The beginning was a bit slow for me ironically because there’s a lot of moving around. It’s just that Lili and Esti move so often and it became hard to catch up with them so I lost interest. However, once Lili and Theo make their way on their own it really started to pick up for me. It was so emotional to read their journey. I only wish that there had been a scene where Lili and Theo meet Thomas’s family in Virginia.

Esti and Lili are friends living in Italy when World War I starts. Esti has a young son that she wants Lili to flee to safety with because Esti is injured and cannot. Lili struggles to keep herself and little Theo safe as they travel throughout bombed out villages in Italy. It takes resilience and courage that Lili finds in herself.. Danger of being discovered as Jewish is around every corner . Lili meets and falls in love with Tom, an American soldier hiding from the Germans. She helps keep him hidden in her flat. This is my favorite part of the story. When the war ends Lili has to decide whether to stay in Italy in case Esti is ever found and can reunite with her son or move to America with Tom. It’s a sweet story that asks the question what would you have done during these hard times. Fans of We were the Lucky Ones will enjoy this book as well.

Thank you to NetGalley for this book review. I wanted to love it after Georgia Hunter's We Were the Lucky Ones but this book was too detailed and too long for me. I respect the history and amazing characters and would love to see this made into a mini-series but it was just too long and I lost interest. I am sure I am in the minority but just wasn't keeping my interest.

The research put into this book was impeccable. Italy is not typically the location of WWII books, especially when it is about Jews, but I wish it was. The politics of living under Mussolini, especially as a jewish person, during Hitler's reign, was fascinating, heartbreaking and horrifying. Although, not quite as horrifying as other parts of Europe during that time. A story about 3 best friends, 2 of whom are deemed inferior for being Jewish. When one has a son, they go into hiding as nuns, and find themselves doing everything they can to keep a little boy (and themselves!) safe from the war. The characters were incredible - well developed, engaging and incredible. I truly enjoyed reading about their experiences, relationships and what they had to do to make it through a difficult time in history. I found this book to be incredibly engaging, well written and detailed. The pace was perfect and I was disappointed when the story ended.
Thank you Netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

This was a true 5 star book. The characters were so lovable. The story was riveting and heart wrenching at the same time. I will definitely go back and read this author’s first novel.

I read a lot of historical fiction that is set during WWII. This was a good book.
The bond that Esti and Lili had was so strong. It's what kept Lili going during horrible times.
It was very informative on what happened in Italy during the war. So sad.
I was glad that Lili never gave up hope of finding Esti and would like to think that at some point she did.
I was concerned that Thomas was not who he seemed to be. Lili did receive so many warnings about
trusting people.
There was happiness, sadness, suspense and a little romance.
I will be recommending this book to the patrons at the library where I work.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc.

Again, Georgia Hunter has given us a gift of her extensive research in the form of an emotionally moving and important novel. Learning about Italy’s Jews during WWII opened my eyes to the reality of the Racial Laws passed, defining the Jews as others, and limiting their rights. Money was offered to turn in Jews to the authorities, which were often not German but local carabinieri. Lili and Esti are best friends, as the war starts and puts their lives at risk. Esti and her husband are Greek Jews, students in Italy, when the war hits home. As Esti and Lili flee with Esti’s son, Theo, they encounter the roundups and hatred, but also help from individual Italians who tried to assist them in escaping. Some actual characters are featured in the book, giving attention to those righteous people fighting the horrors visited on their fellow citizens. I highly recommend this book, and see it as a warning in our present times. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

@pameladormanbooks | #gifted Georgia Hunter burst onto the book world in 2017 with her debut novel, 𝘞𝘦 𝘞𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘺 𝘖𝘯𝘦𝘴. The fictionalized account of how her Polish family survived WWII was an instant hit and went on to be picked up and developed by Hulu. Her much anticipated sophomore novel 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚, also a WWII story, is out now!⁣
⁣
Taking place in Italy, Hunter takes us into the lives of Jews living there, first under the rule of Mussolini and later Germany. Italy hasn’t been featured in WWII books nearly as much as many other European countries. The experiences of Jews in Italy were different than those of Jews in other parts of Europe, but also terrifying, cruel and lethal. Following main character Lili, Hunter gives readers a glimpse of what the war did to all of Italy, but most especially to the Italian Jewish population.⁣
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I loved the reading experience and learned so much through Lili’s struggles to keep herself and her best friend’s young son, Theo, alive. Between Mussolini’s proclamations, the German invasion, and even the arrival of the Americans, staying safe was a constant struggle. My one wish for 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 would be that it had a bit more tension. Though Lili’s journey was difficult, I was never really that worried about her. I think the book would have been stronger had it shown more of the darker sides of the war. In particular, I’d have liked it to have storylines that followed Theo’s parents or a key American soldier. Despite that one small critique, I was fully invested in this story and flew through the book. I look forward to reading whatever Hunter writes next! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

