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One of Them
The beloved author of Not Our Kind and The Dressmakers of Prospect Heights returns with a story of secrets, friendship, and betrayal about two young women at Vassar in the years after World War II, a powerful and moving tale of prejudice and pride that echoes the cultural and social issues of today.
Anne Bishop seems like a typical Vassar freshman—one of a popular group of privileged WASP friends. None of the girls in her circle has any idea that she’s Jewish, or that her real name is or that her real first name is Miriam Pretending to be a Gentile has made life easier—as Anne, she no longer suffers the snubs, snide remarks, and daily restrictions Jews face. She enjoys her college life of teas, late-night conversations, and mixers. She turns a blind eye to the casual anti-Semitism that flourishes among her friends and classmates—after all, it's no longer directed at her.
But her secret life is threatened when she becomes fascinated by a girl not in her crowd. Delia Goldhush is sophisticated, stylish, brilliant, and unashamedly Jewish—and seems not to care that she’s an outcast among the other students. Knowing that her growing closeness with Delia would be social suicide if it were discovered, Anne keeps their friendship quiet. Delia seems to understand—until a cruelty on Anne’s part drives them apart and sends them scattering to other corners of the world, alone and together.
Anne Bishop seems like a typical Vassar freshman—one of a popular group of privileged WASP friends. None of the girls in her circle has any idea that she’s Jewish, or that her real name is or that her real first name is Miriam Pretending to be a Gentile has made life easier—as Anne, she no longer suffers the snubs, snide remarks, and daily restrictions Jews face. She enjoys her college life of teas, late-night conversations, and mixers. She turns a blind eye to the casual anti-Semitism that flourishes among her friends and classmates—after all, it's no longer directed at her.
But her secret life is threatened when she becomes fascinated by a girl not in her crowd. Delia Goldhush is sophisticated, stylish, brilliant, and unashamedly Jewish—and seems not to care that she’s an outcast among the other students. Knowing that her growing closeness with Delia would be social suicide if it were discovered, Anne keeps their friendship quiet. Delia seems to understand—until a cruelty on Anne’s part drives them apart and sends them scattering to other corners of the world, alone and together.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 9, 2025
85 people are currently reading
1416 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
September 13, 2025
3.75 stars
Thank you Harper Books for sending me a free advance copy!
ONE OF THEM takes place in the years right after WW2 and follows two college students at Vassar. Anne hangs out with the popular and privileged crowd and her friends have no idea she is Jewish. Delia, does not hide being Jewish even though it makes her an outcast among other students. The two women strike up a friendship although Anne wants to keep that quiet. When Anne once again is afraid to speak up and do what’s right, Delia is the one who actually suffers the consequences.
The story alternates between the two characters but also covers Delia’s life in France when the Germans invaded the country. Later on Palestine is a setting and you can’t help but notice the issues that are relevant both then and now.
The desire to fit in is universal in any era and that’s something that was easy to understand about Anne even though her silence and complicity were hard to watch. It’s an interesting read about identity, loss, and friendship.
Thank you Harper Books for sending me a free advance copy!
ONE OF THEM takes place in the years right after WW2 and follows two college students at Vassar. Anne hangs out with the popular and privileged crowd and her friends have no idea she is Jewish. Delia, does not hide being Jewish even though it makes her an outcast among other students. The two women strike up a friendship although Anne wants to keep that quiet. When Anne once again is afraid to speak up and do what’s right, Delia is the one who actually suffers the consequences.
The story alternates between the two characters but also covers Delia’s life in France when the Germans invaded the country. Later on Palestine is a setting and you can’t help but notice the issues that are relevant both then and now.
The desire to fit in is universal in any era and that’s something that was easy to understand about Anne even though her silence and complicity were hard to watch. It’s an interesting read about identity, loss, and friendship.
June 20, 2025
This beautifully written story set after WWII at Vassar College captures the antisemitism of the day, as student Anne Bishop passes as a gentile by changing her first name from Miriam so she can be accepted by other students. Stylish brilliant Delia Goldhush does not hide her Jewishness, and the two students become friends, but quietly so as not to blow Anne's cover. Until Anne treats Delia cruelly to continue to protect herself. A poignant read still apt in today's world. Highly recommended!
