Historical

My Father's House

My Father's House

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  • Create Date：2023-01-23 00:51:35
  • Update Date：2025-09-06
  • Status：finish
  • Author：Joseph O'Connor
  • ISBN：178730082X
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Summary

September 1943: German forces occupy Rome。 Gestapo boss Obersturmbannführer Paul Hauptman rules with terror。 Hunger is widespread。 Rumors fester。 The war’s outcome is far from certain。

Diplomats， refugees， and escaped Allied prisoners flee for protection into Vatican City， at one fifth of a square mile the world’s smallest state， a neutral， independent country within Rome。 A small band of unlikely friends led by a courageous Irish priest is drawn into deadly danger as they seek to help those seeking refuge。

Book 1 in the Rome Escape Line Trilogy， My Father’s House is a powerful， heartbreaking literary thriller based on the true story of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty， who risked his life to smuggle thousands of Jews and escaped Allied prisoners out of Italy under the nose of his Nazi nemesis。 A deadly high-stakes battle of wits ensues in this astonishing， unforgettable story of love， faith and sacrifice， exploring what it means to be truly human in the most extreme circumstances。

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Reviews

Carol Barnes ，

Although undoubtedly well researched and well written I just couldn't get into this book at all。 I found it a difficult read with the prose used and I'm sorry to say that I didn't finish the book。 Although undoubtedly well researched and well written I just couldn't get into this book at all。 I found it a difficult read with the prose used and I'm sorry to say that I didn't finish the book。 。。。more

Kim ，

This story， based on Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty's experiences in the Vatican during WWII， played out exceptionally well， keeping me engrossed and keen to see how the story of Christmas Eve 1943's Rendimento would play out。 It was gripping， tense， personal and full of character back story and multiple points of view from a number of people involved in the escape line and that night's mission。As I read， My Father's House played out in my mind like a black and white 1940s noir film。 The detail was e This story， based on Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty's experiences in the Vatican during WWII， played out exceptionally well， keeping me engrossed and keen to see how the story of Christmas Eve 1943's Rendimento would play out。 It was gripping， tense， personal and full of character back story and multiple points of view from a number of people involved in the escape line and that night's mission。As I read， My Father's House played out in my mind like a black and white 1940s noir film。 The detail was extraordinary， creating a vision that seemed so clear to me。 I felt an invested member of the Choir， anxious to do my bit to bring about mission success。 A great story of grit and perseverance against a dangerous enemy， I was hooked and will certainly be on the look out for more novels by Joseph O'Connor。 。。。more

Ciaran McLarnon ，

My Father's House by Joseph O'Connor is the unique story of an heroic Irish priest Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty stationed in the Vatican city during the Nazi occupation of Rome in 1943。 With a number of unlikely allies he organises the escape of various fugitives from the clutches of the Nazis to safety。 The Rendimento requires meticulous planning during many 'choir' practices with his chosen accomplices。My Father's House is a fictional story based on actual events; O'Connor's majestic retelling is My Father's House by Joseph O'Connor is the unique story of an heroic Irish priest Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty stationed in the Vatican city during the Nazi occupation of Rome in 1943。 With a number of unlikely allies he organises the escape of various fugitives from the clutches of the Nazis to safety。 The Rendimento requires meticulous planning during many 'choir' practices with his chosen accomplices。My Father's House is a fictional story based on actual events; O'Connor's majestic retelling is a delight。 The unlikely cast of characters assisting the Monsignor are perfectly described， their testimony is recorded a couple of decades after the events being told。 A rewarding read which opens a door into events of which I had no prior knowledge。 Highly recommended。 。。。more

