Georgia Hunter, acclaimed for her previous novel We Were the Lucky Ones, returns with One Good Thing, a deeply moving historical fiction set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Italy. Inspired by real events, Hunter masterfully weaves a tale of courage, friendship, and the relentless human spirit in times of war.
With her signature meticulous research and evocative prose, Hunter brings to life Lili and Esti, two Jewish women navigating the perils of Mussolini’s Racial Laws, Nazi invasion, and the underground resistance. Through their intertwined fates, One Good Thing offers a haunting yet hopeful reminder of how love and sacrifice can triumph amid the darkest times.
Plot Summary: A Perilous Journey Through War-Torn Italy
The novel follows Lili and Esti, best friends who, despite Italy’s rising antisemitism, attempt to maintain normalcy in their lives. Lili, a reserved and pragmatic young woman, and Esti, the fiercely independent and outspoken daughter of Greek immigrants, have been inseparable since university. When Esti gives birth to her son Theo, Lili becomes his beloved “Zia” (aunt), further strengthening their bond.
However, their world collapses when Nazi forces invade Italy, shattering their illusions of safety. As Jewish persecution intensifies, the two women embark on a desperate journey, first hiding in a countryside villa with war orphans, then forging false identities in a convent. When Esti is critically injured during a raid, she entrusts Lili with her most precious possession—Theo—and urges her to flee south toward Allied-controlled territory.
Lili, unprepared for such an enormous responsibility, must summon inner strength she never knew she had. As they evade German patrols, navigate bombed-out cities, and rely on the kindness of strangers, Lili transforms from a cautious observer into an active resistor.
Their journey is perilous, marked by close calls, betrayals, and unthinkable loss. Yet, at its heart, One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter is a testament to the power of love—between friends, between a surrogate mother and child, and between those who risk their lives for the sake of humanity.
Character Analysis: Strength in Vulnerability
Lili Passigli: The Reluctant Hero
Lili is the novel’s emotional anchor, undergoing the most profound transformation. At the novel’s start, she is a young woman defined by her structured life and cautious approach to risk. However, as the war escalates, she is forced into situations that challenge her deepest fears.
Her evolution is not immediate, which makes it deeply realistic and compelling. She does not instantly become a fearless warrior but instead grapples with fear, doubt, and the unbearable weight of responsibility. The novel’s greatest triumph is in showing her gradual courage—not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act despite it.
Esti Ezratti: The Fierce Survivor
If Lili is the reluctant hero, Esti is the firebrand—bold, defiant, and unwilling to accept injustice. She is a sharp contrast to Lili’s quiet caution, often pushing boundaries, speaking out against oppression, and risking herself to help others.
Her arc is heartbreaking yet powerful. Though physically broken after her brutal assault at the convent, her spirit never wavers. Even in her darkest moments, she fights—whether it’s by forging false documents or ensuring Theo’s safety.
One critique, however, is that Esti’s fate is left somewhat unresolved, a narrative choice that, while realistic, might frustrate readers hoping for a clearer resolution.
Theo: The Symbol of Hope
Theo, though a child, represents the novel’s core theme: the resilience of the next generation. His innocence, curiosity, and unwavering trust in Lili make his presence both heartwarming and gut-wrenching.
Unlike many war novels where children are merely passive figures, Theo is given depth—he senses the fear in the adults around him, struggles with the absence of his mother, and yet, in his small way, helps keep Lili moving forward.
Themes: Layers of Survival and Sacrifice
Friendship as a Lifeline
At its heart, One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter is not just a war story—it’s a story about friendship and chosen family. The relationship between Lili and Esti is tender, complex, and deeply authentic. Even when separated, their bond drives the novel’s emotional core.
Motherhood Beyond Biology
The novel challenges traditional notions of motherhood, portraying it not as a biological role, but as an act of sacrifice and love. Lili’s transformation into Theo’s protector is deeply moving—she doesn’t see herself as a mother, yet she assumes that role in ways that define her strength.
The Moral Dilemmas of War
The novel does not shy away from moral ambiguity. Lili and Esti, like many in the resistance, forge papers, deceive authorities, and rely on illegal networks to survive. Hunter asks an essential question: When survival is at stake, where does one draw the line between right and wrong?
This complexity makes the story more than just good vs. evil—it highlights the difficult choices real people had to make.
Writing Style and Historical Accuracy
Hunter’s Evocative Prose
Georgia Hunter’s writing is immersive and atmospheric. Her descriptions of war-torn Italy are vivid without being gratuitous, balancing beauty with devastation.
Her ability to shift between urgency and introspection is a hallmark of great historical fiction. The prose is measured yet emotional, allowing the reader to feel the weight of every moment.
Historical Detail: A Double-Edged Sword
One of Hunter’s greatest strengths is her meticulous research. From the architecture of Florence to the procedures of the underground resistance, her world feels authentic and historically rich.
However, in some sections, the historical detail can become overwhelming, slowing the pacing. While this will appeal to history buffs, some readers may find it excessive.
Critiques: Where the Novel Falters
Uneven Pacing
The novel’s first half is stronger than its second. The early chapters, rich with character development, build tension beautifully. However, once Lili and Theo are on the run, the plot becomes somewhat episodic—a series of obstacles rather than a clear narrative arc.
Lack of Closure for Certain Characters
While One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter excels at realism, some character fates remain ambiguous. The novel’s ending, though poignant, might leave readers longing for a more definitive resolution, particularly regarding Esti’s fate.
Limited Exploration of Esti’s Trauma
The novel powerfully depicts Esti’s assault and subsequent injuries, but her psychological trauma is not explored in depth. Given the novel’s emotional weight, a deeper dive into her healing process would have added even more layers to her character.
Final Verdict: A Poignant and Worthy Read
One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter is a deeply moving, beautifully written, and historically immersive novel that captures the resilience of the human spirit during WWII. While its uneven pacing and unresolved character arcs slightly diminish its impact, it remains a standout work of historical fiction.
Recommended for fans of:
- Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
- The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
- Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
For those who appreciate historically rich, emotionally charged narratives, One Good Thing is an essential read—a testament to love, survival, and the extraordinary sacrifices made during war.
