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

by J.L. Witterick

Hardcover, 2013

Status

Available

Call number

F WIT

Collection

Publication

Putnam Adult (2013), Edition: 8.6.2013, Hardcover, 208 pages

Description

Fiction. Literature. Historical Fiction. HTML:Inspired by a true story, My Motherâ??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 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 atticâ??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 perspectivesâ??all under one roofâ??My Motherâ??s Secret is a testament to the kindness, courage, and generosity of ordinary people who chose to be… (more)

Library's rating

Library's review

A poetic novel, My Mother’s Secret, is based on the true story of a Polish-Catholic woman, Franciszka Halamajowa and her teenage daughter, Helena. During WWII, the pair hide two Jewish families and a defecting German soldier in their home in Sokol, Poland for over a year. None of the parties are
Show More
aware of the others existence. The story is told from four different points of view and is a short, quick read (188 pages) appropriate for tweens to adult. The author was inspired to write the book after seeing the documentary, No. 4 Street of Our Lady.

I easily read this book in only a few sittings and although a story of the Holocaust, I found it to be both sad and uplifting at the same time. At the end of the war of Sokol’s 6,000 Jews only 30 had survived and half did so because of Franciszka’s righteous actions.
- Kathy S.
Show Less

Barcode

3861

Language

User reviews

LibraryThing member 2LZ
As an Early Reviewer for Librarything.com, I received an advanced copy of My Mother's Secret by J.L. Witterick in return for my honest review and thoughts.

This book may consist of a mere 185 pages, but its impact is astounding. The novel is based on the true story of Francisska Halamajowa and her
Show More
daughter Helena; their incredible bravery and humanity during the rise of Hitler and this intolerably, sadistic period of history is awe-inspiring. Francisska and Helena hid two Jewish families and one German soldier in their small home, for over a year, without any of the hidden having knowledge of the others.

The writing is sparse; some chapters are a paragraph, but each word possesses heartfelt significance. In a time of great personal risk, without a clear reason as to why, Francisska and Helena serve as examples of the goodness that exists in this world even during a time when decency and kindness seemed nonexistent.

I highly recommend reading this book. It is not to be missed.
Show Less
LibraryThing member astridnr
A short, but very moving book that leaves the reader space to breathe and absorb its profound message. My Mother's Secret tells the story of Franciszka Halamajowa and her daughter Helena, who hid two Jewish families and a German soldier in their small farmhouse in Poland during the holocaust. It is
Show More
a story of four families, each told in a first person narrative by one of the family members. I was moved to tears, and I highly recommend this beautiful book. It took me less than two hours to read, but in that short time I feel that I was not only transported, I was transformed.
Show Less
LibraryThing member CeeAnne
I received this book from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program in today's mail, and was anxious to just read a bit to get me started. This unexpectedly turned into an evening of reading straight through this wonderful story. I just loved it. It is a fairly short book, but very well developed.
Show More
Although it's the story of Franciszka's bravery in hiding two Jewish families and a German soldier, it isn't told from her perspective. The viewpoints shift from her daughter to some of those she is hiding. Through their words we learn about how selfless this woman was (this is based on real events) and how crafty she was as well.

Although I tend to read a great deal of books based on World War II, this one stands out as something special. It is extremely readable and would be perfect for book clubs as well as teens. I especially liked the balance of characters, showing that there are truly good people everywhere in every group. I will definitely recommend this one.
Show Less
LibraryThing member pdebolt
This is the fictionalized account of two of the people recognized by the state of Israel as "the righeous of the nation." These were people who were not Jewish who aided Jewish people in a world gone mad and took a stand against evil. Franciszka and her daughter, Helena, hid two Jewish families and
Show More
one German soldier in their very small home in Poland for more than a year at great risk to themselves. In a world where overpaid professional athletes are often called heroes, it is simply inspiring to know that there are true heroes among us who quietly affirm their goodness and character through their unsung actions.

