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The Secrets My Mother Kept: A gripping heart-wrenching historical novel based on a true story
"This is one of the best books I’ve ever read and it is so well written. What an amazing story and I am very grateful the author shared it with the world." - Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"So good! Take the time to dive in! Elana and her mother left extraordinary lives. This historical story touches the soul of readers."- Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One fateful choice changed their lives forever.
Germany, 1946. Still picking up the pieces in the aftermath of World War II, Franka and her infant daughter Danka hastily leave their home in Helmstadt and make their way to the displaced persons camp in Bergen-Belsen.
Against all odds, Franka narrowly survived the liquidation of the Warsaw Ghetto, only to leave the man who sheltered her for a desperate attempt to track down the remnants of her Jewish family. She knows not to expect much, yet in her heart, she still clings to the hope that some of them are waiting for her among the thousands of survivors looking to start their lives anew.
But it’s not what Franka is leaving behind that will change her fate—it’s what she is heading towards.
Israel, 1976. Since she was six years old, Elana Rosenfeld felt like an outsider. Adopted by a childless couple when she was just thirteen months old, she knew nothing of her birth parents, their origins—and hers. But whenever she asks her adoptive parents for answers, she always gets the same “When you grow up, you’ll know.”
Then, a letter arrives at the kibbutz carrying an unfamiliar name, sending Elana on a worldwide search after all the secrets her mother kept.
Based on the true story of a Holocaust survivor and her estranged daughter, Elana Milman’s The Secrets My Mother Kept is a haunting saga of brave and unrelenting women, all the way up to its heart-wrenching conclusion.
"So good! Take the time to dive in! Elana and her mother left extraordinary lives. This historical story touches the soul of readers."- Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One fateful choice changed their lives forever.
Germany, 1946. Still picking up the pieces in the aftermath of World War II, Franka and her infant daughter Danka hastily leave their home in Helmstadt and make their way to the displaced persons camp in Bergen-Belsen.
Against all odds, Franka narrowly survived the liquidation of the Warsaw Ghetto, only to leave the man who sheltered her for a desperate attempt to track down the remnants of her Jewish family. She knows not to expect much, yet in her heart, she still clings to the hope that some of them are waiting for her among the thousands of survivors looking to start their lives anew.
But it’s not what Franka is leaving behind that will change her fate—it’s what she is heading towards.
Israel, 1976. Since she was six years old, Elana Rosenfeld felt like an outsider. Adopted by a childless couple when she was just thirteen months old, she knew nothing of her birth parents, their origins—and hers. But whenever she asks her adoptive parents for answers, she always gets the same “When you grow up, you’ll know.”
Then, a letter arrives at the kibbutz carrying an unfamiliar name, sending Elana on a worldwide search after all the secrets her mother kept.
Based on the true story of a Holocaust survivor and her estranged daughter, Elana Milman’s The Secrets My Mother Kept is a haunting saga of brave and unrelenting women, all the way up to its heart-wrenching conclusion.
447 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 5, 2025
Powerful story
December 22, 2024
A must-read historical novel based on a true story...
Elana Milman's "The Secrets My Mother Kept" is a tragic and fascinating historical novel that weaves together two eras, providing a dramatic exploration of identity, survival, and the Holocaust's continuing impact across generations.
Milman's narrative adeptly transitions between postwar Germany in 1946 and Israel in 1976, skillfully interlacing a complex network of individuals and concealed truths. The author's choice to anchor the work in real-life occurrences enhances the genuineness and emotional impact of the already gripping storyline.
The protagonist, Franka, emerges as a symbol of human resilience. Her trip from the Warsaw Ghetto to a displaced persons camp is laden with peril and difficult decisions, emphasizing the complicated moral landscape of wartime existence. Milman's portrayal of Franka's search for family in the chaos of postwar Europe is both heartbreaking and hopeful, expressing the bittersweet reality that many Holocaust survivors experience.
In parallel, Elana Rosenfeld's search for her origins in 1976 Israel offers a serious examination of adoptive identity and the long-term ramifications of war trauma. The author expertly addresses the issue of intergenerational secrets, demonstrating how the past may shape and haunt the present.
Milman's style is straightforward and evocative, bringing both historical surroundings and the characters' inner lives to life with equal skill. The novel's pacing keeps readers interested, building tension as the two timelines collide for a revelatory ending.
"The Secrets My Mother Kept" is not just another narrative about the Holocaust; it offers a profound exploration of parenthood, selflessness, and the intricate consequences of surviving such a traumatic event. The astute handling of challenging themes and the capacity to identify instances of human interaction within historical calamities distinguish Milman's art.