Julia ，

My Father’s House by Joseph O’Connor is a comprehensive historical novel that will educate you as you read。The novel is set in occupied Rome in 1943。 It has its’ roots in fact but is a work of fiction set around real life personalities。There are two alternating time periods – Rome 1943 leading up to Christmas Eve and 1963 with a series of interviews and musings from various characters。 The tale has been well planned and executed。There is a complex cast of characters from various countries who ar My Father’s House by Joseph O’Connor is a comprehensive historical novel that will educate you as you read。The novel is set in occupied Rome in 1943。 It has its’ roots in fact but is a work of fiction set around real life personalities。There are two alternating time periods – Rome 1943 leading up to Christmas Eve and 1963 with a series of interviews and musings from various characters。 The tale has been well planned and executed。There is a complex cast of characters from various countries who are working together to help the Jewish people escape from Rome。 We hear of the Nazi leader of occupied Rome who rules with a reign of terror。 In contrast， he is also a family man。 It is very strange to witness these distinct personalities existing in one man。 The family man does not sit easy， in my mind， with the brutal sadistic personality。This is a story that needs to be told as we see the extraordinary bravery of ordinary men and women who put their lives on the line to rescue other。 I did not know anything about what had happened in Rome during World War II until I read this book。 Thank you Joseph O’Connor for opening my eyes。I received a free copy via Net Galley。 A favourable review was not required。 All opinions are my own。 。。。more

LilyRose ，

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 bu 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 ✨。 。。。more

Debra ，

This book is based on the true story of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty who risked his life to save smuggle thousands of Jews and escaped Allied prisoners out of Italy。 He must do this under the eyes of the Nazis。 He did not do this alone， he had many brave men and women， known as the ‘Choir’， who helped save others while putting their own lives on the line。 I love books that not only teach me something but are thought provoking and evoke feeling。 This book fit the bill。 I also love books based on rea This book is based on the true story of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty who risked his life to save smuggle thousands of Jews and escaped Allied prisoners out of Italy。 He must do this under the eyes of the Nazis。 He did not do this alone， he had many brave men and women， known as the ‘Choir’， who helped save others while putting their own lives on the line。 I love books that not only teach me something but are thought provoking and evoke feeling。 This book fit the bill。 I also love books based on real people and events。 Joseph O'Connor transported me to Rome in 1943。 His vivid descriptions made it possible to see the events in this book/audiobook takin place in my mind。I loved how clever Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty and all that helped him were。 How they were able to pull the wool over the ever-watchful eyes of Obersturmbannführer Paul Hauptman。 I could feel the amount of research that was done by the author while listening to this book。 I enjoyed the tension and suspense。 I enjoyed the stories and how the book was told in dual timelines （1943 and 1960's）。 I could not help but admire all helped others while putting themselves at risk。 That is no little feat。 To know the consequences for your actions， but to do the right thing knowing the risk。 It is truly beautiful to see the compassion， bravery and dedication that was shown。This book was informative， gripping， moving and evoked emotion。 My only complaint is that at times I felt as if it was not going to end。 But overall， a very enjoyable， educational， moving book。 I listened to the audiobook and thought it was nicely done。Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review。 All the thoughts and opinions are my own。Read more of my reviews at www。openbookposts。com 。。。more

Allison Valentine ，

Joseph O'Conner has a very unique way of pulling you back in history that makes you feel every single moment。 My Father's House is set in Rome after the Nazi's invasion just before Christmas in 1943。Vatican City was still a safe haven and Priest Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty。。。an alter ego for Ugo。 Whom you will soon meet it the book。He is tasked by the Nazi's to witness the horrifying treatment on Italy's prisons of war camps。This book is harrowing， but brilliantly written and sometimes soul destro Joseph O'Conner has a very unique way of pulling you back in history that makes you feel every single moment。 My Father's House is set in Rome after the Nazi's invasion just before Christmas in 1943。Vatican City was still a safe haven and Priest Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty。。。an alter ego for Ugo。 Whom you will soon meet it the book。He is tasked by the Nazi's to witness the horrifying treatment on Italy's prisons of war camps。This book is harrowing， but brilliantly written and sometimes soul destroying。 But I can't recommend it highly enough。 。。。more

