Lili and Esti are best friends at university and when Esti marries and has a son, Lili is a second mother to Theo. As the threat to Jews in Italy becomes more dire, the women work for the underground and then go into hiding. With Esti's husband's whereabouts unknown, when Esti is beaten, Lili agrees to escape with Theo, hoping that her friend will eventually catch up with them.

Thus they embark on a harrowing journey from one point to another, always managing to stay a step ahead of the Nazis, fiercely guarding their forged identifications and small amount of money. Finally settled in Rome, Lili meets an American soldier seeking a safe spot. He finds more than that with Lili.

Undoubtedly realistic, this novel is often difficult to read as one wonders how Lili maintains any fragment of hope and continues to persevere despite constant danger and threats. It's all the more disturbing in the current political climate where citizens turning on one another doesn't seem as inconceivable as it once did. Lili's story is one that will stick with me for a long time. #OneGoodThing #NetGalley

This was my first book by the author but it won’t be the last! I am so excited to read her precious books after finishing this one!

I love books about World War 2 and historical fiction in general but it can be really hard to do it well. This book was the perfect example of a well done historical fiction book! I felt completely captivated by the story and didn’t want to put this one down. I never felt drawn out of the story as I sometimes do when reading historical fiction. It was just very engaging.

I was a little worried about reading a heavy book right now with the state of the world but for a book set during the Nazi occupation, it was really much less sad than most. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!

As someone who reads a lot of historical novels about the two world wars, ONE GOOD THING is one of the most compelling I've come across. And it was particularly interesting to learn more about how World War II (1939-1945) and its moral questions played out in Italy.

Best known as the writer of the New York Times bestseller WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES (another absorbing World War II story based on the experiences of the author's own family), this time Georgia Hunter takes us traveling through Italy between December 1940 and May 1945.

At the start of the story, we meet the protagonist, Lili, a young Jewish woman who works as a journalist and lives with her widowed father. Almost immediately however we find Lili has lost her job because of new restrictions imposed on Jews in Italy. Like most people in Europe at the start of World War II, Lili and her friends are not too bothered by these initial restrictions, because they cannot even imagine the extent of evil that awaits the Jews of Europe.

But we readers know the restrictions, persecution, violence, arrests, and deportation to death camps that is coming. This knowledge is what underlies the intense tension I felt throughout the book.

As German and Italian soldiers and local police begin to ramp up persecution of Jewish citizens, Lili and her friends face increasingly difficult choices. Until Lili's best friend Esti is forced to leave her young son in Lili's care for his own safety. Most of this novel revolves around how Lili and little Theo manage during the war years.

With infrequent and unreliable communication and few people who can be trusted, Lili's life becomes focused on each day. Will I find enough food to feed us today? Where can I get warmer clothing for a growing child? Will that neighbor turn us in for the reward? Where can we sleep safely tonight? Where can we get false Aryan identification papers?

These daily decisions, each of which might mean life or death, make this a tense book to wade through. It's quite fast-paced but I did find I needed a time out periodically, to relieve my own tension.

ONE GOOD THING is the kind of book that makes you feel you are living right alongside Lili and Theo as they struggle to survive. And the author sprinkles in quite a few anecdotes about the actions of actual historical figures to make the book feel completely authentic. It's an inspiriting story I highly recommended.

One Good Thing chronicles the journey of Lili and Theo as they flee the Nazis occupying Italy. They begin in the north, near Bologna where Lili is from and slowly make their way towards Rome, which is considered an “open city” seeking safety as Jews with false papers.

Along the way Lili sees both the good and the evil humanity has to offer. Some provide shelter and sustenance, when doing so could cost them their own lives. Others leave trails of destruction, and are cruel not only to Lili, but also to Theo, who is only a toddler for much of this journey.

This character driven novel is interesting to be sure, but I struggled to connect with Lili. She is obviously a devoted friend as seen in her actions throughout the novel, but we learn very little of her own feelings until the very end. Much of the book is devoted to Lili’s trek on foot with her best friend’s young son. Her journey is obviously a difficult one physically walking hundreds of kilometers, but the fact that she is doing so under a false identification, constantly on alert for German soldiers, and with a child, is more impactful.

I would have loved for the author to have removed a few descriptions of the duos’ stops, and instead given us details about what Lilli was feeling. If the novel had given more space to her internal dialogue, it could have made Lili’s sacrifices and strength even more poignant, deepening the reader’s connection to her character. Could you imagine having to explain this journey to a toddler with limited understanding of the dangers surrounding him? More exploration of how she tried to protect him emotionally could have added more depth to her character.

Georgia Hunter took obvious care with her research, and Italian Jews are often underrepresented in the WWII historical fiction genre, so I appreciated this perspective. I only wish as a reader we could have delved a little deeper into Lili’s psyche while on this grueling journey.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and of course the author Georgia Hunter for the advanced copy of the book. One Good Thing is out now. All opinions are my own.

From the author of We Were the Lucky Ones comes another unforgettable novel rooted in history, heartbreak, and humanity. One Good Thing is a deeply emotional and powerful story of friendship, courage, and the will to survive in the face of unimaginable danger.

Set in 1940s Italy, the story follows Lili and Esti, two best friends whose lives are torn apart by war and Mussolini’s Racial Laws. When Nazi forces occupy northern Italy, they risk everything — first by helping to hide war orphans in the countryside, then by forging documents for the Underground while posing as nuns in a convent. But when tragedy strikes, Lili is asked to do the unthinkable: go on the run with Esti’s young son, Theo, and protect him at all costs.

Lili’s journey through war-ravaged Italy is both heart-wrenching and inspiring and I had a hard time putting this down. Her bond with Theo, her quiet bravery, and the acts of compassion she both receives and gives along the way make this a story that lingers. Georgia Hunter’s writing is vivid and intimate — you feel the fear, the stakes, and the rare glimmers of hope that keep Lili moving forward.

We’ll be adding this title to our library collection without question. It’s a beautiful testament to resilience, the strength of chosen family, and the kind of love that keeps us going — even in the darkest of times.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely loved this book from the beginning to the end. I don't normally consider myself a fan of historical fiction, but this was so well written and captivating. I just love the story that was told, and the way it was told. Will definitely be reading more by Georgia Hunter in the future.

"One Good Thing"? More like "Many Good Things" about this book!
1) After becoming obsessed with Hunterʻs debut book, I knew that I would automatically read anything she wrote. Her passion for history, geography, and character relationships are so evident in her writing.
2) Lili was a GREAT FMC. She felt so real. Thrust into uncomfortable situations. Being scared but pushing forward through her anxiety. Her relationship with her bestie, Estie, and Estieʻs son Theo. Her fear being separated from her father.
3) Iʻve been interested in WW2 Italy since Mark Sullivanʻs "Beneath a Scarlet Sky" and I learned about so many more events and people during this time.
4) This story really emphasized the importance of generosity from strangers and our reliance on each other. I kept thinking of the ʻGolden Ruleʻ : ʻSo whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them" (Matthew 7:12, ESV).
5) Even though the love interest came a bit later in the story, it felt natural, and I was rooting for them the whole time!!

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!⁣
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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.