safety, risking daily capture. Gestapo boss Paul Hauptmann is obsessed with arresting and torturing the leader, Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, who ‘had three doctorates and was fluent in seven languages, his mind was like a lawnmower blade, he’d shear through any knot and see a solution.’
Based on a true story, the author’s caveat at the end emphasizes that real incidents have been condensed, characters amalgamated and invented. Terror comes to the holy city. Barriers are erected across St Peter’s Square in Vatican City and the special Vatican troops are issued with sub-machine guns.
The premise is fascinating, its an area of World War Two history I haven’t read about before; a great premise that takes detours away from the main storyline. Tension ebbs and flows because the objective of the ‘rendimento,’ the mission, is never really clear. The story is told in a combination of voices featuring retrospective post-war interviews with some of the Choir and the 1943 narratives of O’Flaherty, Hauptmann and D’Arcy Osborne, UK ambassador to the Holy See and in refuge in the holy city.
There is some beautiful description of the grandiose settings, sometimes too much if I’m honest. It is a difficult balance to strike, maintaining the tension, the threat and the danger, while enriching the atmosphere and setting. Get it wrong, and it distracts from the main thrust of the story. One example of beautiful description which adds to the story is O’Flaherty in the scriptorium, his workplace. From the darkest corner he removes a hefty book, ‘Illuminated grinning evangelists, scarlet dragons, silver gryphons, the rook-black of the text, the black of burned coal. Then a carnival of ornamented capitals wound in eagles and serpents, the haloes of archangels forming ivory O’s, to the hollow where the middle quires have been patiently razored out in which eleven folded pieces of architectural paper are hidden… Names, contacts, hiding places, dates.’
This is a hybrid literary thriller about a fascinating subject. I wanted slightly less of the architecture, art and memories of times past, and more about The Choir and the individuals involved. This is the first of the Rome Escape Line series. Book two, ‘The Ghosts of Rome’ is next.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-reviews-a-z/

My Father’s House is based on the true story of an Irish Catholic priest, Hugh O’Flaherty serving in the Vatican during WWII who was so shocked at the Nazi regime and how they were not only persecuting Jews but also many others out of favour, including those living in the smallest country on earth, The Vatican. He devoted himself to hiding and helping with escapes, hundreds of prisoners of war and Jews. I regularly read books about the first half of the last century but never have I considered the position of the Vatican over this time. This book is so unusual and opened my eyes to see the good and also the mistakes, often deliberate, made by many in authority during this time. A great book which I recommend.

Joseph O'Connor's *My Father's House* is a profoundly moving novel inspired by the true story of Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, an Irish priest who set up an escape network in Rome during World War II. O'Connor skillfully weaves a narrative of courage, sacrifice, and resilience against the backdrop of a city under Nazi occupation.

The story revolves around O'Flaherty as he undertakes bold rescues of Allied prisoners of war and Jewish refugees, offering them shelter and safe passage. Supported by a diverse group—from Italian nobles to ordinary citizens and even some sympathetic German soldiers—O'Flaherty creates a covert operation known as "The Choir."

O'Connor's writing is both lyrical and suspenseful, vividly capturing the essence of wartime Rome. The characters are richly developed and intricate, each motivated by their own desires and struggles. O'Flaherty stands out as a compelling figure—deeply faithful and steadfast in his beliefs, yet often grappling with doubts and inner conflict.

While the novel does have its flaws, including some uneven pacing and a few plot twists that may feel forced, these issues are far outweighed by the overall strength of the story and the author's ability to breathe life into history.

*My Father's House* serves as a tribute to the human spirit's capacity to endure in the face of tremendous adversity. Its themes will resonate long after you turn the last page.

Highlights:
- Based on a remarkable true story of heroism
- A vivid depiction of wartime Rome
- Engaging characters and a gripping plot
- Explores themes of faith, bravery, and compassion

Recommended for:
- Readers interested in historical fiction
- Those drawn to World War II narratives
- Fans of Joseph O'Connor’s earlier works

I've been on a bit of a WW2 binge with reading lately. This story is set in Rome and the Vatican Citand follows Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty and his "choir" as they create an escape line in an attempt to help prisoners of war, or "books", escape the country

I didn't realise this was based on a true story, and the novel itself was beautifully written with an excellent portrayal of all the maim character's, and in particular Hugh.

There were multiple POV in this novel as we countdown to the biggest escape line of Christmas Eve in 1943, and some of the descriptions of the conditions are truly horrific whilst not shying away from the courage and heroism the choir had during this time.

It's hard to describe a novel like this as enjoyable considering the plot lines but it is definitely something to take your time with and will stick with me for a long time.

This is such a beautifully written story. I often find stories of WW2 to be rather heavy and drag along, but this one was in a much different vein. It was so interesting to hear of the escape of these people, their plight to safety, and also to realise how true to the actual events the book was.

Set during the second World War in Rome Italy the story revolves around an Irish priest working in the Vatican City and a number of expats and Italians who come together to form an escape line for prisoners of war kept in horrendous conditions by the gestapo. A beautifully crafted book with explicit descriptions of Rome. Hugh Flaherty spends a lot of his time walking around Rome during his working day. He sets out to free as many prisoners as possible who are cruelly treated by Paul Hauptman the head of the gestapo.. Very entertaining and highly recommended.

