No One Must Know

by Eva Wiseman

It is 1957 and Alexandra’s immigrant family is living the North American dream. Her father is a respected doctor, and she has a warm circle of good friends from church, from girl guides, and from school. Perhaps her mother is nervous and a bit odd – she seems incapable of leaving the house alone – and there is never any talk of the life they left behind in Hungary, but every family has its quirks.

Alexandra’s world is turned upside down when she discovers a secret that her parents have kept. They are not Catholic, as Alexandra believes. They are Jewish. Alexandra’s view of her parents, of her friends, and of the society in which she lives is turned upside down by her discovery. Who is she and where does she really belong?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Young Adult, Holocaust, Jewish

194 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2004

About the author

Young adult fiction writer Eva Wiseman was born in Hungary and currently lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Eva possesses a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master of Arts degree, and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Manitoba. She has worked as a journalist for the Winnipeg Free Press and the former Winnipeg Tribune, and has taught English Second Language and GED courses to immigrant women.

Reviews

[Lauren Barli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book as a child. It wasn’t as great as I remembered it reading it as an adult

[Marlee Friesen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting part of history to read about...not extremely well written imo.

[Gsmyles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out so strong with a very intriguing look into Canadian antisemitism after the war and a family hiding their heritage. Unfortunately, when Jutka arrived the entire story became shallow, poorly researched and very vague compared to the other parts of the story. Auschwitz was not well described nor its horrors captured. I did overall like the story and was shocked to learn about the blatant Jew separation and discrimination that took place in Canada. I thought Canada was so tolerant. I need to look more into that period of history there.

[Sam - Spines in a Line · Rating 3 out of 5]

THIS IS THE BOOK that I had wanted to read in grade 6 but someone else checked it out so my teacher recommended The Dark Garden by Margaret Buffie, which very quickly became and still is my favourite book! Don't remember much about this one but very grateful for that turn of events

[emma grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

An awesome book. I really think the story was well spun, and the writing was good as well. It was nice that it was a little different than most World War II stories about Holocaust victims. It was interesting to discover that even 15 years after the war had ended, Americans still had no or little idea of the horrors that had gone on in Europe. It was a little dissapointing for me that the main character did decide to follow the Jewish faith instead of sticking with the Catholic faith, but the story probably wouldn't have been the same if she had. And I was thankful that the author didn't really give any arguments about why she chose to leave the Catholic faith; didn't degrade it or anything...
It was really horrible how there was so much hate for the Jewish people in America, and probably still is. It's like the Civil war all over again.

A very good book, and a pretty quick read.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Middle grade novel (10 year and up). Set in 1957 with a family who immigrated to the US from Hungary. Alexandra's life would be considered 'All-American'; Dad's a doctor, live in the suburbs, good circle of friends, until one day Alexandra discovers the life their family is leading has all been a lie. They are not Catholic, as she has always believed, but Jewish! Why has her family kept this a secret? Alexandra must struggle with finding the answers and discovering who she really is. A coming-of-age story.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been on an Eva Wiseman reading binge. I wish I hadn't read this title sixth. Compared to the others it seems predictable. The big secret: unsurprising. I really liked the character of the mother: she felt real, and I could clearly understand her motivations. I'd like to have read it with a 12-year old to get their take on it.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

In comparison to many of the MYRCA books I've read lately, this one came across as almost sweet... and tame. While tackling difficult issues of the Holocaust and racism in Canada, it is done in a way which would be appropriate for reading with a grade 6 class.

[Jill Steffen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a easy read that keeps you wanting more. In the end you will feel so sorry for Alex

[Jeanine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important. A book illustrating the devastating impact of the Second World War. Translates very well to prejudice and identity issues of today.