Dee Groocock ，

This story is set in the Vatican in September 1943， when Germany occupy Rome。The book is based on the true story of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty。 He wants to help smuggle out Diplomats， Jews and Allied prisoners to safety。 The code name of the mission is Rendimento and the plan is to smuggle them all out on Christmas Eve， 1943。An extremely dangerous mission that could have been thwarted at any moment。 It is an educational read and showed the passion and bravery of others。 Plenty of characters to ge This story is set in the Vatican in September 1943， when Germany occupy Rome。The book is based on the true story of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty。 He wants to help smuggle out Diplomats， Jews and Allied prisoners to safety。 The code name of the mission is Rendimento and the plan is to smuggle them all out on Christmas Eve， 1943。An extremely dangerous mission that could have been thwarted at any moment。 It is an educational read and showed the passion and bravery of others。 Plenty of characters to get your teeth into。 My thanks to Random House U。K。 and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review。 。。。more

Kearsten Ballard ，

OK， this book is amazing。 The narrator's are amazing。 The sound effects of some of the different interviews are amazing。 there are several stories and people's perspectives that all work together in order to tell this story。 I am a true lover or historical fiction， and so when I stumble across books that are like this， I fall in love。 I loved hearing about the Choir and all the work they put into fighting the German Nazi's。 I find the characters lovable and relatable。 The way you can feel their OK， this book is amazing。 The narrator's are amazing。 The sound effects of some of the different interviews are amazing。 there are several stories and people's perspectives that all work together in order to tell this story。 I am a true lover or historical fiction， and so when I stumble across books that are like this， I fall in love。 I loved hearing about the Choir and all the work they put into fighting the German Nazi's。 I find the characters lovable and relatable。 The way you can feel their panic and worry about being caught is amazing。 I couldn't stop listening to this book， and I highly recommend it。 。。。more

Peter Maxwell ，

It’s Rome in 1943。 The Germans are in charge whilst Romans starve， living under threats from both allied bombing and the brutality of the Gestapo。 There sits the Vatican， independent and neutral in the War。 Many escaping prisoners of war seek refuge there together with Jews and some diplomatic staff hoping for assistance to reach Switzerland and eventual passage home。Whilst not all in the Vatican sympathise with their plight， Monsignor O’Flaherty an Irish priest in the Holy Office wants to help It’s Rome in 1943。 The Germans are in charge whilst Romans starve， living under threats from both allied bombing and the brutality of the Gestapo。 There sits the Vatican， independent and neutral in the War。 Many escaping prisoners of war seek refuge there together with Jews and some diplomatic staff hoping for assistance to reach Switzerland and eventual passage home。Whilst not all in the Vatican sympathise with their plight， Monsignor O’Flaherty an Irish priest in the Holy Office wants to help them， unofficially。 A gregarious and entertaining man with many talents and a false sense of modesty， he seeks aid from a small disparate group of acquaintances with efforts to raise funds to aid their passages with disguises， clothing， railway tickets etc。 The Group are known as the ‘Choir’ and regularly meet for choir practice。。。 To deceive the Gestapo they adopt code names not just for themselves but also for contacts， whilst roads and buildings in Rome are given false names。 Each member of the Choir knows their role but none know the names of all contacts。 Everything is on a strictly “need to know” basis。Christmas Eve is planned for a mass exodus， with a chain of supporters and guides in place to get them to the Border。 We follow the hiccups and pitfalls as the clock ticks down。 The Gestapo is more frenzied in its efforts to capture the leaders and fleeing people。 A bullet awaits them all。 All builds to a Crescendo。。。。。Joseph O’Connor captures， vividly fictionalised events， happening in Rome at the time。 The picture of extreme risk taking， heroism and bravery to aid others is a timely reminder of the brutality of War and the generosity and sacrifices others take to aid the oppressed。Very well worth reading。 Highly Recommended 。。。more

Karen Hammond ，

I'm not really a great fan of historical fiction / inspired by real events books but this offering has certainly changed my mind。 It took off a such a pace and kept my attention to the end。 Highly recommended。 I'm not really a great fan of historical fiction / inspired by real events books but this offering has certainly changed my mind。 It took off a such a pace and kept my attention to the end。 Highly recommended。 。。。more

