---
product_id: 8283597
title: "My Mother's Secret: A Novel Based on a True Holocaust Story"
price: "€ 44.09"
currency: EUR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
url: https://www.desertcart.sk/products/8283597-my-mothers-secret-a-novel-based-on-a-true-holocaust
store_origin: SK
region: Slovakia
---

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

**Price:** € 44.09
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** My Mother's Secret: A Novel Based on a True Holocaust Story
- **How much does it cost?** € 44.09 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.sk](https://www.desertcart.sk/products/8283597-my-mothers-secret-a-novel-based-on-a-true-holocaust)

## Best For

- Customers looking for quality international products

## Why This Product

- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Description

desertcart.com: My Mother's Secret: A Novel Based on a True Holocaust Story: 9780425274811: Witterick, J.L.: Books

Review: Different perspectives to ponder on! - This book told different perspectives of what it was like to hide the Jews and what drove the Jews to hiding. It was a very easy read.
Review: Short book that packs a powerful punch. - 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

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | #75,424 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #85 in Jewish Literature & Fiction #277 in Historical World War II & Holocaust Fiction #371 in World War II Historical Fiction |
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (10,101) |
| Dimensions  | 5.43 x 0.43 x 8.23 inches |
| Edition  | Reprint |
| ISBN-10  | 0425274810 |
| ISBN-13  | 978-0425274811 |
| Item Weight  | 5.8 ounces |
| Language  | English |
| Print length  | 208 pages |
| Publication date  | September 2, 2014 |
| Publisher  | Berkley |

## Images

![My Mother's Secret: A Novel Based on a True Holocaust Story - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81h-Aor1QTL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Different perspectives to ponder on!
*by D***R on January 20, 2026*

This book told different perspectives of what it was like to hide the Jews and what drove the Jews to hiding. It was a very easy read.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Short book that packs a powerful punch.
*by M***6 on June 30, 2014*

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

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I real feel good story, suitable for youth and adults.
*by A***R on February 21, 2026*

This is a true story about the Holocaust and one good hearted woman.

## Frequently Bought Together

- My Mother's Secret: A Novel Based on a True Holocaust Story
- The Boy From Block 66: A WW2 Jewish Holocaust Survival True Story (Heroic Children of World War II)
- My Daughter’s Keeper: A WW2 Historical Novel, Based on a True Story of a Jewish Holocaust Survivor (World War II Brave Women Fiction)

---

## Why Shop on Desertcart?

- 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016
- 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories
- 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price
- 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members)
- 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection
- ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews

**Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.sk/products/8283597-my-mothers-secret-a-novel-based-on-a-true-holocaust](https://www.desertcart.sk/products/8283597-my-mothers-secret-a-novel-based-on-a-true-holocaust)

---

*Product available on Desertcart Slovakia*
*Store origin: SK*
*Last updated: 2026-03-23*