The story is told from the viewpoints of Helena and the people who were rescued in very spare prose. It is a small book in terms of pages, but the impact is large and will resonate with its readers long after it's finished.
Show Less
LibraryThing member alandee
Based on a true story of the Holocaust "My Mother's Secret" is told from the perspective of the people involved. It is a tribute to the extraordinary courage of Franciszka Halamajowa and her daughter Helena. Hiding two Jewish families and a defecting German soldier for over twenty months was an
Show More
example of human kindness and compassion and bravery. While the world around them was engulfed in the horrors and insanity of the war, Franciszka and Helena were a beacon of hope and were determined to save these people at whatever the cost to themselves. It is fitting that they are recognized as "Righteous Among the Nations" in Israel.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Spinaltap
J L Witterick tells the story of Franciszka and her daughter, Helena, as they live through the German occupation of Sokol, Poland. On the surface, they live an unremarkable life as Franciszka sells her eggs and vegetables at market and Helena works as a secretary at a local factory, but they are
Show More
also keeping a dangerous secret. Unbeknownst to their neighbors and the local German commander, they are hiding not one, but two Jewish families and a German soldier in their tiny home...

As I first started reading this book, I found myself wishing for more details about the characters and their lives, but changed my mind as I read on. The minimalistic style of this book allows us to focus on the things that are truly important: love, kindness, humanity and unwavering principle in the face of incredible danger and hardship. This is a wonderful book that I hope others take time to read!
Show Less
LibraryThing member JackieBlem
This book is one of the most beautiful I've ever read. While it's set in the time of the Holocaust, there is love, joy, compassion and profound bravery. This is a novel, but it is based on real people, a woman and her daughter, who saved 15 people from death despite the many difficulties and
Show More
sorrows of their own. This will make you remember how good people can be, how amazingly resilient they are, and what even just a couple of people can do to truly change the world. This book renewed my faith in humanity, and I will put this book in as many hands as I possibly can.
Show Less
LibraryThing member bookgirljen
For such a slim novel, this book has a powerful impact. Based on a true story of a Polish mother and daughter who hid Jews in their home during the German occupation of Poland in WWII, few words are needed to make you feel the emotions of all involved. This author has a sparse writing style that
Show More
works exceptionally well for this story. I truly enjoyed this book, and was only left wanting to know more about each and every one of the characters.

In fact, that is really my only quibble with this book - that we don't truly get to know anyone. We are given only what we need to know. This book could easily have been lengthened with deeper character development, and while I wanted more, I do still think it packs a powerful punch. If you enjoy historical novels set in the WWII era as I do, I highly recommend this book.
Show Less
LibraryThing member missjomarch
I was selected to review this book as LibraryThing.com EarlyReviewer. This beautifully profound story takes place in the tiny town of Sokal, Poland during World War iI. Based on the true story of mother and daughter, Franciszka and Helena Halamajowa and their courageous efforts.

Franciszka is first
Show More
approached by a Jewish construction worker who asks if she would be willing to hide he and his family. She readily agrees and finds them a place in her hayloft. Next she is approached by her friend, the wife of a well-respected Jewish doctor, and is asked the same thing. Again, she readily agrees and the doctor digs his family a shelter under the floorboards of Franciszka's kitchen. Finally, a German solider, not of the Nazi belief nor the heart to harm anyone asks Franciska for her help. she finds a space for him in her tiny attic.

This woman's heroic bravery is evidence that human kindness does exist. A story easily readable by anyone. Told in brief vignettes by each of the characters perspectives it was difficult not to read in a single sitting.

Highly recommended if wanting an inspirational read.
Show Less
LibraryThing member petxpert
Excellent. A must read for all ages. In fact, it should be required reading.
LibraryThing member Quiltinfun06
Well written, inspiring true story of two families incredible efforts.
LibraryThing member susiesharp
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
Show More
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.â€

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.â€
“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.â€
“ 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.â€

This was a great book and I would highly recommend this story, it’s a short book that packs a powerful punch.

4 Stars
Show Less
LibraryThing member Staciele
Every time I read a story based on the Holocaust, I am riveted and in awe of the horrific acts perpetrated on the Jewish people. Every story I have read has left me distraught but also so grateful for the few glimpses of hope and kindness that were shared during such an evil point in our history.
Show More
MY MOTHER'S SECRET is just that kind of story.

J. L. Witterick was captivated by the true story of Franciszka and her daughter, Helena, a simple family with a farm in rural Poland. After hearing about their selfless act of hiding 15 people in their simple home during the war, Witterick knew there was a story to tell. In MY MOTHER'S SECRET, Helena begins telling us about her life growing up in Germany with her parents and brother, Damien. As Hitler emerges as the new leader, her father takes Hitler's side and life at home becomes more difficult. At 16, Helena and her brother leave with their mother to move to Poland, leaving the abusive father behind. Through the many contacts and friends they meet during their time in Poland, Francsizka's kindness is remembered. Those connections prove to be quite valuable as war breaks out. Moving through the book we read the personal stories of the people Francisizka chooses to hide and keep safe while war and horrors take place all around them. Of those who take refuge on the farm, we meet a German soldier who can't bear to participate in any more of the horrible acts required of him, a doctor and his family whose wealth can only protect them so long, and finally, a family who can't bear to suffer another loss at the hands of the Germans.

