My Mother’s secret: Book review

Book review

Title: My Mother’s secret 

Author: J.L. Witterick

Genre: Historical fiction

My Mother’s secret seemed to be the perfect read for Mother’s Day. 

Based on a true incident, this novel is an uplifting tale of how a mother- daughter duo save the lives of two Jewish families and a fleeing German Soldier. 

Franciszka and her daughter Helena lead simple lives until the invasion of the Nazis into their homeland. Despite the fact that a death sentence would be issued for sheltering Jews, Franciszka and Helena hide two Jewish families and a soldier in their tiny home in Sokal. The three parties are unaware of one another’s existence. The story chronicles the smartness of this mother-daughter pair to survive this nightmarish ordeal, outsmart their neighbors and the soldiers. 

Narrated from the point of view of four different characters- Helena, members of the Jewish families and the soldier, the author takes the readers through the horrors of the Holocaust. There is uncertainty, hatred and death all around. Perhaps this is why Franciszka’s courageous act of kindness comes across as a pleasant contrast. 

It’s also interesting to observe how the veil of motherhood is spread across in the story. The generosity to help even those who aren’t your own is an act that deserves nothing less than admiration. 

The language is simple and the chapters are in the form of vignettes. The heartrending instances take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. The book is an ode to kindness, humanity and courage displayed at a time when the circumstances were grim. My Mother’s secret is captivating and moving. It’s one book that will stay with you for a while.