My Father’s House by Joseph O’Connor

Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

BBC Radio 4 FM

My Father's House by Joseph O'Connor: Episode 1

My Father's House by Joseph O'Connor

Episode 1

BBC Radio 4 - My Father's House by Joseph O'Connor, Episode 1

In September 1943, German forces occupied Rome, but not the neutral state of Vatican City.

September 1943, German forces have occupied Rome. By Christmas a small band of unlikely friends led by a brave priest, from inside neutral Vatican City, are in great danger.

September 1943, German forces occupy Rome. Gestapo boss Obersturmbannführer Paul Hauptmann rules with terror. Hunger is widespread. Rumours fester. The war’s outcome is far from certain.

Diplomats, refugees and escaped Allied prisoners risk their lives fleeing for protection into Vatican City, the world's smallest state at one fifth of a square mile and a neutral, independent country within Rome.

A small band of unlikely friends led by a courageous priest is drawn into deadly danger. By Christmastime, it’s too late to turn back.

Based on the extraordinary true story of the Rome Escape Line and Father Hugh O’Flaherty who, in the 1930s and 40s, was a long-time resident of the Vatican, a seminary teacher, and an amateur historian of Rome. Records show that he was forbidden by the Pope to assist escaping prisoners of war and also that his own government and the Irish Church were adamant that the neutrality of the young nation of Ireland should not be compromised in any way by actions which appeared to support the Allies against the Nazis. 

Only in recent years have some of these documents been released and historians are still poring over the archive. The author Joseph O’Connor admits that he has made free with much of the characterisation and detail but he has also used some of the writings of Hugh O’Flaherty and his records which were shared with him by the Monsignor’s niece and nephew. Including an audio recording of the 1963 edition of This is Your Life which featured another real life character,  Major Sam Derry. 

Cast:
Jot Davies (Narrator) 
Fenella Woolgar (Delia Kiernan)

Abridged by Jill Waters and Isobel Creed
Produced by Jill Waters 
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Audiobooks

Podcasts

Drama

A powerful thriller, based on a true story, set in 1943 as German forces occupy Rome.

September 1943: German forces occupy Rome. An Irish priest in the Vatican City dedicates himself to helping those escaping the Nazis. A powerful thriller based on a true story.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

My Father's House by Joseph O'Connor

Episode 1

Genres

Series

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4