The Ghosts of Rome

By: Joseph O'Connor

Published by Europa Editions, Incorporated, 2026-02-24

A NEW YORK TIMES EDITORS' CHOICE

★ "Mesmerising, tragic, horrifying, utterly unputdownable... An outstanding read for fans of WWII fiction and of writers like Anthony Doerr."--Emily Melton, Booklist (Starred Review)

Shortlisted for Kerry Group Novel of The Year

A Parade Most Anticipated Book of the Year

In the final, perilous months of WWII, a secret network known as The Choir smuggles thousands out of Nazi-occupied Rome via a route known only as the Escape Line. But when a wounded airman falls from the sky, the entire operation is thrown into jeopardy. From the Vatican, Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty struggles to maintain the fragile network as the ruthless SS Commander Paul Hauptmann closes in. Enter Contessa Giovanna Landini, a bold and defiant member of the Resistance whose actions will tip the balance of power. But in whose favor?

Brimming with suspense, unforgettable characters, and historical resonance, The Ghosts of Rome is a masterfully written novel of resistance, sacrifice, and survival from an acclaimed and bestselling storyteller.

"The power of The Ghosts of Rome comes from the dazzling variety of voices... not just a wartime thriller, but a meditation on how we remember, how we resist, and how, even in the darkest times, humanity endures."--The New York Times Book Review