The characterisation is superb, you get a real feel for the distinctiveness of each member of the Choir, and the exceptional character and personality of Hugh himself, a man who knows Rome like the back of his hand, for whom the city is his true home. Joseph O'Connor's latest is the story of Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, a real-life priest based in the Vatican who helped smuggle thousands of WWII prisoners to safety. Ghostlight' and 'Star of the sea' were also recent favourites, so I was keen to read 'My father's house' when it was released.

How they were able to pull the wool over the ever-watchful eyes of Obersturmbannführer Paul Hauptman.Now Sally is the centre of attention, not only from the hungry media and police detectives, but also a sinister voice from a past she cannot remember. For the most part, I enjoyed the pattern of alternating between that main story line and retrospective first-person accounts from the other 'choir members' involved in the conspiracy. At times, I feel as if I’m just behind Hugh as his feet tread the streets or alleys in fear of discovery. The villain of the piece is Paul Hauptmann, Hitler's representative in Rome, and a man with a penchant for torture.

I can say with absolute certainty that this is one of the best works of historical fiction I have ever read. This was beautifully written but as in any conflict, its ensuing pain, misery, and hardship, makes one wonder at the fortitude and perseverance required both to live, and to survive the cruelty and oppression, but more so to ignore the gnawing fear and take action against the cruelty and injustice, regardless of the threat to oneself. There are also brilliant little details about life in neutral Vatican City such as the fact it was necessary for residents to apply for a haircut pass the leave its boundaries.This formidable talent for writing across genres is reflected in his masterly 10th novel, which should reap similar plaudits. So while I wouldn't read any planned sequels, I will certainly try more by O'Connor (I own a copy of Star of the Sea). There's no doubt in my mind that the Monsignor’s training prepared him to intervene in difficult situations rather than being content to remain a bystander. It’s an incredibly dangerous but tightly-run clandestine operation, and O’Flaherty remains frustratingly out of Hauptmann's grasp. This annoys not only the nazis but also incurs the wrath of the Vatican, worried about their neutral status.