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    My Mother's Secret: Based on a True Holocaust Story
    My Mother's Secret: Based on a True Holocaust Story
    My Mother's Secret: Based on a True Holocaust Story
    Audiobook2 hours

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

    Written by J.L. Witterick

    Narrated by Elizabeth Wiley

    4.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    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 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, My Mother's Secret is a testament to the kindness, courage, and generosity of ordinary people who chose to be extraordinary.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTantor Media, Inc
    Release dateOct 6, 2015
    ISBN9781494587925
    My Mother's Secret: Based on a True Holocaust Story

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    Reviews for My Mother's Secret

    4.5/5

    279 ratings41 reviews

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    • 4/5
      Excellent depiction of the same period and place in time from four different perspectives
      This book is more suited for teens or young adults or someone just wanting a quick read.
    • 3/5
      The narrators voice prevents clarity as to the different viewpoints in this book, it would’ve been better to have employed someone who has a broader selection of voices and the ability to lower and raise the voice..
      Apart from that problem it’s a good book
    • 5/5
      Optimism and the ability for people to be swayed, and had more people did the same, wow.
    • 4/5
      This is the story of the invasion and occupation of Poland by the Germans (and for a time the Russians) in WWII. It is based on the true story of a Polish countrywoman who believed that from childhood you chose how you will respond to a situation, and every time you make a choice to do right it is more embedded in you. When the war came it was simple for her to choose to help her neighbors hide from the German’s; though it could mean death if she was discovered hiding Jews. After reading about 25% of this book I realized I had read this book before, though I can’t tell you when. The manner of how the story was presented kept me reading; it is a blend of common sense, mixed with empathy for others, and the willingness to stand up for your beliefs. Excellent read.
    • 5/5
      An amazing story of true strength of character and courage. If only there were more people like Franchesca in the world
    • 4/5
      The story of Nazi occupied Poland, based on true events and a true person. There were 6,000 Jews in Sokal, Poland, before the Nazi occupation, and only 30 remained after the Germans left. Franciszka Halamajowa was responsible for saving 15 of those 30 Jews. The writing was nothing fancy or grand, but the story was simple and poignant. 183 pages
    • 5/5
      I loved this book, a short and inspiring read. I have recommended it my family and friends.
    • 5/5
      An excellent book! I was encouraged to learn of the courage and selflessness of this amazing woman!
    • 4/5
      A wonderful read. So many unsung heroes from that time period.
    • 4/5
      Inspiring and historical. It restores belief in the goodness on humanity
    • 5/5
      Excellent story I loved it and will recommend it to my friends
    • 5/5
      A beautiful story, beautifully written and narrated. It will bring you to tears.
    • 2/5
      Chapters are only a few sentences, many times less than 30 seconds
    • 4/5
      The story of Nazi occupied Poland, based on true events and a true person. There were 6,000 Jews in Sokal, Poland, before the Nazi occupation, and only 30 remained after the Germans left. Franciszka Halamajowa was responsible for saving 15 of those 30 Jews. The writing was nothing fancy or grand, but the story was simple and poignant. 183 pages
    • 5/5
      Riveting story and excellent vocal talent. This book reminds us that it is the opportunities we don’t take that we may regret later. A great reflection of how wonderful the human spirit can be when we focus on the needs and struggles of others before ourselves.
    • 2/5
      The book was awesome, but the recording skipped a lot of the book.
    • 5/5
      Great storytelling and very good narrator. I love true stories and the inspiration of this one was heartfelt.
    • 5/5
      My first ever audiobook!! It was a great choice. This story is so inspiring, especially in the times we live in
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed the story, so sad but uplifting and encouraging that there is good in people.
    • 4/5
      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 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.
    • 4/5
      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 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.
    • 4/5
      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.
    • 4/5
      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 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.
    • 5/5
      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 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.
    • 5/5
      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.
    • 4/5
      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 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.
    • 5/5
      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. 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.
    • 5/5
      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 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.
    • 4/5
      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 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.”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.”“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.”“ 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.”This was a great book and I would highly recommend this story, it’s a short book that packs a powerful punch.4 Stars
    • 3/5
      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.