O’Connor is a renowned author, and rightly so, he is a great writer of historical fiction. Fair enough, the characters portrayed in "My Father’s House" are based on real people and real events – the story is remarkable and true – but it takes a great writer to take this background and framework and develop from it a genuinely gripping thriller and not some drab ‘reimagining’ of a story.

"My Father’s House" is certainly a ‘literary’ novel, in the truest sense of the term: It is lyrical with prose that can stop you in your tracks; it is unconventional in its structure (which may throw a few readers…); it can be subtle and frequently allows space for the reader to use their own logic to determine elements of the story, but how often you can say that a novel of this type is a ‘page-turner’? And boy is it a page-turner! But the real genius of this novel, and what takes it such a step above other historically based novels, is the authenticity of the (rather large collection of) central characters. Each is developed and given a distinct voice and without exception are entirely believable.

This is an astounding story, very well deserved to be kept alive, but to be kept alive in such a wonderful book is very right indeed. Stunning.

My Father’s House is a captivating portrayal of historical events set against the backdrop of wartime Rome in 1943. This gripping narrative follows Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty and his underground network, the Choir, as they navigate the treacherous landscape of German-occupied Rome and the Gestapo’s iron rule. Against all odds, O’Flaherty and his comrades find refuge and hope within the confines of the Vatican City, where they orchestrate daring missions to save Jews and allied prisoners from certain death.

What sets My Father’s House apart is its seamless blend of courage, intrigue, and resilience. Through skillful storytelling, the author brings to life the lesser-known acts of heroism that took place during this tumultuous time. From the clandestine meetings within St Peter’s Basilica to the heart-pounding missions codenamed the Rendimento, every page is filled with suspense and emotion.

I was particularly drawn to the depth of the characters and the moral complexities they face as they navigate the moral landscape of wartime Rome. The courage and determination of Monsignor O’Flaherty and his comrades left a lasting impression, showcasing the enduring spirit of humanity in the face of adversity.

Overall, My Father’s House is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of hope. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in history, courage, and the triumph of the human spirit over tyranny.

An very strong story told well, with depth and emotion, the author is new to me and I'd certainly read more books by him.

In Joseph O’Connor’s “My Father’s House,” the author explores the complex and often contradictory relationship between a father and son. The narrator, a successful writer, grapples with his father’s death and the legacy he left behind.

The novel is a poignant and insightful meditation on family, loss, and the enduring power of love. One of the most striking things about “My Father’s House” is the way O’Connor portrays the relationship between the narrator and his father. The narrator’s father is a charismatic and larger-than-life figure, but he is also deeply flawed. He is an alcoholic and a philanderer, and he often treats his family with cruelty.
Despite his flaws, the narrator loves his father deeply, and he is haunted by his death. The novel is also a meditation on loss. The narrator’s father dies suddenly, and the narrator is left to grapple with his grief. He is angry, confused, and lost. He feels like he has lost a part of himself, and he struggles to find meaning in his life. Over time, the narrator comes to terms with his father’s death. He realizes that his father was not a perfect man, but he also realizes that he loved him unconditionally.

The narrator learns to forgive his father for his flaws, and he finds a way to move on with his life. “My Father’s House” is a powerful and moving novel about family, loss, and love.

O’Connor’s writing is lyrical and evocative, and he creates a rich and complex world that readers will not soon forget. The novel is a must-read for anyone who has ever loved and lost a father.

Not only was the subject matter fascinating, and which would have made a good action story in itself, but the writing was wonderful. I normally read quite fast, but felt myself really slow down to take full advantage of the beautiful, yet completely appropriate prose.
Add to this the element of being based on real people, albeit with a certain amount of novelisation, and I read a book that I will remember for a very long time.

The first in the Rome Escape Line trilogy, it’s inspired by the true story of Hugh O’Flaherty, a priest who helped Allied prisoners of war and Jewish people escape Italy during WWII when Rome was occupied by the Nazis.

This is a wonderful piece of historical fiction based on fact. It’s written by way of BBC transcripts and documents interspersed with the suspenseful build up to the ‘Rendimento’, a well planned mission, on Christmas Eve in 1943. It’s beautifully written in a very evocative and descriptive manner, even operatic in some ways. The bravery of Hugh and the rest of ‘the choir’, as they were known, is astonishing. Each voice is distinctly written and easily recognisable without the person being named. The story rattles along at a fair rate. It’s really quite the page turner and very much a thriller. We should be extremely thankful to people such as these as they contributed to our freedoms today, they were and are heros. Being caught would’ve meant certain death. A powerful, moving and worthwhile read and I look forward to reading book two, The Ghosts of Rome.

