From the acclaimed, bestselling author of Star of the Sea and winner of the 2021 Irish Book Awards Book of the Year for Shadowplay, comes a gripping and atmospheric new novel set in occupied Rome.

September 1943: German forces have Rome under their control. Gestapo boss Paul Hauptmann rules over the Eternal City with vicious efficiency. Hunger is widespread. Rumors fester. The war’s outcome is far from certain. Diplomats, refugees, Jews, and escaped Allied prisoners flee for protection into Vatican City, the world’s smallest state, a neutral, independent country nestled within the city of Rome. A small band of unlikely friends led by a courageous Irish priest is drawn into deadly battle of wits as they attempt to aid those seeking refuge.

My Father’s House is inspired by the extraordinary true story of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, who, together with his accomplices, risked his life to smuggle Jews and escaped Allied prisoners out of Italy right under the nose of his Nazi nemesis. Suspenseful and beautifully written, My Father’s House tells an unforgettable story of love, faith, sacrifice, and courage.

Review:

Suspenseful, immersive, and intriguing!

My Father’s House is an absorbing, gripping tale set in Vatican City during WWII that follows Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, an Irish envoy to the Vatican who, after witnessing the oppression and horror encountered by the allies, resistance, and Jewish people captured by the Nazi’s in Italy under the direction of Obersturmbannführer Hauptmann, devises an escape plan codenamed “Rendimento” with a small group of individuals who call themselves “The Choir” to help as many victims as possible escape through the secret passageways, tunnels and safety offered by the Holy See on the night of Christmas Eve.

The prose is polished and eloquent. The characters are creative, driven, and determined. And the plot unravels and intertwines briskly into a sweeping saga of life, loss, betrayal, secrets, espionage, danger, deception, survival, coordination, ethics, and tragedy.

Overall, My Father’s House is an absorbing, mysterious, brilliantly plotted tale by O’Connor inspired by real-life events that, at its heart, highlights that preventing evil from running amok often involves moral dilemmas, exceptional courage, strength, action, and beyond all else, sacrifice.

This novel is available now.

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