Released: 2005
A Thread of Grace![](http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=drboreonevge-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0449004139)
is
Mary Doria Russell![](http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=drboreonevge-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0449912558)
's third novel and first historical fiction piece set against the backdrop of 1943 Europe.
Claudette Blum is a young, teenage Jewish girl escaping with her father and other refugees to Italy with no foresight or knowledge that thair lives are about to become much more endangered. Through a handful of diverse characters and personalities, Russell tells of how numerous Italians played a hand in saving thousands of Jews near World War II's end.
The BEST and most AMAZING part of
A Thread of Grace![](http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=drboreonevge-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0449004139)
is the prelude, hands down! This prelude may be the best I've ever read in any book because it will grip, shock, and pull you in as a reader. Even if
A Thread of Grace![](http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=drboreonevge-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0449004139)
is not going on your to-be-read bookshelf or wish list, you must stop at a bookstore or pick it up just to read the prelude, at least. All I can say without providing spoilers is "Wow"!
A Thread of Grace![](http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=drboreonevge-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0449004139)
in its entirety though, I regret to say, is dry and just not as engaging as I'd hoped. I really appreciate
Mary Doria Russell![](http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=drboreonevge-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0345485556)
's research invested in this novel, but with the excess of WWII-era novels released in mass numbers these days, it didn't stand out nearly enough for me to really enjoy it from an entertainment or even an educational standpoint. I found myself comparing it to
Skeletons at the Feast![](http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=drboreonevge-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0307394964)
by
Chris Bohjalian![](http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=drboreonevge-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0307394972)
; another WWII novel about refugees on the run seeking safer ground that also brings together a cast of vastly unique and unlikely characters. My review for
Skeletons at the Feast![](http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=drboreonevge-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0307394964)
can be found here:
Dreamworld Book Reviews - Skeletons at the Feast.
Mary Doria Russell![](http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=drboreonevge-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0449912558)
has won several awards for her first novel entitled
The Sparrow![](http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=drboreonevge-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0449912558)
(1996), which is followed up with
Children of God![](http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=drboreonevge-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=044900483X)
(1998). I have attempted to read
The Sparrow![](http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=drboreonevge-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0449912558)
, but was unable to finish. I've come to the conclusion that perhaps
Mary Doria Russell![](http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=drboreonevge-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=044900483X)
and I just aren't compatible!
![The Sparrow](http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0449912558&tag=drboreonevge-20)
![Children of God (Ballantine Reader's Circle)](http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=044900483X&tag=drboreonevge-20)
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