September 4, 2025
This is my first read by Kitty Zeldis and It was riveting! I love a story that revolves around friendships, and secrets and identity. There are some hard topics covered such as discrimination and anti-Semitism and I understood why Anna wanted to hide her true identity but also felt sad that Jewish people were still treated with disdain after WW2. I enjoyed the characters and descriptions of that time period. There was a good amount of suspense and even some romance. I was fully pulled into this story right from the beginning and felt so many emotions while reading. I'll be happy to read any book Kitty writes in the future.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
August 24, 2025
Kitty Zeldis has done it again.
One of Them is an absolutely stunning and deeply moving novel that I know will stay with me for a long time.
From the very first pages, I was swept into Anne Bishop’s world - her double life as a Vassar sophomore hiding her Jewish identity, and the unbearable tension of being “accepted” only because she is passing. Zeldis captures with heartbreaking precision the small cruelties of casual anti-Semitism, and the ache of wanting to belong while feeling like an imposter in your own skin.
Anne is such a vivid and complicated character, and sometimes frustrating, often tender, and always human. I could feel her fear, her longing, and her conflicted heart with every choice she made. And then there’s Delia Goldhush, a bright, unapologetic, and magnetic. I loved how their friendship unfolds - messy, beautiful, and ultimately life-altering. Their bond is the kind of connection that changes you forever, even if it doesn’t last in the way you want it to.
What I admire most about this book is how Zeldis doesn’t shy away from the shame, betrayal, and regret that come with Anne’s choices, but she also allows space for hope, growth, and forgiveness. The writing is gorgeous, the historical detail is seamless, and the emotional truth at the heart of the story is universal.
Reading this book made me reflect on the masks we wear to be accepted and the price of denying who we really are. One of Them is not just a story about friendship and identity. It is a story about courage, self-discovery, and the cost of silence.
Kitty Zeldis has given us another masterpiece. If you love historical fiction that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, put this at the very top of your list.
One of Them is an absolutely stunning and deeply moving novel that I know will stay with me for a long time.
From the very first pages, I was swept into Anne Bishop’s world - her double life as a Vassar sophomore hiding her Jewish identity, and the unbearable tension of being “accepted” only because she is passing. Zeldis captures with heartbreaking precision the small cruelties of casual anti-Semitism, and the ache of wanting to belong while feeling like an imposter in your own skin.
Anne is such a vivid and complicated character, and sometimes frustrating, often tender, and always human. I could feel her fear, her longing, and her conflicted heart with every choice she made. And then there’s Delia Goldhush, a bright, unapologetic, and magnetic. I loved how their friendship unfolds - messy, beautiful, and ultimately life-altering. Their bond is the kind of connection that changes you forever, even if it doesn’t last in the way you want it to.
What I admire most about this book is how Zeldis doesn’t shy away from the shame, betrayal, and regret that come with Anne’s choices, but she also allows space for hope, growth, and forgiveness. The writing is gorgeous, the historical detail is seamless, and the emotional truth at the heart of the story is universal.
Reading this book made me reflect on the masks we wear to be accepted and the price of denying who we really are. One of Them is not just a story about friendship and identity. It is a story about courage, self-discovery, and the cost of silence.
Kitty Zeldis has given us another masterpiece. If you love historical fiction that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, put this at the very top of your list.
August 20, 2025
Thanks to Harper Books for the gifted copy. All opinions below my own.
I’ve mostly put an embargo on historical fiction books about World War II, i’ve read so many and want to explore other pieces of history. This book intrigued me because it takes place after the war. We get two women who are classmates at Vassar. Delia is much aligned by her peers simply because she is Jewish. Anne is one of those peers, accepted only because she has not admitted to her “friends” that she is also Jewish. The lives of two intertwine as they face the weight of their identity. The story takes us from New York City to Paris to Palestine as it becomes the new state of Israel. We start off with minor prejudices of two silly girls, and it takes deep into much more serious territory as the years wind on.
I really liked both girls and felt they were realistic as “good” girls who faced the realities of adult choices. Their story involves art and art appreciation so there is a lot of culture weaved throughout. The section on Palestine/Israel was well done and touched both sides without feeling judgy or heavy handed.
Also, there’s a Northeastern reference so this Double Husky is always happy to see that!
I’ve mostly put an embargo on historical fiction books about World War II, i’ve read so many and want to explore other pieces of history. This book intrigued me because it takes place after the war. We get two women who are classmates at Vassar. Delia is much aligned by her peers simply because she is Jewish. Anne is one of those peers, accepted only because she has not admitted to her “friends” that she is also Jewish. The lives of two intertwine as they face the weight of their identity. The story takes us from New York City to Paris to Palestine as it becomes the new state of Israel. We start off with minor prejudices of two silly girls, and it takes deep into much more serious territory as the years wind on.