This is a superb historical fiction novel by Georgia Hunter. The characters are relatable and likable, and the story is tragic but also inspiring. Lili and Esti are the best of friends, and Esti's son Theo is the "one good thing" in their lives, so when Esti asks Lili to take Theo and flee the German occupation of Italy, she does so. One Good Thing takes the reader on an unforgettable and emotional journey. It is as heartbreaking as it is hopeful. So beautifully and tragically written.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.

WOW! A unique novel about a young woman in Italy during World War II that kept me entranced from the first page to the last. I have not read the authors previous novel but will add it to my TBR list. The cover is a little deceiving as the main character, Lilli, is driven throughout by her friendship with Esti another young woman and her promise to care for Esti’s son as they struggle not to be taken by the Nazis. Her journey is enthralling and admirable! Of course heartache and loss were experience along the way she is a great example of the fortitude needed to survive the atrocities of that time.

This is the story of Lili, a young Italian woman who is Jewish during World War II. Her fight to stay alive while navigating the towns and cities of Italy is captivating. Her character is just as compelling as the Italian backdrop she inhabits during this horrific time, especially for Jews. Her best friends and their young son are also victims of this brutal war. How their lives change and the challenges they face is conveyed with heartfelt emotion. I felt very connected to these characters and didn’t want their story to end. The people she meets throughout the war are the extraordinary examples of the real people who had to make tough choices each and every day during this time. They certainly are memorable and I’m glad we get to read about these Italians that we don’t hear about in many other books during this era. But as much as this is a book about Jews in Italy during the war, it is also just a terrific story about Lili herself and her loved ones. They touched my heart. I highly recommend this book!
I received a copy of this book for review from NetGalley.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this wonderful work of histosrical fiction. I have read many books about WWII but had not read any about Jews in Italy, which I found very interesting. It was very well researched.

Aside from the backdrop of the war this is a beautiful story of friendship, resilience, sacrifice and love. I loved the main character, Lili. She is so unsure of herself at at the beginning of the book, but survives a horrific journey against insurmountable odds, while caring for the young son of her best friend. She meets a number of people who help her out along the way. I think the author did an excellent job in the portrayal of each of theese characters and how they helped Lili grow into the strong, confident young woman she is at at the end of the book.

It was a bit of a slow read for me and seemed to drag on a little in the middle, but overall I enjoyed reading it and felt invested in the outcome. I liked the ending, even though there were unanswered questions.

We Were the Lucky Ones has been on my To Read list for a long time. I will be sure to move it to the top after reading this.

ONE GOOD THING by Georgia Hunter as a hurtling read of a story of love, loyalty, and never letting go of who you are. From the moment I met Lili and her young charge Theo, read further into the past with Esti, I was caught up in the trials of war, the threats and responses of the hunted Jews and the ongoing struggle to survive, to find a safe place. I deeply enjoyed this latest book from the extraordinary storyteller Georgia Hunter, now revealing her talents as a fiction writer as well as chronicler of the past. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

Two young women, Lili and Este, friends who have shared so much of their lives now find themselves targets of the Nazi pogroms. They will sacrifice so much to keep many of their compatriots safe while protecting each other and the Este's young son. Each step they take endangers them, but with their efforts, so many are saved. When Este is injured, Lili must take her son and keep him safe until they can meet again.

This story is so full of emotion and drama that readers will lose themselves in Lili and Este's travel from war torn Italy to the Allied positions. This is the second book Georgia Hunter has written on this era. Her discovery of family records led to research of the Italian Jews during WWII and how they resisted the Axis troops to save so many. The stories are emotional and inspirational at the same time.

One Good Thing is a moving historical novel set in Italy during WWII, It is the story of best friends, Lili and Esti, who jeopardize their own lives working for the resistance to save the lives of others. Thanks to the author, PENGUIN GROUP Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

One Good Thing takes place in Italy during World War II. Lili, her father and her friends Esti and Niko along with their 2-year-old son Theo are slowly losing the familiar life they shared due to Mussolini's terrorism along with Hitler's Germany invading their beautiful country.
Lili is forced to go from friend to mother when she flees on foot after Esti is injured.
This book kept me riveted and on the edge of my seat. A great read!

