Catalogue

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Title:	Thread of Grace, A
Authors:	Doria Russell, Mary
Genre:	Fiction
Pages:	430
Year:	2005
Language:	English
Description:	In 1943, Claudette Blum and her father are among thousands of Jewish refugees fleeing over the Alps towards Italy to find safety. Although the Italians have split with Hitler, the Nazis seize control and the country becomes a battleground. Using oral and written histories, Russell tells the little-known story of those who sought refuge in Italy during the final phase of World War II, and of those who risked all to help them. Comments from Groups: It's a really good book and has opened our eyes to part of WW2 that was unknown to most of us. Dunedin 062 This book got the 'thumbs up' from all our group. Well researched. Tauranga 015 Our favourite book of the year so far. Mostly it took us awhile to read as we got confused by all the places and characters, but it was well worth hanging on as it all came together in the last third or so of the book. Auckland 107 A structured story, meticulously crafted. Carterton 001 Extremely well written. Loved all the characters, how they interlaced. Fantastic story - shame about the circumstances - but inspiring how they survived and the Italian peasants took them in. Winton 002 Quite confusing at times but an amazing story of courage, misery, fear, comradeship and the neverending toil of the Italian people to overcome the worst of the war... Christchurch 011 We all enjoyed the different 'take' on the Holocaust. None of us knew anything about the Italian scenario of WW2, apart from the fact that Kiwis were there. Auckland 133 Gems of wisdom on practically every page and very funny unexpected bits. Whangarei 017
Categories:	Fiction, War theme, Faction, Inspirational, Italy

Reviews

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By: FEILD 005		2021-10-19 22:37:04

Approximately only half our Group managed to read this book. However, those members had a very animated discussion. They also thought that the story jumped around too much, had too many characters and was quite hard to understand at times.

By: AUCK 134		2020-01-31 14:51:09

Enjoyed by the group because of its historical basis. Thought provoking: well worth the effort of reading to the end.

By: AUCK 344		2020-01-31 14:49:17

Very few of the group read this book. Many found it difficult to get into, and also, by chance, we seem to have had a surfeit of books with similar settings or themes recently. Those who did read it found it to be a great read - beautifully written and meticulously researched.

By: TIMAR 019		2020-01-31 14:46:46

The general opinion was that although the topic was an interesting one, there were far too many characters introduced and we needed more time to read it. Most found it a harrowing tale.

By: NELS 003		2020-01-31 14:41:38

An interesting slice of history.

By: DUNED 022		2020-01-31 14:40:57

An amazing book. I think we need to buy a copy of the book. Once through it is not enough.

By: MAPUA 001		2020-01-31 14:38:18

Everyone loved the book. Great discussion - few of us knew about this part of the war, and that 85% of Jewish people in Italy were saved. Very descriptive writing with rounded characters.

By: DUNED 001		2020-01-31 14:31:05

All of the group had difficulty with the beginning of the book. It wasn't until about page 100 that we unanimously (those who made it through) agreed it was wonderful. Had a great discussion night.

By: WARK 006		2020-01-31 14:21:36

Some people found the book too depressing to read to the end. For those who did, however, they found it descriptive and full of depth.

By: NAP 007		2020-01-31 14:20:01

Lots of positive responses. Made you think.

By: MAST 014		2020-01-31 14:19:11

Those that read this book thoroughly enjoyed it (once they got into it). A bit daunting with all the characters, but the 'character list' at the front enabled the reader to flick back for reference. Everyone learnt a lot!

Catalogue

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Reviews