Dem ，

My Father's House by Joseph O'Connor was a book that I was so eager to get my hands on and I was so excited when I got a copy from Net Galley to read in return for an honest review。 I am such a fan of Joseph O'Connor and would rate Star of the Sea in my top 20 favourite books 。 My Father’s House is based on the true story of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty， who risked his life to smuggle thousands of Jews and escaped Allied prisoners out of Italy under the nose of his Nazi nemesis。The premise of th My Father's House by Joseph O'Connor was a book that I was so eager to get my hands on and I was so excited when I got a copy from Net Galley to read in return for an honest review。 I am such a fan of Joseph O'Connor and would rate Star of the Sea in my top 20 favourite books 。 My Father’s House is based on the true story of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty， who risked his life to smuggle thousands of Jews and escaped Allied prisoners out of Italy under the nose of his Nazi nemesis。The premise of this story set my heart racing and I just couldn't wait to get struck in but unfortunately， I just couldn't connect with the writing style and while I got about 1/2 ways through the book， I felt I was struggling and not getting my head around the story。 I tried taking this one in smaller bites and just reading a few pages a night， but it didn't work for me。 I am so disappointed as I love this author。 I don't want to discourage other readers from reading this book as this is more about how I reacted to the style of writing， and I can see from other people's reviews that this is certainly a book well worth adding to reader's TBR list for 2023。 I appreciate the opportunity from Net Galley to read this advance copy in return for an honest review。 。。。more

nerdycatsbooks ，

I can’t stop raving about this book to everyone！ The writing is phenomenal I was in awe。 I don’t want to say too much regards to the story because I’m scared I’ll give something away。 Amazing book， amazing characters， can’t wait to buy it！Highly recommend！

Hannah Mills ，

Wow！ I could not put this book down。 Before I even finished it I was recommending it people。 I read in an anxious heightened sense of fear。 It has me so curious about the real events that inspired the novel to the point that I've added the books from the acknowledgements to my TBR。 Absolutely fantastic。 Can't wait for the follow up books。 Wow！ I could not put this book down。 Before I even finished it I was recommending it people。 I read in an anxious heightened sense of fear。 It has me so curious about the real events that inspired the novel to the point that I've added the books from the acknowledgements to my TBR。 Absolutely fantastic。 Can't wait for the follow up books。 。。。more

Hannah Mills ，

Wow！ I could not put this book down。 Before I even finished it I was recommending it people。 I read in an anxious heightened sense of fear。 It has me so curious about the real events that inspired the novel to the point that I've added the books from the acknowledgements to my TBR。 Absolutely fantastic。 Can't wait for the follow up books。 Wow！ I could not put this book down。 Before I even finished it I was recommending it people。 I read in an anxious heightened sense of fear。 It has me so curious about the real events that inspired the novel to the point that I've added the books from the acknowledgements to my TBR。 Absolutely fantastic。 Can't wait for the follow up books。 。。。more

Andrea Barlien ，

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book。What a brilliant story！Heavily anchored in well researched facts， this Historical Literary Fiction packed a thrilling punch。 The central characters are brilliantly drawn and described lovingly within the story of an Escape Line during the 1940s in Nazi occupied Rome。 The interleaving of the event and its recall by the characters， through diaries， interviews and memoirs， helps to build tension especially around the final outc Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book。What a brilliant story！Heavily anchored in well researched facts， this Historical Literary Fiction packed a thrilling punch。 The central characters are brilliantly drawn and described lovingly within the story of an Escape Line during the 1940s in Nazi occupied Rome。 The interleaving of the event and its recall by the characters， through diaries， interviews and memoirs， helps to build tension especially around the final outcome。 Although a stunning adventure， it's also a wonderful book about friendship when an unlikely choir is formed to assist the liberation of escaped Prisoners of War in Italy。 So both moving and compelling， My Father's House is a book to read over and over again。 I will be buying my own copy when it's published。 My husband will love it too。 。。。more

Bri C ，

What a great story！ Resistance work inside the Vatican when surrounded by the Nazis。 Unfortunately it is so disjointed， jumps around all over the place， goes off on tangents and then tries to get too artsy that it loses the plot at times。 When the story is being told it is great， when it gets lost down various rabbit holes it really detracts from a fabulous premise

