Praise for One Good Thing

PressReader calls “One Good Thing” a “very real story, with carefully illustrated characters, so like ourselves, having to make quick and dangerous decisions in an unimaginable maelstrom. It’s mesmerizing.” Despite cruelties and hardships, the article concludes: “It’s a balanced story leaving readers on a high rather than a low.” Read more.

“Although One Good Thing is a work of fiction, it fills a gap in English-language literature about Italy during the Holocaust.” So writes Hadassah Magazine, noting also that “one of the novel’s themes is the nature of ‘motherhood’—is it defined solely by blood, or is it shaped by sacrifice and devotion?” Full review is here.

Thank you, Princeton Book Review, for telling readers: “This book was fantastic – emotionally gripping and well-researched, with complex, relatable characters and an incredible sense of time and place.” And for noting: “If you like stories about strong women and people bonding together to overcome adversity …  you will love this book. Highly recommend.” Full review here.

I appreciate this observation by the Historical Novel Society: “Drawn from actual events, the story shows us not just the villains but also the many ordinary heroes who risked their lives to help the oppressed.” That review goes on to note that: “As with [We Were the Lucky Ones] there’s a feeling of forward momentum at the conclusion—a defiant hopefulness that may well bring tears to your eyes.” Full review is here.

 

BookTrib praised Eva Feiler’s outstanding reading of the audiobook of One Good Thing: “Listeners will feel as though they are witnessing history.” I couldn’t agree more about “Feiler’s nuanced characterizations” and “evocative depiction of a war-torn nation…” You can hear it for yourself at Audible.com, your library, or wherever you find your audiobooks. Full review here. (As a side note, Eva was selected to read One Good Thing due to her superb portrayal of Bella in the tv adaptation of We Were the Lucky Ones.)

It’s nice to land in LitHub’s recommendations, with Lauren Fox’s review: “In One Good Thing, Georgia Hunter builds a whole world from the complicated sweep of history and the heartbeat of one young woman’s struggle to survive. The novel is a fascinating glimpse into a piece of World War II history I knew very little about, and a truly moving portrait of what it means to be brave. Lili’s journey is thrilling and intimate: I made myself read slowly in order to savor it. It entered my dreams. I did not want this beautiful book to end.”

Thank you, Kirkus, for the thoughtful review of “One Good Thing.”

“This well-researched novel follows its characters through the best and worst moments of their lives. A gripping prologue sets the scene… Readers learn Italy’s geography and how the events of the war play out. We also see into the humanity of the story as their seemingly never-ending journey continues… Lili’s devotion to Theo and her endurance in eluding capture are inspiring… A compassionate and compelling tale of an Italian Jew’s life during World War II.” Full review here.

 

What are People Magazine staffers reading this summer? One Good Thing is among the books that their “resident bookworms are toting in their beach bags.” People notes that “it’s a stunning story of survival from the author behind We were the Lucky Ones” and advises readers: “If you liked the show and haven’t yet read the novel that inspired it, add both to your summer TBR.” Thanks, People staffers! 

 

For fans of  “And Just Like That,” the “Sex and the City” sequel, People put together a short reading list featuring strong friendships among women. According to People, “One Good Thing” has “got it all: friendship, romance, motherhood and survival, perfect for historical fiction buffs.” And just like that, “One Good Thing” appeared next to the iconic “My Brilliant Friend” – wow!

Thank you, Kveller, for following my journey from “We Were the Lucky Ones” to “One Good Thing” and for your kind words: “At a time when making Holocaust tales come alive feels more important than ever before, Hunter rises to the task, making her readers not only understand but feel the journey of these survivors.” Full story and interview are here.