Antoinette’s review of A Thread of Grace > Likes and Comments

Wonderful review, Antoinette. I cried multiple times as I was reading this . Like you, it was a piece of history I was not aware of - how the Italian people helped so many Jews .

Thanks so much, Angela! Yes an emotional read for sure. I think what got me the most is exactly the question the rabbi asks. Why did the Italians help and others did not? I remember in The German Girl, their ship was denied access in both Canada and the US. Incomprehensible!

Dear Antoinette: Mussolini passed legislation in 1938 banning Jews from public schools, the armed forces and marrying non-Jewish Italians. Did the Italians protest back then? Not on your life. After 1943 many Italian Jews were deported to German death camps by the Fascists. I suggest you try that marvelous novel THE GARDEN OF THE FINZI-CONTINIS for a look at how Italian Jews fared under Fascism.

A remarkable review, Antionette! This sounds like a piece of the war we don’t hear much about. I would love to read this one as I adore Italy!

Julio, the author of this book did extensive research on the subject matter. First of all, it was not the fascist who protected the Jews. It was the ordinary Italian. Based on their courage, 43,000 Jews were saved. That is a fact. I would love for you to read the book, then decide for yourself. In the author’s post note, she writes: “Skeptics may believe that I have idealized the courage and generosity of ordinary Italians during the 1940’s”She then provides an inscription on a memorial erected in 1998 by the Jews of Saint-Martin- Vesuvius in honor of the people of Valle Stura and Valle Gesso. It is long so not including, but a tribute to the people who risked their lives for them. I will certainly check out the novel you recommend, but I recommend you read this one.

Thanks so much, Lori! I never heard of this part of the war, so I was happy to be informed.

A beautiful review of the magnificent book, Antoinette. I loved it too.

Very nice review. I will check this one out.

I read this many years ago and have never forgotten it. I'm going to reread it soon.

Splendid review, Antoinette! I’ve been meaning to read this ever since I fell for The Sparrow 🙂

Thank you, Lorna! This book is loved by many.

Thanks, Brian. I do think you would appreciate this book.

I can tell, Diane, that this book will stay with me. Definitely keeping my copy.

Thanks, Candi. That’s me too. I’ve been meaning to read it for years, bought a copy and it languished till now. It’s an amazing book. You will love it when you get to it. I’m sorry it took me so long, but better late than never.

A lovely review, Antoinette. This is such a moving book by Mary Doris Russell about a little known history of the beautiful Italian people during WWII. I loved the book, too.

Fabulous review of an amazing piece of historical fiction, Antoinette. I love this book, too.

One of the best books I've ever read. So admire this author, too, for writing different books each time she publishes. Sparrow and Children of God are also all time most memorable novels for me.

Thanks very much, Lorna! I love all the love for this book:)

Thanks so much, Laysee. So happy to hear you loved it as well.

So agree, Charlene. I loved the Sparrow as well. Not sure why I never read the sequel, but I do own it. Hopefully will get to it soon:) Did you read Doc and Epitaph? Those were so good as well. She is such a diverse author.

Lovely review, Antoinette. I’ve had this one on my TBR for a long while and need to get to it. What an important story of courage.

Antoinette wrote: "Julio, the author of this book did extensive research on the subject matter. First of all, it was not the fascist who protected the Jews. It was the ordinary Italian. Based on their courage, 43,000..."
I thank you for your detailed defense of this novel, Antoinette. I know many ordinary Italians risked their lives to save the Jews, but Mussolini's creeping anti-semitism did not spark popular outrage. The German occupation of the North seems to have encouraged many Italians to help their Jewish brethren.

Thanks so much, Jennifer. This one had been on my TBR for too long as well.

Listened to Doc and thought it very good. I looked back at my review of it & seems I thought then that sequel would be even sadder story. I have also read Dreamers of the Day but it was not the extraordinary book to me that the others are.

My husband said the same about Dreamers of the Day. I’ll hold off on reading that one for now.

I find historical fiction based on truth very powerful and want to extend my thanks Antoinette for bringing this author to my attention. I feel it’s important to be aware of the injustices and suffering as painful as it can be to read and it sounds like there were some very brave characters in this book xxx

Megan, you will love this author. She shed a light on a part of history I was unaware. On top of that, she is an exceptional writer.

I'm so happy to see those 5 Stars. This is such a wonderful book and your review does it justice.

Thanks so much, Lisa! Definitely a wonderful book:)

Stellar review, Antoinette! 💖

I miss this book. It wasn't one of my favorite reads at the time (I read it a long while ago) but it's something I constantly think back on. Renzo was such a memorable character.

Thanks so much, Julie!

Isn’t it amazing, Bethany, how a book grows in our thoughts after we have read it to the point where it actually becomes a favourite? Plus it’s hard to follow a book that is exceptionally written with a mediocre one. My current problem.

Glad to see all those stars as I do plan on reading this one as well. Fab review, Antoinette. I hope I love this one as much as you!

Thanks so much, Jen! I have a feeling you will:)

I think I selected this book based on your review Antoinette- so thank you. It was brilliant and I’d never heard of this author or book. I’d put it in the monumental category for sense of place, character and detail.

So happy to hear you loved it as well, Tundra! I love the name of your category. I’d recommend all this author’s books, but especially The Sparrow.