Richard Evans ，

This is an excellent read and a much needed reminder of how a person of faith makes a profound difference。 Based on a true story of Mon。 Hugh O’Flagherty， the central character is a faithful， obedient priest who abides by his conscience rather than follow the dictates of men。 Using courage， ingenuity， a sense of justice yet also compassion he masterminded the escape of over 6，000 people， escaped prisoners， Jewish people from the nazis。 The book focuses on how he outwitted the gestapo head in Rom This is an excellent read and a much needed reminder of how a person of faith makes a profound difference。 Based on a true story of Mon。 Hugh O’Flagherty， the central character is a faithful， obedient priest who abides by his conscience rather than follow the dictates of men。 Using courage， ingenuity， a sense of justice yet also compassion he masterminded the escape of over 6，000 people， escaped prisoners， Jewish people from the nazis。 The book focuses on how he outwitted the gestapo head in Rome， but there is much more to his story and the team who worked with him。 It is also great to see a person of faith portrayed as a strong yet normal human， one passionate about sport able to relate well to all， yet demonstrating humility and selflessness。 A great character。 。。。more

Marie Keane ，

This is a wonderful novel by Irish writer Joseph O'Connor ， that will have you at the edge of your seat。 It is set in Rome in 1943， at the height of the German Occupation of the city。。 The protagonist is an Irish priest， who lives in the neutral Vatican City， Monsignor Hugh O Flaherty。 He is committed to helping people escape the clutches of the Nazi regime， He organises an escape route to Switzerland， aided and abetted by a coterie of Roman friends under the very noses of the Gestapo and its Ch This is a wonderful novel by Irish writer Joseph O'Connor ， that will have you at the edge of your seat。 It is set in Rome in 1943， at the height of the German Occupation of the city。。 The protagonist is an Irish priest， who lives in the neutral Vatican City， Monsignor Hugh O Flaherty。 He is committed to helping people escape the clutches of the Nazi regime， He organises an escape route to Switzerland， aided and abetted by a coterie of Roman friends under the very noses of the Gestapo and its Chief Officer Paul Hauptmann。 In doing so he puts his life at risk and the lives of all those assisting him。This story is told in two timelines， the days leading up to the escape and twenty years later when those involved give their personal details of the intrepid mission。。 and the part they played。in its success。 It is a beautifully written novel that explores what it is to be truly human in a cruel， unstable world of violence and human sacrifice。 That it is based on a true story makes it all the more remarkable and extraordinary。 I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for review。 。。。more

J Davies ，

I have tried several times to read this book but failed each。 Each page has a number of words with letters missing making it extremely difficult to read。 I don't know if this just applies to me or if others has had the same problem。 I have tried several times to read this book but failed each。 Each page has a number of words with letters missing making it extremely difficult to read。 I don't know if this just applies to me or if others has had the same problem。 。。。more

Vivian Tannam ，

Another great read from this author。 Couldn't wait to finish it as I wanted to know what happened to the characters but also didn't want it to end Another great read from this author。 Couldn't wait to finish it as I wanted to know what happened to the characters but also didn't want it to end 。。。more

Jane Dolman ，

Based on the true story of Monsignor Hugh O’Flannery this novel tells of a money drop to enable the escape of POWs and Jews from the Vatican and into the surrounding Italian countryside on Christmas Eve 1943。 The story is narrated in two timelines – December 1943 and then with written reports and interviews from the members of Hugh’s choir in more recent times。 I found the history within the book fascinating but the combination of literary historical novel with thriller elements didn’t quite kni Based on the true story of Monsignor Hugh O’Flannery this novel tells of a money drop to enable the escape of POWs and Jews from the Vatican and into the surrounding Italian countryside on Christmas Eve 1943。 The story is narrated in two timelines – December 1943 and then with written reports and interviews from the members of Hugh’s choir in more recent times。 I found the history within the book fascinating but the combination of literary historical novel with thriller elements didn’t quite knit for me。 However the horror and tension within Rome under Nazi occupation reflected against the love ，faith and fearlessness of the choir kept me reading。As the first part of a proposed trilogy I’m interested to see where this takes the reader。 Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review。 。。。more

