Name: My Mother's Secret
Rating: 4.285714285714286 (7 reviews)
ISBN: 9781475962581

Jenny L. Witterick

My Mother's Secret

J. L. Witterick

"A novel based on a true story [in which] a mother and daughter risk their lives to provide shelter to two families and a German soldier--all unbeknownst to each other--in a tiny two-room house in Sokal, Poland, during the Nazi invasion"--Amazon.com.

A Novel Based on a True Holocaust Story

Danielle Crain

At first I was unimpressed with the quality of writing in this book. I generally am not a fan of writing in the first person, and the writing here was especially choppy. That said, the story itself was good and it kept me engaged. 


  "Inspired by a true story, My Mother’s Secret is a captivating and ultimately uplifting tale intertwining the lives of two Jewish families in hiding from the Nazis, a fleeing German soldier, and the mother and daughter who save them all."


The story is told from four different perspectives: the daughter, a child of one of the hidden families, an adult in another hidden family and the German soldier.

There have been reviews that say this book glosses over the horrors and atrocities that occurred during this time. There are many books written to bring that to light. I don't think that was the point of this story. My one big takeaway is that you never know how one small act of kindness will impact you down the road. 

My Ratings:

5*****I loved this book, consider it an all time favorite
4**** Thoroughly enjoyed the book and will recommend it
3*** I liked it well enough,
2** Brain Candy - It was okay. Writing mediocre, will
keep/re-read if part of a series
1* didn't like/possibly not finished. (less)

Inspired by a true story, My Mother's Secret is a profound, captivating, and ultimately uplifting tale intertwining the lives of two Jewish families in hiding from the Nazis, a fleeing German soldier, and the mother and daughter who teamed up to save them. Franciszka and her daughter, Helena, are unlikely heroines. They are simple people who mind their own business and don't stand out from the crowd . . . until 1939, when crisis strikes. The Nazis invade Poland and start to persecute the Jews. Providing shelter to Jews has become a death sentence, and yet Franciszka and Helena do exactly that. In their tiny two room home in Sokal, they cleverly hide a Jewish family in a loft above their pigsty, a Jewish doctor with his wife and son in a makeshift cellar under the kitchen floorboards, and a defecting German soldier in the attic - each party completely unknown to the others. For everyone to survive, Franciszka will have to outsmart her neighbors and the German commander standing guard outside her door. Told simply and succinctly from four different perspectives - all under one roof - My Mother's Secret is a testament to the kindness, courage, and generosity of ordinary people who choose to be extraordinary. Praise for My Mother's Secret 'A touching, humane work that celebrates the power of love, the attributes of leadership, and the importance of family.' Margaret Southern, Companion of the Order of Canada, Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order, Alberta Order of Excellence 'A gripping story about the dark period of the Holocaust, My Mother's Secret will educate young people born after the end of World War 11, as well as refresh the memory of their seniors. It is a fitting testament to two very courageous ladies.' Charles H. Belzile, CM, CMM, CD, Lieutenant General of Canada (Retired), Order of Canada, Commander of the Order of Military Merit, Vimy Award, Honorary Grand President of the Royal Canadian Legion 'Writer J. L. Witterick paints a vivid picture of the world of Franciszka Halamajowa, a heroine in Nazi-occupied Poland who, with her daughter, Helena, harbored Jews despite the mortal danger. A moving and captivating portrait of that terrible period.' Amir R. Gissin, Consul General, Toronto and Western Canada, Consulate General of Israel 'My granddaughter says it's the best book she's ever read!' Harold J. Wolfe, Board of Trustees, The Jewish Theological Seminary, and Chairman, Beth Tzedec Foundation of Toronto 'A poignant reminder of what can happen, and a tale of incredible courage.' Tony Gage, Board of Governors, University of Victoria

My Mother's Secret

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