I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, particularly those with an interest in World War II and its consequences. It offers a unique viewpoint on famous historical events, serving as a reminder of the individual stories that underpin history's major narratives. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Elana Milman's "The Secrets My Mother Kept" is a tragic and fascinating historical novel that weaves together two eras, providing a dramatic exploration of identity, survival, and the Holocaust's continuing impact across generations.
Milman's narrative adeptly transitions between postwar Germany in 1946 and Israel in 1976, skillfully interlacing a complex network of individuals and concealed truths. The author's choice to anchor the work in real-life occurrences enhances the genuineness and emotional impact of the already gripping storyline.
The protagonist, Franka, emerges as a symbol of human resilience. Her trip from the Warsaw Ghetto to a displaced persons camp is laden with peril and difficult decisions, emphasizing the complicated moral landscape of wartime existence. Milman's portrayal of Franka's search for family in the chaos of postwar Europe is both heartbreaking and hopeful, expressing the bittersweet reality that many Holocaust survivors experience.
In parallel, Elana Rosenfeld's search for her origins in 1976 Israel offers a serious examination of adoptive identity and the long-term ramifications of war trauma. The author expertly addresses the issue of intergenerational secrets, demonstrating how the past may shape and haunt the present.
Milman's style is straightforward and evocative, bringing both historical surroundings and the characters' inner lives to life with equal skill. The novel's pacing keeps readers interested, building tension as the two timelines collide for a revelatory ending.
"The Secrets My Mother Kept" is not just another narrative about the Holocaust; it offers a profound exploration of parenthood, selflessness, and the intricate consequences of surviving such a traumatic event. The astute handling of challenging themes and the capacity to identify instances of human interaction within historical calamities distinguish Milman's art.
I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, particularly those with an interest in World War II and its consequences. It offers a unique viewpoint on famous historical events, serving as a reminder of the individual stories that underpin history's major narratives. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
November 14, 2025
The Secrets My Mother Kept is a powerful, emotional read that truly touched me. Knowing this is based on a true story made it even more impactful. At its heart, it’s about a mother’s unconditional love for her child — a love that is unwavering, unquestioned, and deeply moving. Reading about that bond was both heartbreaking and inspiring, especially because so many children today don’t get to experience that kind of pure devotion.
There were multiple moments where I had to pause and get my feelings in check. The raw honesty in the storytelling made me reflect on my own relationships and the importance of love that doesn’t falter, even in the hardest circumstances. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished, reminding you of the strength and resilience found in family ties.
The only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 is because the writing didn’t always flow as smoothly as I hoped. At times, the transitions felt uneven, which pulled me out of the story briefly. But despite that, the message and the emotional weight of the book were undeniable.
Overall, The Secrets My Mother Kept is grand, heartfelt, and unforgettable. It’s a story I will carry with me forever, and one I would recommend to anyone who wants to be reminded of the power of love, sacrifice, and truth.
There were multiple moments where I had to pause and get my feelings in check. The raw honesty in the storytelling made me reflect on my own relationships and the importance of love that doesn’t falter, even in the hardest circumstances. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished, reminding you of the strength and resilience found in family ties.
The only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 is because the writing didn’t always flow as smoothly as I hoped. At times, the transitions felt uneven, which pulled me out of the story briefly. But despite that, the message and the emotional weight of the book were undeniable.
Overall, The Secrets My Mother Kept is grand, heartfelt, and unforgettable. It’s a story I will carry with me forever, and one I would recommend to anyone who wants to be reminded of the power of love, sacrifice, and truth.
October 11, 2024
Mesmerizing story about the life of Elana born to Franka post WWII. Being harbored by a gentile Marion after escaping the Warsaw Ghetto with her husband whom she was ultimately separated from, Franka found herself pregnant once again. Leaving Marion in Germany to search for her family, she entered two displacement camps in search for her family. An admirer ultimately persuades her to leave the baby upon illnesses to be adopted out to Israel. Doing so, they later go to Israel in search of her, but then on to Canada. In the meantime, Elana thrives with her adopted family. However restless in her twenties, she begins the search for her biological mother, soon discovering an extended family. Elana's husband is supportive in her efforts. Yet, attempting to find out the true story and her actual father becomes challenging with secrets involved. This is a really long book, somewhat confusing in the beginning with many foreign relative's names and cities. But, once one gets into the storytelling part, it becomes interesting as the mystery unravels.
June 27, 2025
WWII era life story of Franca and the daughter she gave away Elana
This is the heart wrenching true story of the life and times of Jewish Franca who grew up in Warsaw Germany. About all the choices she had to make and the consequences of her choices. And the impact that those consequences had on her children. Including giving her second daughter Elana up for adoption, but keeping her older daughter Lisa and Son Mike.
