Book Review: "My Father's House" by Joseph O'Connor

“His version of the piece will not be the same as anyone else’s on this Earth, though both orchestras are playing from identical sheet music. For that reason, his knowledge of the score must be total, more even than the composer’s. Is there any more difficult calling?”

- My Father's House by Joseph O'Connor

Now, if I told you how long I have had this book sitting on my shelf without being read I'm sure you'd be disappointed in me. Honestly though, I bought this book a while ago and then for some reason, I got lost amongst the 'Dexter' series I was reading and thus, it was not found for some time. (If you are wondering why there are no reviews for the 'Dexter' series then I will reveal that I do not actually review every single book I read and if this comes as a shock then I'm sorry). 'My Father's House' is a book I was initially unsure about but became something quite special.

Monsignor O’Flaherty, stationed in the Vatican, is meticulously planning his significant mission, Rendimento, set to unfold on Christmas Eve 1943. This mission aims to smuggle Jews and escaped Allied prisoners out of Italy to safety, all under the vigilant watch of the Nazis, particularly Obersturmbannführer Paul Hauptmann. Hauptmann harbors deep resentment towards the Irish priest, especially after O’Flaherty was appointed as an official Vatican visitor to an Italian concentration camp for British prisoners of war. The prisoners, previously subjected to starvation diets, began receiving small treats from O’Flaherty, an act that did not go unnoticed by Hauptmann. As a result, the visits were halted, and O’Flaherty became Hauptmann’s nemesis, with the Nazi suspecting him of being sympathetic to, or even involved with, the Escape Line.

The priest initiated his plotting under the cover of his 'Choir'—a group of like-minded citizens determined to outsmart the Nazis, despite the risks to their own lives.

The Gestapo's meticulous surveillance of the priest and his visitors created almost unbearable tension. The narrative, beautifully written, reflects the pain, misery, and hardship of conflict, highlighting the extraordinary fortitude and perseverance needed not just to survive the cruelty and oppression but to overcome persistent fear and take action against injustice, regardless of the personal danger involved.

The story of the Roman Escape Line unfolds through dual timelines: the days leading up to Rendimento on December 23, 1943, and twenty years later in 1963, as recounted by members of the Choir. The details of the mission were pieced together from the choristers' recollections into a cohesive tale of fear, intrigue, and bravery. The characters, including Monsignor O'Flaherty and Paul Hauptmann, were well-developed. Information was conveyed through whispers and scribbled notes on toilet paper, all while Hauptmann's Gestapo planted microphones and informants to catch O'Flaherty in the act.

I found this approach not only effective but exceptionally so, maintaining a smooth and uninterrupted narrative flow. The fluency of the work is beautiful, and its narrative style is a testament to the difficulty of achieving such cohesion. The fractured narratives, pieced together through dual timelines and various perspectives, create a choir of voices that highlight the determination and will behind O'Flaherty's plan. The story is layered with such depth that you'll find yourself revisiting certain pages to re-experience the emotions they evoke.

This novel transcends the typical thriller; it's a profound survival story that emphasizes personal responsibility. Monsignor O'Flaherty, despite having no direct connection to the Nazis, couldn't stand idly by as he witnessed people across Europe being rounded up and sent to Nazi death camps, knowing they would likely never return. The sense of moral duty he felt compelled him to take action, even at the risk of his own life.

What makes this story so powerful is its demonstration of human courage and compassion in the face of overwhelming evil. It highlights the remarkable individuals who refused to be passive bystanders. Instead, they chose to confront the atrocities head-on, using their ingenuity and bravery to save lives. O'Flaherty's mission is a testament to the impact of personal responsibility and the profound difference that determined individuals can make.

All in all, this narrative teaches us about the resilience and moral fortitude required to stand against tyranny. It's a reminder that in the darkest times, there are always those who will rise up, risking everything to protect others. Their actions are a beacon of hope, showing that even in the face of immense danger, humanity's spirit of compassion and justice endures.