Georgia Hunter, acclaimed for her deeply moving novel We Were the Lucky Ones, returns with One Good Thing, a harrowing yet tender historical fiction set against the backdrop of World War II. This novel transports readers to war-torn Italy, weaving a tale of resilience, love, and the extraordinary courage of two women who risk everything to survive. With meticulous research and a deeply evocative narrative, Hunter once again proves her mastery of historical storytelling. However, while the novel excels in emotional depth and atmosphere, certain elements may leave readers wanting more.
Plot Overview: A Journey of Hope and Survival
The novel follows the lives of Lili and Esti, best friends who meet at the University of Ferrara in Emilia Romagna. Their friendship is unwavering, strengthened further when Esti’s son, Theo, is born, making Lili feel like part of their family. But their lives take a devastating turn as Mussolini’s Racial Laws and the German invasion of northern Italy threaten their existence.
As the war escalates, Esti persuades Lili to flee to a countryside villa where they help shelter young war orphans. Their mission intensifies as they move to a Florence convent, posing as nuns while forging false identification papers for the Underground resistance. When tragedy strikes, Esti, critically wounded, entrusts Theo’s safety to Lili, sending her on a dangerous escape southward through Nazi-occupied Italy.
Lili’s journey with Theo is filled with tension, uncertainty, and heartbreak as she navigates bombed-out cities, encounters strangers both kind and treacherous, and makes impossible choices to keep Theo safe. The novel’s strength lies in its depiction of courage amid fear, proving that even in the darkest moments, humanity’s capacity for kindness endures.
Character Analysis: Women of Strength and Sacrifice
Lili: The novel’s heart and moral center, Lili is a reluctant heroine whose transformation from a young academic into a fearless protector is gripping. At the start, she is cautious and uncertain, but the war forces her to discover strength she never knew she had. Lili’s love for Theo is beautifully portrayed, showing how necessity can forge a maternal bond as powerful as blood ties.
Esti: Esti is Lili’s opposite—bold, resourceful, and confident. As the driving force behind many of their life-saving decisions, she represents the resilience of women in war. Her fate is tragic, but her influence on Lili’s journey is undeniable.
Theo: Though young, Theo’s presence in the story is crucial. His innocence and vulnerability make the stakes even higher, and his trust in Lili forms one of the most poignant relationships in the novel.
Hunter’s characterization is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Each character, even the minor ones, is rendered with depth, their fears and motivations vividly brought to life. However, at times, the novel’s focus on survival eclipses deeper introspection, leaving some emotional beats feeling slightly underexplored.
Hunter’s Writing Style: Evocative and Immersive
Georgia Hunter’s prose is lyrical and immersive, striking a balance between historical accuracy and emotional resonance. She excels in scene-setting, painting wartime Italy in vivid detail—from the claustrophobic fear of occupied villages to the fleeting moments of beauty Lili and Theo encounter along the way. The tension in each chapter is palpable, making the novel an unputdownable read.
However, some readers might find the pacing uneven. While the escape sequences are gripping, certain sections, particularly those involving the Underground resistance, could have been explored further to deepen the novel’s emotional complexity.
Themes: Love, War, and the Power of Human Connection
At its core, One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter is a story of:
Friendship and Loyalty: Lili and Esti’s bond is the emotional anchor of the novel, proving that family is not always defined by blood but by unwavering devotion.
Courage and Sacrifice: Lili’s journey demonstrates the quiet bravery of ordinary people forced into extraordinary circumstances.
The Role of Women in War: Hunter highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women who risked their lives to save others, showing that heroism takes many forms.
Hope Amidst Darkness: Despite the horrors of war, small acts of kindness—whether from a stranger offering shelter or a forged identity that saves a life—become beacons of hope.
These themes resonate deeply, yet some may wish for a more nuanced exploration of Lili’s internal struggles. The novel prioritizes external conflict over internal introspection, which, while heightening tension, occasionally limits emotional depth.
Critiques: Where the Novel Falls Short
While One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter is a compelling and moving read, a few elements prevent it from reaching its full potential:
Predictability: The narrative, while engaging, follows a somewhat familiar arc seen in many WWII survival stories. Some plot developments, particularly moments of betrayal and escape, can feel anticipated rather than surprising.
Lack of Psychological Depth: While Lili’s transformation is evident, her internal monologue at times lacks the psychological depth that would have elevated the novel’s emotional resonance.
Rushed Conclusion: The novel’s final chapters, while satisfying, feel slightly hurried. After such an intense journey, a more reflective epilogue exploring the aftermath of Lili and Theo’s survival would have added greater weight to the story.
Who Should Read One Good Thing?
This novel is a must-read for fans of historical fiction that focuses on resilience, courage, and survival. Readers who enjoyed:
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
will find One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter equally compelling. If you are looking for a story rich in historical detail, featuring strong female protagonists, and offering an emotional yet hopeful narrative, this book is worth your time.
Final Verdict: A Moving But Not Perfect WWII Tale
With One Good Thing, Georgia Hunter delivers a powerful, heart-wrenching story of friendship, survival, and the lengths we go to protect those we love. The novel’s strengths lie in its immersive storytelling, well-researched historical backdrop, and unforgettable characters. However, its predictability and occasional lack of psychological depth keep it from being truly exceptional.
For those seeking a gripping WWII historical fiction that explores the unbreakable bonds of love and sacrifice, One Good Thing is a worthwhile read. While not without its flaws, its emotional impact lingers long after the final page.