The emotional toll was tremendous on everyone involved. And Franca chose to keep the ordeal and information of how she survived the war a secret, and made a huge riff in her life with Lisa for certain.
The storytelling is top notch in this book and I highly recommend reading it. I'm very impressed with Elana's ability to write her biological Mother from her point of view.
Even though the subject of the holocaust is very hard for me to read, I enjoyed this book and read it quickly. I highly recommend it for its compassion.
This is the heart wrenching true story of the life and times of Jewish Franca who grew up in Warsaw Germany. About all the choices she had to make and the consequences of her choices. And the impact that those consequences had on her children. Including giving her second daughter Elana up for adoption, but keeping her older daughter Lisa and Son Mike.
The emotional toll was tremendous on everyone involved. And Franca chose to keep the ordeal and information of how she survived the war a secret, and made a huge riff in her life with Lisa for certain.
The storytelling is top notch in this book and I highly recommend reading it. I'm very impressed with Elana's ability to write her biological Mother from her point of view.
Even though the subject of the holocaust is very hard for me to read, I enjoyed this book and read it quickly. I highly recommend it for its compassion.
October 19, 2024
fascinating biography
I was astounded by the parallels between the Jews who survived the Nazi programs, ghettos and concentration camps in the 1940s, the wars and poverty in Ben-Gurion’s Israel in the 60s and 70s, and (having just returned from a trip to Israel on Oct. 12, 2024), the current war with Hamas, Lebanon and Iran. The grit and determination to survive is a lasting trait of the Israelis. This story linked ultimately 6 generations in their passion to belong to a Land and thrive as People. A long read but well worth it.
I was astounded by the parallels between the Jews who survived the Nazi programs, ghettos and concentration camps in the 1940s, the wars and poverty in Ben-Gurion’s Israel in the 60s and 70s, and (having just returned from a trip to Israel on Oct. 12, 2024), the current war with Hamas, Lebanon and Iran. The grit and determination to survive is a lasting trait of the Israelis. This story linked ultimately 6 generations in their passion to belong to a Land and thrive as People. A long read but well worth it.
October 20, 2024
She had two mothers
This book was hard for me to read but I had to keep going. I am an adoptive mother and we have met our son’s birth other and her family. This has enriched all of our lives. I could understand Eliana’s need to learn the story as much as possible. It was interesting to learn about her family and how accepting everyone was. At times I felt the narrative could have been condensed to make the story flow better but by the end I saw it as necessary to unburden the authors heart.
This book was hard for me to read but I had to keep going. I am an adoptive mother and we have met our son’s birth other and her family. This has enriched all of our lives. I could understand Eliana’s need to learn the story as much as possible. It was interesting to learn about her family and how accepting everyone was. At times I felt the narrative could have been condensed to make the story flow better but by the end I saw it as necessary to unburden the authors heart.
January 10, 2025
This story helped me understand the constant fear of Jews in Poland during World War II. The story is riveting and I read it - and reread some parts- trying to understand the tone of each event and human response. I think the difficulty in understanding this text is that it was translated from Hebrew and there are redundancies, unnecessary phrases, and ideas that just don’t translate well. I would have given it 5 stars, perhaps, with another translation.
August 30, 2025
Such heartfelt book full of sorrow , love and sadness but with lots of love in between it was a read of up and down emotions of how World War 2 effected peoples lives for years after and some never recover from the memory.
But well worth the read it tells you of the horrors War can inflicted on people at the time and later on in life of all Nations that why there should never be a a World War 3.
Life is to precious.
But well worth the read it tells you of the horrors War can inflicted on people at the time and later on in life of all Nations that why there should never be a a World War 3.
Life is to precious.
November 30, 2025
This book helped me realize how much people had to give up and sacrifice during World War II.
He gave real world examples from a very personal perspective on just how hard it was to live as a Jew.
It also fascinated me how people who had been separated back, then could actually find the connections that they were looking for.
It’s a true story written over three generations and it really touched my heart
He gave real world examples from a very personal perspective on just how hard it was to live as a Jew.
It also fascinated me how people who had been separated back, then could actually find the connections that they were looking for.
It’s a true story written over three generations and it really touched my heart
October 26, 2024
Beautiful story
You were so blessed to find and know your bio-mother and so many members of your bio family. I too am a adoptee that searched for many years after my bio parents were gone. But I have been blessed to know my siblings and some cousins. This story was superb and very well written. I will recommend this book to others.
