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Mana's Reviews > One Good Thing
One Good Thing
by
by
Georgia Hunter's "One Good Thing" takes readers on an emotional and captivating journey set in World War II Italy.
The story follows Lili Passigli, a young Jewish woman, as she traverses the dangerous landscape of Nazi-occupied Italy. When her friend Esti is injured, Lili assumes the role of guardian for Esti's young son, Theo. Together, they undertake a perilous journey south toward the Allies. Along the way, they meet individuals who risk their own lives to help them, including resistance fighters and members of the Catholic Church.
Lili's journey sees her transform from a student to a tenacious and dedicated protector. Her character growth is closely tied to supporting characters like Theo, who embodies hope and innocence amidst the chaos. Thomas, an American soldier, adds an element of warmth and potential love, emphasizing the significance of human connection during wartime.
The novel explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and resilience, resonating with contemporary societal issues of prejudice and the need to stand up against hatred.
Hunter's writing style is vivid and engaging, though some readers may find the narrative more conventional compared to her debut novel, "We Were the Lucky Ones." The atmosphere is tense and emotionally charged, transporting readers into the heart of war-torn Italy.
For me, the book was both heartbreaking and uplifting, evoking strong emotions while showcasing the human spirit's potential for survival and love. While some chapters felt a bit drawn out, the overall impact of the story remains powerful. This novel stands out because it sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of WWII history—Italy's role—and reminds us of the importance of empathy and shared responsibility.
In the context of historical fiction, "One Good Thing" holds its own, though it might lack the historical authenticity that made "We Were the Lucky Ones" so remarkable.
Nonetheless, it is a gripping read for those interested in WWII stories, offering a fresh perspective on Italy's experience during the war.
The book encourages readers to reflect on their own experiences with resilience and the profound impact small acts of kindness can have on people's lives.
3.5/5
The story follows Lili Passigli, a young Jewish woman, as she traverses the dangerous landscape of Nazi-occupied Italy. When her friend Esti is injured, Lili assumes the role of guardian for Esti's young son, Theo. Together, they undertake a perilous journey south toward the Allies. Along the way, they meet individuals who risk their own lives to help them, including resistance fighters and members of the Catholic Church.
Lili's journey sees her transform from a student to a tenacious and dedicated protector. Her character growth is closely tied to supporting characters like Theo, who embodies hope and innocence amidst the chaos. Thomas, an American soldier, adds an element of warmth and potential love, emphasizing the significance of human connection during wartime.
The novel explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and resilience, resonating with contemporary societal issues of prejudice and the need to stand up against hatred.
Hunter's writing style is vivid and engaging, though some readers may find the narrative more conventional compared to her debut novel, "We Were the Lucky Ones." The atmosphere is tense and emotionally charged, transporting readers into the heart of war-torn Italy.
For me, the book was both heartbreaking and uplifting, evoking strong emotions while showcasing the human spirit's potential for survival and love. While some chapters felt a bit drawn out, the overall impact of the story remains powerful. This novel stands out because it sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of WWII history—Italy's role—and reminds us of the importance of empathy and shared responsibility.
In the context of historical fiction, "One Good Thing" holds its own, though it might lack the historical authenticity that made "We Were the Lucky Ones" so remarkable.
Nonetheless, it is a gripping read for those interested in WWII stories, offering a fresh perspective on Italy's experience during the war.
The book encourages readers to reflect on their own experiences with resilience and the profound impact small acts of kindness can have on people's lives.
3.5/5
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Reading Progress
Finished Reading
Started Reading
March 4, 2025
– Shelved
March 4, 2025
–
Finished Reading
