The book is based on the true story of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty who, along with others, risked his life to smuggle thousands of Jews and escaped Allied prisoners out of Italy. This clandestine group assists Allied POWs to escape and go into hiding to evade the clutches of the SS and Gestapo.

This book is based on the true story of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty who risked his life to save smuggle thousands of Jews and escaped Allied prisoners out of Italy. His vivid descriptions made it possible to see the events in this book/audiobook takin place in my mind. 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. It was also wonderful to read about a churchman as a hero instead of a villain, as has so happened in recent times. This first book in the Rome Escape Line trilogy is inspired by the true story of Monsignor O’Flaherty, an Irish priest in the Vatican who helped smuggle Jews and escaped Allied prisoners out of Italy.Rome is perhaps the ideal setting for a historical novel, and Joseph O’Connor explores its mysteries in gripping detail. Monsignor O’Flaherty is based in the Vatican where he plots and plans his big mission - Rendimento - to be implemented on Christmas Eve 1943.

But, only at times, the different excerpts of the interviews that was written through out did confuse me a little bit of what the connection was.

He received the 2012 Irish PEN Award for Outstanding Contribution to Literature and in 2014 he was appointed Frank McCourt Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Limerick. This is my first time reading this author and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future. In the 1943 timeline, we follow Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty and his Choir in the days leading up to Rendimento (Christmas Eve, 1943). J oseph O’Connor’s Shadowplay won novel of the year at the 2019 Irish book awards and was shortlisted for the Costa Novel award. Monsignor O'Flaherty is a true hero as are those who helped him with the plans despite the danger to themselves.

Would The Choir and the Monsignor be able to evacuate all those they hoped to get out of Italy successfully? This is a well conceived novel which has a group of individuals led by Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty to find sanctuary and safety for escaped prisoners of war. This is a truly remarkable story, told extremely well with genuine intensity, so you are immersed in those dark days of 1943. 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. 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 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. Regardless, it was quite interesting and compelling due to the author's writing and treatment of the subject matter (WWII, Holocaust), which includes an IRL Irish Monsignor stationed in Rome who helped Jews and other escapees flee the Nazis. I appreciate stories that shed light on that era, even more so when I’m learning something new from them. I was held captive with O’Connor’s premise; a choir conductor and choir preparing for a performance!