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

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O’Connor has assembled a wonderful cast, which includes Contessa Giovanna Landini, mourning her husband; Delia Kiernan, wife of the senior Irish diplomat to the Vatican, a singer with the voice of an angel; Marianna de Vries, a freelance journalist; Enzo Angelucci, an Italian newsagent, and Major Sam Derry, an escaped British POW. Describing his first encounter with his future employer and fellow member of the choir, Sir D’Arcy Osborne, in a Soho nightclub frequented by gay men: ‘So Sir D’Arcy’s in one midnight with a couple of his old school muckers and they’re larking about with the drag boys. The danger and peril was ever so real and the author does an excellent job of showing the reader that with scenes that set one's heart beating faster. A small band of unlikely friends led by this courageous Irish priest is drawn into deadly danger as they seek to help those seeking refuge and escape.

Based on a true story, and several real characters, My Father’s House opens in September 1943 with wartime Rome as its memorable backdrop. The commentaries became less and less convincing in terms of voice and the characters became stereotypes. Although Hugh O’Flaherty is the key character I loved the way the author brought to life the other members of the group. The story in ‘My father’s house’ is always building to Christmas Eve, 1943, when a mission (code name Rendimento) takes place. The author contrived a marvelous cat-and-mouse conflict between Paul Hauptmann, head of the Gestapo in Rome, and Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, leader of 'The Choir', the group running the smuggling operation.

A very dangerous business indeed, and the most frightening illustration of the horrific danger here, is the presence of a cruel SS officer, Paul Hauptmann.

The Author’s Note provides a list of references for those who want to read more about the true events that inspired this novel.Jews, escaped Allied prisoners and diplomats knew that if they entered Vatican City they had a chance of survival. Thrilling… Based on true events, this tense, gripping narrative is rendered in beautifully evocative prose. I also enjoyed the dialogue in the book, wjhich often has an natural, snappy quality, and O'Connor has a great turn of phrase ('If I backed the tide it wouldn't come in, ‘if he was a banana he'd peel himself’). Vatican City was supposedly neutral but during WWII plans were put in place where Jews and allied troops were smuggled to safety.

They were brilliant but everything they did came under the intense scrutiny of Paul Hauptman who knew something was happening but couldn't quite catch them all. The Vatican City was supposed to be neutral, but during WWII, it was a place where Allied troops and Jews were smuggled. Under cover of music they explore plans and escape routes, false names and addresses as they prepare for a major mission, codenamed the Rendimento. Many of these obscene war criminals were – filing down the teeth of prisoners to pulp being interrogated during the day and tucking their kids in bed at night.

The timelines building up to the escape are told through their viewpoints, some of them interviews after the event, which adds to the feel of authenticity. Details of the mission were cobbled together, through the recollections of the choristers, into a cohesive tale of fear, intrigue, and bravery. I have come to see neutrality is the most extremist stance of all; without it, no tyranny can flourish. Included with those fleeing were many Jews who hid among the thousands hoping to find a way to safety.