Solenn ，

I've previously read some of O'Connor writing with mixed success some I found brilliant， others I struggled with but was really keen to read this one as WWll historical fiction is a favourite sub-genre of mine。 This book is a historical fiction thriller telling the story of Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty and a group of like-minded friends who created a Rome Escape Line to hide victims of Nazi persecution （Jews and POW） and help them escape。 It centers on the events leading up to one escape mission ta I've previously read some of O'Connor writing with mixed success some I found brilliant， others I struggled with but was really keen to read this one as WWll historical fiction is a favourite sub-genre of mine。 This book is a historical fiction thriller telling the story of Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty and a group of like-minded friends who created a Rome Escape Line to hide victims of Nazi persecution （Jews and POW） and help them escape。 It centers on the events leading up to one escape mission taking place on Christmas Eve 1943 and its aftermath。It's told from multiple points of view， Msgr Hugh O'Flaherty， some of his inner circle of friends involved in the rescue mission and SS Leader of Rome Paul Hauptmann who is determined to catch the Irish priest。It's an incredible book of heroism， of a group of incredibly couragous people who risked everything to help others。 Juat to put into context what they achieved， when Rome was liberated 6500 of Msgr O'Flaherty's escapees were still alive。It's a complete nail-biting， page-turnery cat and mouse thriller and O'Connor at his finest and I'm just delighted that it's the first in a trilogy as I can't wait to read more about this incredible escape story 。。。more

Janet Honnoraty ，

Autumn 1943 - Rome is under occupation and much hated SS Officer Paul Hauptmann is endeavouring to make the Fuhrer and Himmler proud of him 。 Father Hugh O*Flahtery， an Irish priest based in Vatican City， ably supported by an interesting mix of locals and foreigners， heads an escape team doing all they can to re-patriate escaped POW’s。 Hauptmann suspects that Father Hugh is up to no good， but as he cannot enter Vatican City himself he has to try every which way to entrap the Father。。 Will he suc Autumn 1943 - Rome is under occupation and much hated SS Officer Paul Hauptmann is endeavouring to make the Fuhrer and Himmler proud of him 。 Father Hugh O*Flahtery， an Irish priest based in Vatican City， ably supported by an interesting mix of locals and foreigners， heads an escape team doing all they can to re-patriate escaped POW’s。 Hauptmann suspects that Father Hugh is up to no good， but as he cannot enter Vatican City himself he has to try every which way to entrap the Father。。 Will he succeed or not？？A powerful and very moving story combining love， hate and compassion。 。。。more

Mandie ，

Set in Rome and the Vatican City in 1943 and based on the true story of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty who risked everything to save both Jews and escaped prisoners under the nose of Nazi soldiers who ruled the area during the war。After visiting a concentration camp and seeing the conditions there， Monsignor O’Flaherty made it his mission to help make their lives as bearable as he can。 When his visits are stopped he devises a plan along with a close nit group of friends to smuggle as many escapees ou Set in Rome and the Vatican City in 1943 and based on the true story of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty who risked everything to save both Jews and escaped prisoners under the nose of Nazi soldiers who ruled the area during the war。After visiting a concentration camp and seeing the conditions there， Monsignor O’Flaherty made it his mission to help make their lives as bearable as he can。 When his visits are stopped he devises a plan along with a close nit group of friends to smuggle as many escapees out of Rome as he can using the guise of a choir to enable secret meetings to formulate and execute it。 Gestapo boss Obersturmbannführer Paul Hauptmann who although struggles to prove anything is convinced that the Monsignor is up to something and is determined to find out exactly what it is。 The book is told via a split timeline， covering both events at the time and also later when members of the choir are interviewed by the BBC in the 1960’s。 The multiple voices， each giving their own perspective of that time show the lengths that they went to in order to help those in need and the danger they actually put themselves under。 Monsignor O’Flaherty was not only putting himself in the path of the Gestapo but also every citizen that resided in the Vatican City， which at the time was considered neutral even thought they lived under constant threat that they could be invaded at any time， a fact that those high up in the Vatican were always quick to stress when it looked like he was stepping out of line publicly。 This is a time where the slightest slip up will get you killed and you never know who you can trust but somehow this unlikely group managed to do good whilst there was so much evil going on around them。 I love books that are based on true stories as although there will always be an element of fiction to help the story along and cover things that may not be known it ultimately satisfies the history geek in me giving me things I can research and read up on once I finish。 It also gives me more insight into a past that I don’t fully know about。 Whilst this is a book set during WWII it is more about the people who lived through that period in time rather than the war itself which I always find far more fascinating and compelling。 As this is book 1 in the Rome Escape Line Trilogy I will definitely be looking out for the next in the series。 。。。more

