One Good Thing

A Novel

By: Georgia Hunter

Narrated by: Eva Feiler, Georgia Hunter

From the New York Times-bestselling author of We Were the Lucky Ones, a propulsive and heart-wrenching story of a young woman entrusted with a boy’s life as WWII rages in Italy

1940, Italy. Lili and Esti have been best friends since they first met at university. When Esti’s son Theo is born, they become as close as sisters. While a war seethes across borders, life somehow goes on—until Germany invades Italy, and the friends suddenly find themselves in occupied territory.

Esti, older and fiercely self-assured, convinces Lili to join the resistance efforts. But when disaster strikes, a critically wounded Esti asks Lili to take a much bigger step: To go on the run with Theo. Protect him while Esti can’t.

Terrified to travel on her own, Lili sets out with Theo on a harrowing journey south toward Allied territory, braving Nazi-occupied villages and bombed-out cities, doing everything she can to keep the boy safe.

A remarkable tale of friendship, romance, motherhood, and survival, One Good Thing reminds us what is worth fighting for—and that love, even amidst a world in ruins, can triumph.

Great characters.

This story was compelling from the start. Being beautifully written makes for a good long story. I recommend it. Authors note at the end is helpful. There were historical facts I hadn't known and am enriched by knowing more.

It’s written like prose.

I loved the characterization. It is a beautiful story that plowed through a lot of ugliness with integrity and courage.

Slow burn, but very much enjoyed it

This is a story that takes a long journey, but it’s well written and keeps you wanting to listen.

The stress of everyday war

I've read a lot of war books, historical fiction & otherwise. There is often one grand pivotal moment- one great bout of suffering, one great turning point...
What this beautifully written book does instead is lead the reader through a journey of every day survival through likely encounters with goodness still found in humanity. The evils of the world pervade but hope grows with each anxiety filled day. Reading this book of survival, by the least courageous characters, come to be an embattled lioness, is both satisfying and likely. This story makes it possible to understand just how terrifying life is in war without being under bomb shells every chapter. The worries of one day are quite enough...and the end of the tale not only believable but likely.

Excellent

This is a heartfelt and heartbreaking story of the holocaust. Set in Italy and told through a young woman named Lili’s pov. She was so strong and resilient. Even when she thought she was weak she pressed on. Taking care of her best friend’s small son. She also found love and after the war made a life with Thomas in the USA.