How could a tobacco-chewing, defiant, small Polish peasant woman thwart the Nazis’ attempt to exterminate the Jews?
As summer begins in the northern hemisphere, I hope you’ll have opportunities to get away from normal routines, relax and read—perhaps J.L. Witterick’s My Mother’s Secret.
- This short historical novel is based on the lives of Franciszka and Helena, a Polish mother and daughter recognized as “the Righteous among the Nations” in Israel.
- In the midst of the German occupation of Poland in World War II, they risked everything to save the lives of people they barely knew.
- The author weaves the stories of these desperate people with the lives of Franciszka and Helena, crafting a suspense-filled plot that keeps readers turning the pages.
Characters:
- Helena – narrator, protagonist, and daughter of Franciszka. Her mother and brother shape her character, but she must make difficult choices on her own.
- Franciszka – Helena’s mother, the heroine of the story, hides two Jewish families and a German soldier. She says “If you choose to do the right thing, it’s a conscious decision at first…Your actions with time become your character.” Her life exemplifies her words, and readers will root for her.
- Bronek – Jewish carpenter who appeals for help for somewhere to hide his family from the Nazis
- Mikolaj – son of prominent Jewish doctor whose family also needs a place to hide from the Nazis
- Vilheim – young German vegetarian who values every living being. After being drafted into the German Army, he’s disgusted by the Nazis’ actions and deserts. If caught, he will face death by firing squad.
Strengths:
This story cuts to the core of every character and reveals how each one responds to danger and moral dilemmas.
Weakness:
Heroic characters seem almost too good to be true.
Content review:
Contains references to violence that occurs offstage.
My recommendation:
According to publishing industry veteran, Howard Wells, My Mother’s Secret is “authentic and reads like poetry.” From my perspective, this novel is a quick read that was hard to put down, with characters, events, and themes that challenged me to reflect on what I would do in similar circumstances. I hope you’ll consider it as a worthy addition to your reading list.
Reader, can you recommend a story of heroism to inspire other readers?