I really liked both girls and felt they were realistic as “good” girls who faced the realities of adult choices. Their story involves art and art appreciation so there is a lot of culture weaved throughout. The section on Palestine/Israel was well done and touched both sides without feeling judgy or heavy handed.
Also, there’s a Northeastern reference so this Double Husky is always happy to see that!
September 20, 2025
I generally don’t love books set in private schools. Rich people being mean to each other isn’t my genre of choice.
This book, though, is so much more.
I loved the 1950s setting and the look at post-war antisemitism.
I found the ways the two Jewish characters handled that racism (loud-n-proud vs keep-it-hidden) were insightful and real.
I loved the female friendship, most of all. Even though some character decisions broke my heart, it’s my kryptonite.
I can’t wait to track down other works from this author.
This book, though, is so much more.
I loved the 1950s setting and the look at post-war antisemitism.
I found the ways the two Jewish characters handled that racism (loud-n-proud vs keep-it-hidden) were insightful and real.
I loved the female friendship, most of all. Even though some character decisions broke my heart, it’s my kryptonite.
I can’t wait to track down other works from this author.
October 26, 2025
I loved the time frame of the book. I used to read a lot of young adult fiction set in the late 1940s early 50’s when I was a teenager so this was nostalgic for me.
I could never bring myself to like Anne. She had her reasons for one of the worst things she did to a friend.
Delia was her own person and much too nice for the likes of Anne.
The novel captures an interesting time for women and the pressures they faced.
Thanks NetGalley and Harper Collins for the advance copy.
I could never bring myself to like Anne. She had her reasons for one of the worst things she did to a friend.
Delia was her own person and much too nice for the likes of Anne.
The novel captures an interesting time for women and the pressures they faced.
Thanks NetGalley and Harper Collins for the advance copy.
December 30, 2025
didn't think I'd like this one but I fooled myself and did. I liked the trajectory of each character and their connection to each other all the way to the end.
October 1, 2025
Zeldis has written another heartfelt novel. Her story captures the 1940s and life as it was.
Vassar and the lives within who deal with friendship, identity and other complex stories within.
Anne and Delia are very different and their friendship is tested. Zeldis is a go to author for me. I can always count on a beautiful story.
Thank you Suzy Approved Tours and Kitty for having me on tour.
Vassar and the lives within who deal with friendship, identity and other complex stories within.
Anne and Delia are very different and their friendship is tested. Zeldis is a go to author for me. I can always count on a beautiful story.
Thank you Suzy Approved Tours and Kitty for having me on tour.
September 4, 2025
Thank you Harper Books for my #gifted copy of One Of Them! #HarperBookspartner #harperbooks #OneOfThem #kittyzeldis
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐎𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐊𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐙𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐬
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝟒.𝟓★
Kitty Zeldis is back with another historical fiction novel is set in the years following WWII. Anne Bishop appears to be like any other freshman at Vassar, hanging out with the popular girls, but her friends have no idea she is is actually Jewish and using her middle name instead of her real name, Miriam. She finds it easier to turn a blind eye to all of the anti-Semitism that goes on around her, especially since it’s not being directed at her. All that seems to change when Anne becomes intrigued by Delia Goldhush. Delia is not in the popular crowd and does not seem to care that she is an outcast and is unashamed that she is Jewish. If anyone found out that Anne has befriended Delia, she would be ostracized from her friend group. After a betrayal, the two are reunited as their paths cross in Paris and Palestine. I enjoyed the themes of friendship and forgiveness in this book, and thought the author did a great job showing how a lot of what is happening today is not that different from what happened during this time period.
💙Post WWII
💙Dual POV
💙Jewish Representation
💙Female Friendship
💙Self-Discovery
💙Thought-Provoking
Posted on Goodreads on September 4, 2025: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around September 4, 2025: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_n...
