My Mother's Secret: A Novel Based on a True Holocaust Story

This book told different perspectives of what it was like to hide the Jews and what drove the Jews to hiding. It was a very easy read.

This was a fascinating book; it is a novelization of a true story. Set in Sokal, Poland during the German Invasion and all the Jews are being rounded up and put into the ghetto or being killed outright and anyone who helps the Jews is summarily executed for their efforts. That’s what makes Franciszka and her daughter, Helena true heroes these women put their lives on the line for people they barely knew, they gave them a place to hide, food and gave them their lives because none of these people would have survived the Nazi’s, well Vilheim may have survived but his soul would have become so scared by what he was forced to do that he would have never been the same. These two amazing women not only hid 3 Jewish families but also a German Soldier who could not do what his commanding officer was asking of him he had an acquaintance with Franciszka, who reminded him of his Oma and of course she hid him , she hid them all and none knew about the others. This woman’s courage just floored me especially when she invited the German Commandant to dinner with 2 Jewish families in the basement and another in the shed but it made her above suspicion and when the Germans moved tanks into her yard and were a little close for comfort she talks them into moving everything out of her yard when asked how she did it she says, “Always point out what is in the best interest of the other person if you want them to do something. Works on everyone.” There are some great quotes in this book these are my favorites: “Helena, there are three kinds of people in the world. One that would have seen the suffering cat and not have given it a second thought. Another that would have seen the same cat and said to themselves, ‘Oh, isn’t that a pity’ before continuing about their business. Finally, there is the kind that sees the suffering, feels the empathy, and then goes one step further by taking action to help. That is you. You didn’t leave the cat there to perish. I am proud that you are my daughter. Think what a wonderful place the world would be if everyone was like that.” “I always thought courageous people were those who were not afraid. Meeting Franciszka and her daughter, I realize that courageous people are afraid like everyone else. They just act despite the fear.” “ If you choose to do the right thing, it’s a conscious decision at first. Then it becomes second nature. You don’t have to think about what is right because doing the right thing becomes who you are, like a reflex. Your actions with time become your character.” This was a great book and I would highly recommend this story, it’s a short book that packs a powerful punch. 4 Stars

This is a true story about the Holocaust and one good hearted woman.

Easy read. Not too graphic. True story

How can I criticize a story of heroism set in one of the most brutal times of the 20th Century? Surely Franciszka and Helena are heroes and the survival of 8 people is miraculous. However, the book is written at a grade school level with simplistic sentence structure and chapters that lack substance. This would aptly be marketed to elementary school libraries. Tracking down the true stories of the survivors may have been nearly impossible, but depicting them in a more compelling way would enhance the adult reader’s experience. Surprisingly, at the end of the book we learn from the author that the real Franciszka actually saved 20 people!

To be so selfless is to be what we must strive for. I love these two incredible women. It is an incredible story. Thank you for telling it.

Bought this book a few days ago and I’m already almost done. It’s very well written and captivating. The kind of book you start and finish reading within a few days because you can’t go to sleep no knowing the end. It’s sad but based on a true story. It is very educational historically wise. Overall I recommend it Pros: well written, easy to read, not too long Cons: sad but true, small

This is an emotionally gripping story about people who showed extraordinary courage. They thought they were only doing what was the right thing to do, and yes it was but they risked being murdered for it. There are many histories of that horrendous time and this one is compelling. I loved the humanity that was so evident. And that this is a true story restores my faith in people.

A great read

A beautiful book of love, courage, hope and a constant reminder of acts of kindness, I couldn’t keep this down without finishing it. This story moves the very core of your beliefs and helps you understand that kindness is a gesture which comes without any conditions.

The book arrived in excellent condition.

Perfecto y rápido

Amazing and incredible story. Easy read but interesting because of the love and compassion of humans during troubled times and so fearless!