Title: A Thread of Grace
Author: Mary Doria Russell
First published February 1, 2005
442 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780449004135 (ISBN10: 0449004139)
Rating: 4.01
Overview
In the midst of the chaos and turmoil of World War II, a young girl named Claudette Blum and her father flee from the Nazis towards Italy. But safety is far from guaranteed as the country becomes a battleground for opposing forces.
In this gripping and well-researched novel, Mary Doria Russell paints a vivid picture of the Italian resistance fighters, ordinary civilians, and Jewish refugees all fighting for survival. A Thread of Grace is a powerful portrait of human resilience and the courage of those who risked their lives to save others.
With complex and fascinating characters, this book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction.
Editoral Review
In her novel A Thread of Grace, Mary Doria Russell takes readers on a heart wrenching journey through the tumultuous history of World War II. As an accomplished author of many historical fiction novels, including The Sparrow and Children of God, Russell brings her signature attention to detail and deeply moving storytelling to this novel.
Set in Northern Italy during the waning years of World War II, A Thread of Grace tells the story of a small group of refugees who are taken in by Italian villagers, hiding from the Nazis who are relentlessly pursuing them. The novel focuses on the lives of these characters, each of whom has suffered tremendous loss, and are forced to confront hatred, fear, and oppression on a daily basis.
Russell spares no effort in creating a richly detailed world that is both terrifying and beautiful. The setting of the novel feels real and immediate, capturing the reader in a world of wartime hardship and relentless danger.
The characters too are masterfully crafted, each with their own unique personalities and backstories that lend depth and complexity to the novel. As an accomplished author, Russell is known for tackling difficult subjects with sensitivity and compassion, and A Thread of Grace is no different.
The novel touches on themes of survival, cruelty, and human resilience, weaving a deeply emotional story that will resonate with readers long after the last page is turned. On the whole, the novel is a beautifully written and expertly crafted work of historical fiction that stands out as one of Russell’s best.
However, there are a few areas where the book falls short. At times the pacing can feel slow, and the plot of the novel can become overwhelming, with too many characters and plot threads to keep track of.
Nonetheless, these minor flaws do not detract significantly from the overall excellence of the novel. In conclusion, A Thread of Grace is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, especially those with an interest in World War II era Europe.
The novel is a poignant and moving testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and an unflinching meditation on the beauty and brutality of the human experience. Highly recommended.
4 out of 5 stars.