Su Thor ，

This was such an intriging story sent in The Vatican and Rome during World War 2。 Once I started reading I couldn't stop myself following in my mind the routes taken on the many journeys taken across Rome。 As the story develops we learn more of each of the characters， of the Priests who took a stance against the evil of the time。 With each advancing chapter more of the diversity of the undercover work under taken and the fears they lived with each day became known。 Every day these Priests and th This was such an intriging story sent in The Vatican and Rome during World War 2。 Once I started reading I couldn't stop myself following in my mind the routes taken on the many journeys taken across Rome。 As the story develops we learn more of each of the characters， of the Priests who took a stance against the evil of the time。 With each advancing chapter more of the diversity of the undercover work under taken and the fears they lived with each day became known。 Every day these Priests and their support network saved the lives of countless individuals。 It is refreshing to read of how they lived the Christian values and lived to tell their story。 Thank you to the author for writing this gripping story and to Net galley for allowing me to read it。 。。。more

MisterHobgoblin ，

Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty finds himself in the Vatican during the Nazi occupation of Italy in 1943。 As an Irishman， his own nation is supposedly neutral in the war， and the Vatican City State treads a careful line between professing neutrality and not incurring the wrath of an army that could conquer the state in twenty minutes。 Yet O'Flaherty has hitched himself with the local resistance and their mission to rescue， protect and repatriate Allied airmen。 His politically sensitive superiors in th Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty finds himself in the Vatican during the Nazi occupation of Italy in 1943。 As an Irishman， his own nation is supposedly neutral in the war， and the Vatican City State treads a careful line between professing neutrality and not incurring the wrath of an army that could conquer the state in twenty minutes。 Yet O'Flaherty has hitched himself with the local resistance and their mission to rescue， protect and repatriate Allied airmen。 His politically sensitive superiors in the Vatican become increasingly distressed by his conduct while never fully appreciating the depth of his involvement; and the Germans try t0 contain the Vatican personnel within their walls。 O'Connor narrates the novel from multiple viewpoints including SS Colonel Paul Hauptmann and his wife; the British ambassador to the Vatican; and various members of the resistance。 Slightly irritatingly， at least in the galley version I received （thanks Netgalley）， the viewpoints were not named so the reader had to spend the first paragraph or more trying to decide who was narrating。 But I suppose it is to O'Connor's credit that the viewpoint - with so many to choose from - was generally possible to discern quite quickly。 Like many of O'Connor's previous novels， the plot itself is not complicated， the complexity comes from the range of perspectives ， each showing different motives and aspirations。 This is an accomplished story that is layered with narrative showing everyday life within this secretive community at a particularly unusual time。 Bravo！ 。。。more

Brenda ，

Set in The Vatican during German occupation in WWII， My Father's House is the first in a trilogy。 Gestapo Paul Hauptmann is ruling Rome with inhuman barbarity and residents live in a constant state of paranoia， fear and hatred while making plans to help Jews， POWs and diplomats escape。 One person full of compassion and determination is an Irish priest （based on real Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty） who with a small group of others risk their lives and sacrifice everything。 These missions are harrowing Set in The Vatican during German occupation in WWII， My Father's House is the first in a trilogy。 Gestapo Paul Hauptmann is ruling Rome with inhuman barbarity and residents live in a constant state of paranoia， fear and hatred while making plans to help Jews， POWs and diplomats escape。 One person full of compassion and determination is an Irish priest （based on real Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty） who with a small group of others risk their lives and sacrifice everything。 These missions are harrowing and the pace of the book written in several voices is quick and sharp。 The focus is on one mission in particular， code name Rendimento。 What people endured under such circumstances is indescribable。 Not only is the premise beguiling but the setting is fantastic。 As a frequent visitor to Rome it is easy to visualize the sights， sounds， smells and tastes of the story， though impossible to fathom the cruelty meted out by the Nazis particularly against the Jews。 The details are breathtaking and the writing is superb。Historical Fiction fans seeking a harrowing and powerful story based on true people and events ought to read this。 The author's informative notes give a background on his inspiration as well as historical insight。My sincere thank you to Europa Editions and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this intensely interesting novel。 I really look forward to the second and third。 。。。more