You were so blessed to find and know your bio-mother and so many members of your bio family. I too am a adoptee that searched for many years after my bio parents were gone. But I have been blessed to know my siblings and some cousins. This story was superb and very well written. I will recommend this book to others.
August 22, 2025
A touching story
This book was mesmerizing to me! Such a powerful, inspiring, amazing story of ploughing into the deepest secrets of her past.
And founding them, after years of searching through people and documents. Beautiful written work! Hard to put down this book.
Thanks Ilana for this heartfelt, really story! I absolutely love it!
This book was mesmerizing to me! Such a powerful, inspiring, amazing story of ploughing into the deepest secrets of her past.
And founding them, after years of searching through people and documents. Beautiful written work! Hard to put down this book.
Thanks Ilana for this heartfelt, really story! I absolutely love it!
January 3, 2026
Magnificent!
I enjoyed this book very much and could not put it down. It reminds me of the experience I had when invited by good friends who live in the kibbutz in Israel. Everything in the story makes sense to me as although I’m not Jewish I had the privilege of having worked and retired from the Jewish Federation, “mench” (good) people.
I enjoyed this book very much and could not put it down. It reminds me of the experience I had when invited by good friends who live in the kibbutz in Israel. Everything in the story makes sense to me as although I’m not Jewish I had the privilege of having worked and retired from the Jewish Federation, “mench” (good) people.
January 16, 2025
historical novel
Almost didn't read due to the current story of Israel and Palestine.
The story of Elana is a true story. A mother's love endures over all. Only a mother could understand the depth of that love. There is no other love so deep.
Almost didn't read due to the current story of Israel and Palestine.
The story of Elana is a true story. A mother's love endures over all. Only a mother could understand the depth of that love. There is no other love so deep.
February 9, 2025
Loved this book
This book is a story that may have played out in several families who lived through the Holocaust. I am so glad the family was able to figure out their story and share it.
This book is a story that may have played out in several families who lived through the Holocaust. I am so glad the family was able to figure out their story and share it.
February 17, 2025
A great autobiography!!!
This was one of the best autobiographies that I have ever read! I enjoyed reading it and many of the people involved were very easy to relate to. Overall, a very, very good read. Highly recommended!!!
This was one of the best autobiographies that I have ever read! I enjoyed reading it and many of the people involved were very easy to relate to. Overall, a very, very good read. Highly recommended!!!
January 17, 2026
heartbreaking and at the end a heartwarming story
Following this story has been captivating and
Engrossing. It has given me insights of the horrible experiences these people lived through and the impacts of the war that lived on in them forever.
Following this story has been captivating and
Engrossing. It has given me insights of the horrible experiences these people lived through and the impacts of the war that lived on in them forever.
November 11, 2024
DNF. I made it to about page 67 and just couldn’t read anymore. It may have been a good story but IMO the writing was incredibly boring.
September 4, 2025
Brave
O, ne incredible lady . A hard book to read with an intense story line. Bravery and love and family unity won the day
O, ne incredible lady . A hard book to read with an intense story line. Bravery and love and family unity won the day
December 10, 2025
spell binding read
It’s like reading four lives in one ,heartbreaking at certain points but joyous in others .A must read for all ages .
It’s like reading four lives in one ,heartbreaking at certain points but joyous in others .A must read for all ages .
January 3, 2026
Very boring! DNF
January 7, 2026
Idk what to say it’s a ok book
October 12, 2025
This was a very interesting read. Despite some repetition (one of my bug bears) I really enjoyed reading it. I was pleased there was the epilogue as I would have had some unanswered questions. I would definitely recommend this book.
March 5, 2025
Intriguing and heart felt
The Secrets My Mother Kept is a beautiful human interest story. Elana’s telling is honest and forgiving but dogged in its search for truth. Some of the accounts were a little detail heavy but didn’t disappoint.
The Secrets My Mother Kept is a beautiful human interest story. Elana’s telling is honest and forgiving but dogged in its search for truth. Some of the accounts were a little detail heavy but didn’t disappoint.
August 25, 2025
Interesting history read—3.5
Enjoyed learning about life in Israel for Jews and life on a Kibbutz.
Didn’t care for structure- used fiction to expand & imagine the true story but then also had the extent of the true story as the author knew it.
Writing doesn’t flow well which is partially that English is not primary language of writer but also mediocre writing.
Enjoyed learning about life in Israel for Jews and life on a Kibbutz.
Didn’t care for structure- used fiction to expand & imagine the true story but then also had the extent of the true story as the author knew it.
Writing doesn’t flow well which is partially that English is not primary language of writer but also mediocre writing.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews