War drama features an unlikely priest hero
LATE one night in December 1943, a woman drives a Daimler quickly through the streets of Rome. In the passenger seat, a black-clad man. In the back, a man in German uniform, groaning in agony.
They arrive at a hospital where a sullen orderly with a flashlight in one hand and a flick-knife in the other looks at the patient, then scoffs and spits at the woman’s request to help him. The man in black steps out of the car and opens his raincoat to reveal a priest’s collar. His garb is genuine.
But the patient’s Nazi uniform is a disguise: he is in fact an escaped British prisoner.
Joseph O’Connor’s latest novel, My Father’s House, begins with a potent blend of excitement, suspense and intrigue. The result is a gripping World War II-set drama featuring the unlikeliest of heroes, one whom the reader roots for every step of the way.
German forces have occupied Rome. Obersturmbannführer Paul Hauptmann’s iron grip on the city is a stranglehold that restricts freedom of movement and expression. He is informed that Adolf Hitler is furious that increasing numbers of Allied prisoners and Jews are escaping camps throughout Italy.
Most are heading to the capital in a bid to seek sanctuary in Vatican City – the world’s smallest state and, more important, a neutral enclave and independent safe zone within Rome. Hauptmann believes that a “nuisance of a priest” is involved with an escape line and instructs his deputy to take necessary action: “Let’s get this weed uprooted.”
The Gestapo chief’s suspicions are correct. Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, Irish envoy to the Vatican, has assembled a ragtag group to spirit to safety those fleeing Nazi persecution. To cover their tracks, they form a choir and meet once a week for “rehearsal”.
Every so often a chorister is required to go out and perform a “solo”. When news trickles in that a Nazi invasion of the Vatican is imminent, O’Flaherty devises a mission for group member Enzo Angelucci to carry out on the night of Christmas Eve, 1943. At the 11th hour, Angelucci, who has the right attitude but insufficient expertise, panics and drops out. Rather than abort, O’Flaherty takes his place. But just as he is making progress, he turns a corner and is brought to an abrupt stop by Hauptmann and his Luger.
The novel is inspired by the true story of O’Flaherty and his associates, whose daring exploits saved lives and changed outcomes. O’Connor’s narrative charts the buildup and countdown to their mission, and O’Flaherty’s attempt to execute it.
O’Connor brings vividly to life a man who, despite his calling, stands up to be counted after witnessing Nazi atrocities. It is hard not to be captivated by his presence throughout this hugely satisfying book, from its explosive opening to its bittersweet end.