A THREAD OF GRACE

WWII stories by and large focus on Germany, the United States or England. A fascinating account, Russell’s historical novel spotlights the true story of the Italian civilian underground effort that resulted in the safe passage of 43,000 Jews at the end of the war. Jay Gregory’s broadcast-style narration complements the historical side of this story in 1940s newsreel chic. His characterizations of a rabbi’s family, an Italian priest, a repentant and evil German doctor, and numerous other characters are convincing, and accents are dead-on as these characters move over the Alps, desperately seek refuge and safety, or seek forgiveness with their god. This chronological novel is the result of five years of diligent research by the author, and the telling of it is its crowning achievement. B.J.P. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 05]