The novel is written in a way that it can be shared with your teenager or your grandparents. The chapters are short and even though the pain of the words are difficult, it is a quick read. There are many lessons to learn while reading this book, including living without regrets, giving selflessly to help others, and that acts kindness will be rewarded. Even when Franciszka should have given up and been as angry as any other person who had suffered during the war, she found a way to give to others, to keep hope alive, and choose to do the right thing when she had so much to lose.

This would make an excellent choice for book clubs or for schools to use in their Holocaust studies. Discussion questions are included in the back of the book, but even without them, you will find much to discuss in the stories of Franciszka, Helena, and the families they meet. MY MOTHER'S SECRET is an amazing story and one that should be shared with generations to come.
Show Less
LibraryThing member lilibrarian
Historical ficiton, based on the real-life story of a woman who hid 2 families of Jews and an awol German soldier on her small farm during the German occupation of Poland. None of the hidden people were aware the others were there.
LibraryThing member Beamis12
Although the writing is very simple and spare, the subject matter is anything but. It is not often that one reads a book about the holocaust and finds it life affirming, appalling too, but that is not the overall tone of the book.

Taking her daughter and her son, leaving her husband, an avowed
Show More
supporter of Hitler, Francisca returns to Poland from Germany. The Germans invasion of Poland touches their town of Sokal and soon Jewish policies are enforced and all are moved to the ghetto.

She would eventually hide two different Jewish families and one young eighteen yr. Old German soldier. Just because it was the right thing to do. We hear from her daughter, the soldier and the two men of the families. In this town which once had 6000 Jews, only thirty would survive. Franciska saved fifteen. How amazing and this is based on a true story and a real person.

This book is more about the message because the tone is rather informal. It is told in a very unemotional way and in a way I felt it kept me from feeling connected to the characters. The book was easy to read and it was wonderful reading about someone who helped with no question or soul searching.
Show Less
LibraryThing member frenchmama
A really good read. The story is the author's interpretation of what could have happened when a mother and daughter hide two families and a soldier for almost two years during the Holocaust. The truth is that the mother and daughter hid them. The author speculated, but gives us a really good story.
LibraryThing member wrbinpa
A story of hope and survival, My Mother’s Secret is a remarkable book inspired by true events that took place during the Holocaust in Sokal, Poland.

Germany invades Poland in 1939. Hitler’s popularity is growing and he seems to have a hypnotic power over the people. In 1941 things go from bad to
Show More
worse when Jews lose their freedom and are treated horribly with brutal acts committed daily. The unbelievable sounds of screaming coming from the ghetto filled them with terror. Jewish families are living in constant fear each day, not knowing if it will be their last.

Franciszka is an incredible woman who displays motivation, cleverness and courage. She is a warm and loving mother to Helena, but is willing to risk their lives to save others. She hides two Jewish families and a German soldier in a small house and shed, and she never asks for anything in return. A touching story, indeed! This story is told in the simplest way and is a book quite appropriate for YA’s. 5 stars.
Show Less
LibraryThing member nfmgirl2
This story begins in Germany, where the family lives with their overbearing and at times abusive father who becomes a Nazi sympathizer. Francisizka is a compassionate, resourceful, and strong woman. She puts her children first, which is why she leaves her husband and takes her children Helena and
Show More
Damian back to Poland.

Helena is a good daughter, she gets a job as a secretary at a garment factory to help out with the family, and falls in love with her boss Casmir.

Damian gets a job at an oil refinery, where he excels. As a valued laborer, the military leaves him alone as it builds an army to purge Poland of those individuals of Jewish heritage.

Being who she is, Franciszka cannot turn away those in need, and she winds up hiding a number of people throughout the war, risking her own life and that of her children.

