prettygirlibra's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
lizaktzxy's review against another edition
5.0
This precious little jewel of a book.
There are many novels based on the holocaust out there. Sadly, I have read very few of them. But each one rekindles in me the same feeling of warmth, sadness and hope. This book was no exception. Written in extremely poetic words, this book tells the story of two exceptional women, mother and daughter, who help save two Jewish families and a German soldier, at a time which brought out the worst, and the best, in people.
If there are books which do their bit in restoring your faith in humanity, this is certainly one of them.
There are many novels based on the holocaust out there. Sadly, I have read very few of them. But each one rekindles in me the same feeling of warmth, sadness and hope. This book was no exception. Written in extremely poetic words, this book tells the story of two exceptional women, mother and daughter, who help save two Jewish families and a German soldier, at a time which brought out the worst, and the best, in people.
If there are books which do their bit in restoring your faith in humanity, this is certainly one of them.
ctruett's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
caslater83's review against another edition
4.0
War is tragic. It kills the most innocent and destroys everything around you. [b: My Mother's Secret|18167456|My Mother's Secret|J.L. Witterick|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1374000637l/18167456._SX50_.jpg|24511866] provides four stories through the eyes of four individuals. Franciszka is an usual woman. She takes on the dangers of hiding Jewish families and a defecting German soldier. She is more intelligent than most people give her credit for: her compassion for others is what spurs her to continue doing the right thing even at the cost of her life.
The Nazis were cold-hearted and more than willing to shoot Jews on the spot if they didn't get what they wanted instantly. They ate well, enjoyed fine foods and strong drinks, and led a relatively easy life at the expense of the Jews and Jewish sympathizers.
While the story is short, it is still rich in compassion, sympathy, and human kindness. This would be a good class assignment to read this book and discuss it.
The Nazis were cold-hearted and more than willing to shoot Jews on the spot if they didn't get what they wanted instantly. They ate well, enjoyed fine foods and strong drinks, and led a relatively easy life at the expense of the Jews and Jewish sympathizers.
While the story is short, it is still rich in compassion, sympathy, and human kindness. This would be a good class assignment to read this book and discuss it.
soph2962's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
erinanderson's review against another edition
5.0
I picked this book up randomly as it was on sale at Shopper's Drug Mart. The description intrigued me as I have been reading a lot about history lately. It is a beautiful book about compassion, fear, and friendliness. I was surprised at how much of an impact on me, and how it made me so grateful for the place and time I grew up in. Some people went through things so profound that we all seem to take it for granted, all the luxuries we have. I definitely have put this book in my top ten, and recommend to people interested in history of any sort.
mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book in Dutch, but since I loved it so much, I will write my review in English, so that all my friends might be able to read the review and read this wonderful, special book.
This book isn't big, it is a short book with only around 200 pages, most of the chapters are only about 1 to 4 pages long, but the whole thing, the whole book is just wow, it is beautiful and special.
It switches perspectives, starting with Helena, the daughter. She tells her story, about before the war, and how everything soon escalates and she and her mom hide people in their house. We then switch to those hidden people. 2 Jewish families and 1 German soldier. They tell us their stories, how their lives began, and how it all ended when they went hiding, and how they feel while hiding. And then we circle around and back to Helena and how the war proceeds.
I loved Francizka, she and her daughter were really really brave. In a time like that, in a house so small, they kept 2 families and 1 German soldier hidden and safe. They didn't even care that they got people from both sides in their houses. They did their best for them, trying to feed them and make them feel at least a bit comfortable.
And when they (Helena, Francizka and the families and the soldier)finally are free, and they finally meet each other, then you hear how much they are connected. It was really special.
I also loved Casmir, how much he knew, and how much he loved Helena to keep it all secret. Ah, I was sooo happy they could be together at last.
It was a sad, but hopeful book, and I would truly recommend it to everyone I know. Read this, I am sure you will love it.
This book isn't big, it is a short book with only around 200 pages, most of the chapters are only about 1 to 4 pages long, but the whole thing, the whole book is just wow, it is beautiful and special.
It switches perspectives, starting with Helena, the daughter. She tells her story, about before the war, and how everything soon escalates and she and her mom hide people in their house. We then switch to those hidden people. 2 Jewish families and 1 German soldier. They tell us their stories, how their lives began, and how it all ended when they went hiding, and how they feel while hiding. And then we circle around and back to Helena and how the war proceeds.
I loved Francizka, she and her daughter were really really brave. In a time like that, in a house so small, they kept 2 families and 1 German soldier hidden and safe. They didn't even care that they got people from both sides in their houses. They did their best for them, trying to feed them and make them feel at least a bit comfortable.
And when they (Helena, Francizka and the families and the soldier)finally are free, and they finally meet each other, then you hear how much they are connected. It was really special.
I also loved Casmir, how much he knew, and how much he loved Helena to keep it all secret. Ah, I was sooo happy they could be together at last.
It was a sad, but hopeful book, and I would truly recommend it to everyone I know. Read this, I am sure you will love it.
kitkat2500's review
4.0
A touching story reminding us of the importance of integrity, values and character. Thanks Jenny.
sarahtissh's review against another edition
5.0
A beautifully impacting novel that will leave you changed.