Rachel Quinlan ，

Based on real events， but a work of fiction， this tells the story of wartime Rome in 1943/4。 Hugh is an Irish Catholic priest working in the Vatican。 Wartime events are interspersed with （fictional） references to later dated interviews/letters from the 1960’s。 This is a slight spoiler as you know who makes it through the war。 The Choir work to help those who have escaped German wartime camps， the Germans are patrolling Rome and are in control…。or are they？ A daring act on Christmas Eve results i Based on real events， but a work of fiction， this tells the story of wartime Rome in 1943/4。 Hugh is an Irish Catholic priest working in the Vatican。 Wartime events are interspersed with （fictional） references to later dated interviews/letters from the 1960’s。 This is a slight spoiler as you know who makes it through the war。 The Choir work to help those who have escaped German wartime camps， the Germans are patrolling Rome and are in control…。or are they？ A daring act on Christmas Eve results in a thrilling read as a choir member tries to outwit the Germans。 Took a little while to get into， but once there I was sucked in to the thrill and intrigue， the fast paced evening。 Sometimes the later interviews/letters seemed to slow the plot down， but they also added context and gave a chance to catch your breath before continuing。 Great insight into what happened behind the scenes during the war， on both sides - as both sides were shown giving three dimensional characters with families and lives apart from the was efforts。 。。。more

MarilynW ，

My Father’s House by Joseph O’ConnorBook 1 of the Rome Escape Line TrilogyAt the end of this story the author tells us that real people and real events inspired this work of fiction。 Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty and many of the people in this story were real and I'm so thankful to know about them now and to get to learn more about them through my own research now that this story has brought these people and events to my attention。 What we have here is a slice of the workings of the Rome Escape Line My Father’s House by Joseph O’ConnorBook 1 of the Rome Escape Line TrilogyAt the end of this story the author tells us that real people and real events inspired this work of fiction。 Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty and many of the people in this story were real and I'm so thankful to know about them now and to get to learn more about them through my own research now that this story has brought these people and events to my attention。 What we have here is a slice of the workings of the Rome Escape Line and Hugh's very necessary and risky involvement in the escape line。 So many people risked their lives and died to save thousands。 I had no idea of this group of people and what they did to save lives or die trying to save lives。 The Vatican City， at one fifth of a square mile the world’s smallest state， a neutral， independent country within Rome， acted as a safe haven for diplomats， refugees， and escaped Allied prisoners。 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。 Everyday the people working with Hugh were risking their lives， just as he risked his own life everyday。 Gestapo boss Obersturmbannführer Paul Hauptman， who appears to be the fictional stand in for the real life Obersturmbannführer Herbert Kappler， had Hugh and those who associated with him， in his sights， meaning that Hugh and the rescue line were under constant surveillance while they accomplished so much right under the noses of the enemy。 So many lives were lost， so many lives were saved。 It's a remarkable story， told through mostly fictional retellings in later years。 The story can get overly descriptive and wordy at times， these characters can be a chatty bunch as they reminisce， but their stories do put us right there with Hugh and the people he worked with so closely。 I look forward to the other two books in this trilogy。 Expected publication: January 10th 2023Thank you to Europa Editions and NetGalley for this ARC。 。。。more

Reference

google book https://www.google.com/search?tbm=bks&q=My Father's House

hathitrust digital library https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/ls?q1=My Father's House&field1=ocr&a=srchls&ft=ft&lmt=ft

The British Library https://bll01.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?query=any,contains,My Father's House&tab=LibraryCatalog&search_scope=Not_BL_Suppress&vid=44BL_INST:BLL01&lang=en&offset=0