My final word: This was an easy, fast read. It is inspired by true events, and the real Franciszka Halamajowa, "who with her daughter saved the lives of fifteen Jews in Poland and during the Second World War. She also hid a young German soldier in her attic at the same time." The book feels authentic. You can imagine that this is what it was like for these people, and it is a great tribute to both those who survived and those who died during the war and an attempted eradication. For those seeking to learn more of Holocaust experience, this is a fine semi-fictional exploration.
Show Less
LibraryThing member jenn88
This story, divided into five sections, blends fact with fiction. A woman and her daughter really did hide fifteen Jewish people, as well as a German soldier, in their small home in Poland during the Nazi invasion.
LibraryThing member Bookish59
My Mother's Secret is about doing what's right when everything around you is wrong.

In Sokal, Poland, Franciszka Halamajowa, small but strong, uses her wits to stand against hatred. She teaches love and kindness to her daughter Helena, and son Damian. The three aid Jews during the Holocaust; until
Show More
he is killed, Damian brought supplies to resistance fighters. Mother and daughter hide Jewish families in their home, along with a young German soldier who wanted no part of the irrational violence and murder of innocents.

The story is written candidly and unpretentiously, in short chapters and simple words to soften the intensity of what life was like. Witterick honors Franciska, Damian and Helena, exceptional people for their brave, kind, good hearts and souls, wise decisions, and their robust moral will.

Outstanding read.
Show Less
LibraryThing member jmchshannon
My Mother’s Secret by J. L. Witterick is a simplistic, fictionalized account of two real-life heroines of World War II. Franciszka and Helena Halamajowa rescued fifteen Jews from the horrors of the Holocaust and did so for no other reason than it was the right thing to do. To put it into
Show More
perspective, in their little town in Poland, only thirty of six thousand Jews survived the war. The Halamajowa women saved half of the survivors on their own simply by hiding them in and around their very tiny homestead.

At only 208 pages, Ms. Witterick does not go into great detail about the events at the Halamajowa household, but what she does show gives us four different viewpoints of the war and living in occupied Poland. We get a partial understanding of the desperation required to ask for help in hiding from the Nazis, and we also get an idea that not all Nazis relished their roles in occupying countries and terminating the Jews. More importantly, we can glean an idea of the humanity it takes to hide not one but two families as well as a German deserter from the enemy.

Again, My Mother’s Secret is more a novella than a novel, so there is no depth, no insight into the characters or the story. Instead, we get a very simplistic view of the generosity of spirit and the creativity it took to protect those most at risk during the Nazi occupation. Coming off of four years of inflamed hatred and burgeoning fascism, My Mother’s Secret inspires as it provides proof that humanity can be better than what the news media reports.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Cherylk
I have always had a fascination with reading stories about the Holocaust. The stories that these people have to tell about what they endured and how they survived is amazing. Of course it was not just the people hiding but people like Franciszka and Helena that were the true heroes. They risked
Show More
everything to protect these people. As evident in this book and as a reminder that not all of the people affected were Jews. Some Germans as well sought protection. Everyone in this book were great and had a wonderful story to tell. It was nice to see how the author connected all of their lives together. I can not imagine hiding every day in fear that any moment could be your last. Two of my favorite quotes from this book were as follows:

"Hope is a strategy after all".

"Love is the only thing that you get more of when you give it away".

If you are a avid fan of these types of books than you need to check this book out. You won't regret it. In fact, you might want to read it over and over again. So on second thought purchase two copies so that you can read one over and over again and the other one can be kept safe on your bookshelf or electronic ereader.
Show Less
LibraryThing member dpappas
This is a story based on the true story of Franciszka Halamajowa and her daughter Helena who hid Jewish families and a German soldier during WWII. If I could I would give 5 stars to them for their bravery.

This story is a relatively short story. I managed to finish this really fast. For me, unlike
Show More
most other reviewers, the shortness of the story harmed the story. I was so interested in the characters that just when I really started to get to know them and care about them we were onto another character's point-of-view. I would have loved for the characters and the plot to have been fleshed out more. These courageous women did such heroic things and I felt like this was just a glossed over summary of the events. Don't get me wrong I did enjoy the book but I would have loved it if things would have just been more developed.

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy WWII historical fiction.

[I received this book from a Librarything Early Reviewer's Giveaway. The content of my review is in no way affected by that.]
Show Less
LibraryThing member JillHannah
This is a book that reflects the strengths, horrors, perseverance and heart of WWII, and what a positive, daring impact one woman did to save lives and risk her own. I highly recommend this quick read!

ISBN

0399168540 / 9780399168543
Page: 1.6606 seconds