My Father’s House by Joseph O’Connor is the first book in the Roman Escape Line trilogy.
In short, Irish priest Hugh O’Connor dedicates himself to helping those escaping the Nazis. From the Vatican City where he lives he gathers a team to set up an Escape Line.
Wow, what a story and what writing!!!…an absolutely brilliant book, the best book that I’ve read this year, in fact in a long while!
The book is based on a true story and narrated by the people in the movement, their Choir, which totally brings this incredible story to life. From the get go I was gripped…the storytelling is sublime and I’m so looking forward to the next book in this series.
Big thanks to Joseph O’Connor, Vintage and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.

In 1943 the Nazis invaded Rome, with the city ruled by the vicious Gestapo commander Paul Hauptmann. The Vatican, an independent country within the city, was neutral territory and off limits to Hitler’s thugs. As the Occupation went on, escape lines were set up by Catholic priests living in the Vatican, which resulted in hundreds of Jews and allied prisoners of war finding sanctuary and freedom, and it is this real-life story that provides the meat and bones for Joseph O’Connor’s heart-stopping novel.
Gathering together a disparate group of sympathisers under the guise of a choir, Monsignor Hugo O’Flaherty raises cash, plots escape routes and plans a perilous Christmas Eve mission when the ruthlessly enforced curfew must be broken so funds can be distributed in safe spots around the city to finance the escapees. His co-conspirators are a colourful bunch, including a Contessa, a diplomat’s wife, a Dutch journalist, his streetwise aide, an Italian newsagent and an escaped POW.
In the end it is Hugo himself who must undertake the mission, and the cat-and-mouse chase through the wintry Roman streets will have you on the edge of your seat.
This is not just a gripping thriller but a beautifully written literary novel that pays tribute to the bravery of real people who stood up to tyranny during one of history’s darkest periods.

My Father’s House is a World War Two thriller set in Rome.

This is a work of fiction based loosely around real facts, events and people. The main story is set over just seven days in the lead up to Christmas 1943. Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty from the Vatican is a link in an allied soldier’s escape line. In a country overrun by the Germans, the Vatican City itself remains neutral. This is the tale of how Hugh and a group of friends he dubbed ’The Choir’ supported those in hiding.

The Monsignor has been caught in the crosshairs of Gestapo leader Paul Hauptmann, who is frustrated by The Vatican’s neutrality. Rumours of planned attacks on the Holy City abound in 1944, and it is into the last few safer days of 1943 that the reader is deeply immersed. A big plan is afoot to help the allies with movement of downed solders, airmen and escapees, out of danger and out of Rome.

The story ebbs and flows through an intricate, lyrical style of prose; chronological chapters leading up to Christmas Eve are interspersed with chapters from members of The Choir, mostly from a later date. At first these were confusing to me, taking me out of the story from 1943. Even with specific chapter headings, I was unsure how they wove into the narrative. However, once over the half-way mark I was enjoying the story enough to stay up late to finish reading.

I certainly appreciated the dark edgy fear of the atmosphere which made the story feel very realistic. The author’s use of the lyrical style was at times a balm to the dark tensions of the tale, as were the chapters set at a later date; however, I found some of the poetic wanderings just a little too much at times. The author’s notes at the back explain how the fiction is woven through the historical record.

For such a dark subject matter, My Father’s House was an utter joy to read. The writing is beautiful, and I found myself rereading passages. This is one of the best works of historical fiction that I’ve ever read, I’m sure.

Set during WWII in Italy and the Vatican City (which was neutral) this is the fictionalised story of Hugh O’Flaherty, a Monsignor who went against the explicit instructions of the Vatican at the time, and orchestrated the escape of over 6500 Jews and captured allied servicemen.

Hugh started a choral group as a cover for those who helped him in his work: every aspect of the escape line was given a code related in some way to choral music. I don’t know how they could remember it all.

The Gestapo leader is a particularly chilling man. Paul Hauptmann is monstrous - but not in his own eyes, and this comes across really well. He’s a psychopath. Which brings me on to the stance of the Vatican. Hugo is disciplined for stepping in when an Italian is attacked for no reason by a German soldier. He’s told to remain neutral if he sees anything else. Could the way they acted be seen as moral in any way? In any case, Hugo feels compelled to act.

In later years, he still doesn’t want to be seen as having done anything special, and a chance meeting he has with a woman in London was really moving. Hugo and the reader can see what a huge impact he had: when he saved each individual, he not only saved them, but also their future families.

I know this isn’t a non-fiction account of Hugo O’Flaherty, but it does give you some idea of what an amazing man he was and how brave all those involved were.

A stunning read - highly recommended. Thanks to The Pigeonhole, NetGalley and the publisher for my chance to read this book.

Beautifully written story of the Nazi occupation of the Vatican City and a priest, Father Hugh who helps those trying to flee. Part truth, part fiction, it’s a story that needs to be told.

Unfortunately I struggled through this book and was glad to finish it. I found it too long and drawn out and struggled with all the characters.

My Father's House is an absolutely cracking read. A beautifully written account of the Nazi occupation of Rome and the neutrality of the Vatican which facilitation the rescue and safe transportation of many imperiled people suring the war. Based on true events, the book is written from the perspectives of those most closely involved and includes their reflections on the enigmatic priest at the heart of the venture, Father Hugh.
Moving and engrossing.