This month we are reviewing the book My Mother’s Secret by J.L.Witterick

My Mother’s Secret by J.L.Witterick
Franciszka and her daughter Helena, are unlikely heroines. They are simple people who mind their own business and don’t stand out from the crowd…until 1939, when crisis strikes. The Nazis invade Poland and start to persecute Jews. Providing shelter to Jews has become a death sentence, and yet Franciszka and Helena do exactly that. In their tiny two-room house in Sokal, they cleverly 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 floorboards, 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 choose to be extraordinary.

Reviews
“My Mother’s Secret is a story about the bravery and compassion of a woman and her daughter during the holocaust. Although a short book, this book is poignant and amazingly powerful. Based on a true story, it is inspiring to learn that during this dark time during the world war 2, love and nobility existed. It was definitely a good read.” – Review by Maria

“Given the story content, I thought this would be a difficult one to read.  On the contrary.  It was an easy, yet inspiring and poignant read that actually uplifted me.  Those who were going through so much suffering, gave what little they had, despite persecution and the threat of death.  In a time of ugliness and hatred, compassion and kindness was not obliterated.” – Review by Susie

“It’s like many short stories that merge into one at the end. Although it is a touching story of the bravery and generosity of some people, I found that the chapters were too short and the stories were bouncing back and forth too often. Because the chapters were so short, it was difficult to pick up the story line before it went to the next story line. There could have been better descriptions/build up of the characters so that the reader can have more empathy for them.” – Review by Janice

Book of the Month
Every month we will be featuring a new book to be showcased in our Book of the Month. Staff members and friends will be reading the book and posting their reviews. We’d love to hear what you thought of these books as well. Post your comments and let us know.