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. Franciszka and her daughter, Helena, are simple, ordinary people…until 1939, when the Nazis invade their homeland. Providing shelter to Jews in Nazi-occupied … to Jews in Nazi-occupied Poland is a death sentence, but Franciszka and Helena do exactly that. In their tiny home in Sokal, they 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, 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.
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 chose to be extraordinary.
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This took me on a trip into yesterday. Women were often the unsung heroes of WWII. I would hope that I could be as compassionate as this Mother.
Great books
Fabulous read. Ended too quickly or I read it too quickly
The story based on real characters was excellent and heartbreaking. The courage displayed by the protagonist was extraordinary and remarkable. I was intrigued by the ability of persons under the stresses that came with the war and holocaust to act so courageously. It was not difficult for me to believe the tale, having personally known survivors of the holocaust.
Another moving story about WW II
uplifting
I read this very moving book and was glad that in a turmoil past there was people who stepped up and gave hope to a future that was uncertain.
A haunting story based on real events during the Holocaust. It was well written but too short.
Easy, fluid read. Unforgettably have characters. Well worth the read
It is likely that whenever events inspired this story would have made for a better book
the world needs more people like our mother and daughter in this book
Uplifting story of good people helping others
Incredible story of people whose sense of justice and caring put their own lives at risk. Difficult to imagine being in the position of the people who are hidden or the people who hid them. Hopefully inspires people today to stand up for what they know is right.
gives you back your faith in people
Although short and simple, this book is a reminder of all of the righteous gentiles who silently rebelled against the Nazi reign of terror. This would be a good supplement to those who teach Anne Frank, Elie Wiesel, and the Holocaust as I did in a Florida middle school.
Although it was a fictional story it was based on facts. Excellent book
Verry good read, likable characters. Such a tragic time in history, we must never forget.
wish it wasn’t so short, but a wonderful story told beautifully!
The more any of us can learn from that period history maybe we can also help others and not think of ourselves so much and share
Great job showing a difficult slice of time from several perspectives. Enjoyed the writing and the amazing woman central to the story whose bravery awed me.