𝑀𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹 𝒽𝒾𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒸𝒶𝓁 𝒻𝒾𝒸𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃…

𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜
@pameladormanbooks
Out March 4th!

Georgia Hunter’s 𝙒𝙚 𝙒𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙮 𝙊𝙣𝙚𝙨 was an incredible story of love overcoming all adversity. It was a 5 ⭐️ read for me. The New York Times bestseller has more than 1 million copies sold worldwide and is a Hulu limited series starring Joey King and Logan Lerman. Inspired by the incredible true story of one Jewish family separated at the start of World War II, determined to survive—and to reunite—We Were the Lucky Ones is a tribute to the triumph of hope and love against all.

In 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜, it is 1940, in Emilia Romagna. Lili and Esti have been best friends since meeting at the University of Ferrara; when Esti’s son Theo is born, they become as close as sisters. There is a war being fought across borders, and in Italy, Mussolini’s Racial Laws have deemed Lili and Esti descendants of an ‘inferior’ Jewish race, but life somehow goes on—until Germany invades northern Italy, and the friends find themselves in occupied territory.

Esti, older and fiercely self-assured, convinces Lili to flee first to a villa in the countryside to help hide a group of young war orphans, then to a convent in Florence, where they pose as nuns and forge false identification papers for the Underground. When disaster strikes at the convent, 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 on an epic journey south toward Allied territory, through Nazi-occupied villages and bombed-out cities, doing everything she can to keep Theo safe. Lili’s love for her father, Esti and Theo fuels her desire to survive. Along their journey, they meet a colorful cast of allies as they hide from the enemy.

“Those who can’t remember the past are doomed to repeat it.” This is a story that reminds us about what we should be fighting for.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to the author and tagged publisher for allowing me to read this book before it was published.

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Thank you to the publisher, PENGUIN GROUP| Pamella Dorman Books, for providing me with an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All Opinions are my own*

From the first chapter, I was captivated by this story. I may not understand what it's like to live through the War, but reading from Lili's point of view made me feel connected to her and everything she and Theo went through. While reading this novel, I felt so many emotions, including dread, fury, and hope. I was angry at what the Germans were putting everyone through in this horrific war, afraid that Lilli and Theo would be discovered and captured, and hopeful that they would make it through the war. I've read many World War II historical fiction books over the years, so I was pleased that this one occurred in Italy rather than Europe. I felt like I learned so much about what Italy had endured during that awful time. One Good Thing is a story that makes you think about many topics, including what you would do in Lili's situation.

I adored Lilli from the start. Running with her best friend’s son, Theo, could be easy without her best friend. That’s an unbreakable bond when you would do anything for your friend, even if it’s the hardest thing you must do. Not only did the war affect Lilli, but it also changed Theo, who had to bear a great deal for someone so little. Without his mother by his side, I can't even comprehend what was going through his head then. I was glad that it was Lilli that he had by his side. Throughout the novel, I hoped Lilli would find a way to reconnect with her best friend, Esti. I, like Lilli, wondered what had happened to her. I admired Lilli's determination to find her best friend. Their friendship reminded me so much of myself and my best friend, Mariah.

In 2019, I read Georgia Hunter's debut novel, We Were The Lucky One, and fell in love with the story, writing, and characters. I enjoyed everything about that book but loved One Good Thing much more. Despite the heavy theme, I read late into the night to see how it would end. It was evident to me how much research went into this book. I have discovered yet another favorite author, and I am eager to see what comes next from Georgia Hunter! One Good Thing is about love, friendship, courage, and hope. I would highly recommend it to any historical fiction fans.

This is a story of survival under the worst of circumstances. It’s about friendship, love, family and ultimately hope during WWII when being Jewish made you “less than, inferior and sub-human”. Lili and Esti met at University and became like sisters. They’re in Italy and life is a bit scary, but they believe being far from the horrors, they are okay. That is until they aren’t and Moussolini’s laws have made it unsafe for anyone of Jewish descent. They make a plan and go into hiding to try to escape. When the safe place they are in is attacked, Esti is wounded and begs Lili to take her son and run to protect him. It’s a dark, emotional, important read all the more so because it not only happened, but with the state of our world, is leading us down a scary road again. Though this is fiction, this is probably the story that happened time and time again. This is a very well written and important story.

A heartfelt story of friendship, family, and survival in war-torn 1940s Italy. Epic journey for two Jewish friends and child under Mussolini and the Racial Laws. Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an advanced copy for an honest review.