**Posted on Amazon on September 9, 2025
**-will post on designated date
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐎𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐊𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐙𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐬
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝟒.𝟓★
Kitty Zeldis is back with another historical fiction novel is set in the years following WWII. Anne Bishop appears to be like any other freshman at Vassar, hanging out with the popular girls, but her friends have no idea she is is actually Jewish and using her middle name instead of her real name, Miriam. She finds it easier to turn a blind eye to all of the anti-Semitism that goes on around her, especially since it’s not being directed at her. All that seems to change when Anne becomes intrigued by Delia Goldhush. Delia is not in the popular crowd and does not seem to care that she is an outcast and is unashamed that she is Jewish. If anyone found out that Anne has befriended Delia, she would be ostracized from her friend group. After a betrayal, the two are reunited as their paths cross in Paris and Palestine. I enjoyed the themes of friendship and forgiveness in this book, and thought the author did a great job showing how a lot of what is happening today is not that different from what happened during this time period.
💙Post WWII
💙Dual POV
💙Jewish Representation
💙Female Friendship
💙Self-Discovery
💙Thought-Provoking
Posted on Goodreads on September 4, 2025: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around September 4, 2025: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_n...
**Posted on Amazon on September 9, 2025
**-will post on designated date
September 21, 2025
Thank you @kittyzeldis @harperbooks and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the #gifted book.
ONE OF THEM is my first book by Kitty Zeldis and her writing style brought me into the story which takes place right after WWII in New York, Paris and Palestine. I was fully invested in the story and characters and could not put this book down.
The story is told in alternating POV of Anne and Delia. Anne and Delia meet at Vassar college. Anne passes as a gentile by changing her name from Miriam. She wants to be accepted and feel like she belongs so she dismisses the antisemitism remarks from other students. Delia is sophisticated, bright, and stylish and does not hide that she is Jewish. The two women quietly become friends to not blow Anne's cover. After a betrayal by Ann, both go their separate ways only to be brought back together to face what has been done.
ONE OF THEM is a thought provoking story that will stay with you. The author captures the antisemitism of the day which is still happening today. This is a story of friendship, forgiveness, identity, courage and self discovery. I highly recommend this book.
ONE OF THEM is my first book by Kitty Zeldis and her writing style brought me into the story which takes place right after WWII in New York, Paris and Palestine. I was fully invested in the story and characters and could not put this book down.
The story is told in alternating POV of Anne and Delia. Anne and Delia meet at Vassar college. Anne passes as a gentile by changing her name from Miriam. She wants to be accepted and feel like she belongs so she dismisses the antisemitism remarks from other students. Delia is sophisticated, bright, and stylish and does not hide that she is Jewish. The two women quietly become friends to not blow Anne's cover. After a betrayal by Ann, both go their separate ways only to be brought back together to face what has been done.
ONE OF THEM is a thought provoking story that will stay with you. The author captures the antisemitism of the day which is still happening today. This is a story of friendship, forgiveness, identity, courage and self discovery. I highly recommend this book.
September 7, 2025
One of Them by Kitty Zeldis. Thanks to @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Anne Bishop seems like a typical Vassar girl, but none of her privileged friends know she’s Jewish. She turns a blind eye to their anti-Semitism to fit in. When she becomes friends with sophisticated and worldly (and Jewish), Delia Goldhush, a betrayal breaks them apart and sends them to new parts of the world.
For me this was refreshing because it was a historical fiction POST-WW2. There are some many about WW2, but not as many involving the period after and the after effects. It focuses on two women and their friendship, stricken by betrayal. There’s a lot of history regarding Palestine during the time, which was informative for me. I loved how it showed how rampant anti-semitism was even in educational facilities in America at the time.
“But where most people saw enemies pitted against each other , she saw a strange and sad kind of affinity: people who’d been displaced and were just trying to find a way to survive.”
One of Them comes out 9/9.
Anne Bishop seems like a typical Vassar girl, but none of her privileged friends know she’s Jewish. She turns a blind eye to their anti-Semitism to fit in. When she becomes friends with sophisticated and worldly (and Jewish), Delia Goldhush, a betrayal breaks them apart and sends them to new parts of the world.
For me this was refreshing because it was a historical fiction POST-WW2. There are some many about WW2, but not as many involving the period after and the after effects. It focuses on two women and their friendship, stricken by betrayal. There’s a lot of history regarding Palestine during the time, which was informative for me. I loved how it showed how rampant anti-semitism was even in educational facilities in America at the time.
“But where most people saw enemies pitted against each other , she saw a strange and sad kind of affinity: people who’d been displaced and were just trying to find a way to survive.”
One of Them comes out 9/9.
