The Scarlet and the Black by J. P. Gallagher

Goodreads: The Scarlet and the Black
Series: None

Publication Date: 1967 (as Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican), 2009

Source: Purchased

Summary:  During World War II, Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, an Irish priest stationed in Rome, earned the flattering nickname “Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican.”  Aided by a secret network of priests, seminarians, military POWs, and lay civilians, O’Flaherty helped countless POWs and refugees who sought sanctuary in and around neutral Vatican territory.  This non-fiction account of O’Flaherty’s story was written by a journalist who met the monsignor and several of his acquaintances.

Review: For the first few chapters, Gallagher’s book feels a bit like required reading for a college course. It is a quality work that is both true and important, but somehow feels more like something you should read than something you want to.  Eventually, however, some of the book’s numerous characters become familiar, the dangerous reality of the setting becomes more present, and the stolen moments of humor at the enemy’s expense are marked with a quick laugh and a guarded smile, betraying fear that next time the heroes might not be so lucky.

One of the most powerful aspects of the book, highlighted especially at the end, is O’Flaherty’s indiscriminate compassion.  Though he was very anti-English in his youth, he later put himself at great risk to protect the escaped Allied POWs.  Even later, he became a friend to the war-time enemies who wanted him dead and was the only person who would visit one particular man in prison.  Along with O’Flaherty’s kindness, the book portrays the courage of the men and women in the monsignor’s secret network.  Whole families offered their homes, their money, their time, and the possibility of their lives for the sake of assisting whatever individuals came to O’Flaherty for aid.  The cunning and creativity of these people, along with their bravery, is truly inspiring.

This book tells a fascinating story, but it only tells a part of it.  For example, the back cover notes the large number of Jews who were saved through O’Flaherty’s efforts.  The work seldom mentions Jews, however, and tends to focus on British and American POWs.  Gallagher’s work is a solid introduction to a powerful piece of history.  This reader definitely intends to learn more of the story.