October 14, 2025
This beautifully written book about two very different young women in post-WWII America will capture you from page one! Anne Bishop, battered by the antisemitism of the era, hides her Jewish identity from her friends at Vassar. Because of her Christian-sounding name, passing as a non-Jew is easy, living with her decision is painful as she must stay silent while her friends are openly disdainful of Jews. theyon one of their classmates: the enigmatic Delia Goldhush. Raised in Paris by her artist mother and art dealer father, Delia is sophisticated, elegant and comfortable in her skin. Anne is intrigued by Delia and chooses to befriend her, then betray her. This is a unique and surprising tale about identity, friendship, deception, and redemption. Complex, thoughtful and persuasive, it recreates the era vividly, following the women from Vassar to Paris and onto the unforgiving terrain of Palestine newly settled by Jews.
December 25, 2025
Kitty Zeldis has delivered a masterclass in historical fiction with The One of Them. Set against the backdrop of post-WWII New York, this novel is a poignant, atmospheric, and deeply moving exploration of what it means to truly "belong" in a world built on exclusion. The protagonist’s journey is written with such empathy and nuance. Watching her navigate the elite world of "polite" society while grappling with her own heritage and the ethics of "passing" is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking. The One of Them is more than just a period piece; it is a sensitive character study about the courage it takes to be oneself. It’s a beautiful, haunting, and ultimately empowering story that stayed with me long after I turned the final page.
September 28, 2025
I love reading books set during the WWII era and this was post-war. With themes of friendship, identity, and secrets there was no lack of emotion and great character depth. Both women had different personalities and ways of dealing with the judgment and religion discrimination. In the first part the reader gets to know Anne and Delia’s and how they are connected. I loved where the plot took them in the following parts and the lessons they learned. It captured my attention and kept me guessing.
Thank you @kittyzeldis @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
Thank you @kittyzeldis @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
July 27, 2025
Wow! I loved everything about “One of Them” by Kitty Zeldis. The Genres for this book are Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Literary Fiction, Women’s Friendship Fiction, Coming of Age Fiction, and World War Two Historical Fiction. There is a dash of Romance and Suspense. There are also secrets, friendship and betrayal. Kitty Zeldis is an accomplished writer and an amazing storyteller. She vividly describes the late 1940’s, the characters, the scenery, and the plot. The timeline for this story is set after World War Two, and goes to the past, when it pertains to the characters or events. The setting for this story is in Vassar, New York, Paris, and Palestine. The author describes her dramatic and colorful characters as complex and complicated. I like that the fashions, accessories, and hairstyles of the era are discussed. In 1947, two female protagonists attend Vassar. Anne Bishop is Jewish, but uses her middle name, and hides the fact that she is Jewish, from the crowd she is involved with. Both of Anne’s parents are deceased. Anne is accepted and goes along with the group. One time she betrays someone she likes to fit in. Delia Goldhush is Jewish, wears and acts the way she wants to. She is an outcast to most of the student population. Delia had a troublesome relationship with both parents. When they escaped France during the war, Delia and her father were able to come to America. Delia’s mother was very artistic and creative and seemed to leave them. Delia wants to find the sculptures that her mother had created. Anne is fascinated by Delia, and the two girls speak, but it is not possible for Anne to include Delia in the activities with her social group. The author takes the reader on a significant journey. . I appreciate that Kitty Zeldis discusses important issues such as discrimination and anti-semitism, rape, pregnancy out of wedlock and premarital sex. The author discusses significant problems of the historical period, the aftermath of the war, differences in class, religion and discrimination. Is it possible for people from different backgrounds to be friends? The author also mentions the importance of motherhood, fatherhood, sisterhood, family, friends, traditions, love, and hope. I highly recommend this memorable, heartfelt, and thought-provoking novel.
October 7, 2025
This book was so good! A story of 2 Jewish girls who grew up differently and chose different paths with regard to their Jewish heritage, yet ended up near the same place in the end! Great journey and life lessons! Just be yourself!
September 25, 2025
The author has written a tender yet very poignant novel. Historical fiction is my favorite genre and this book did not disappoint. I enjoyed it very much.
May 23, 2025
Reviewed for Library Journal; full review appears there.
This was an ARC
This was an ARC
September 12, 2025
Beautiful prose-excellent book discussion material!
September 17, 2025
One of them
Two young college students at Vassar both with histories and art majors. Each one hoping to reach the top and both taking different paths to get there. Anne is Jewish and is hiding that from the group of girls she’s part of. Each one more judgemental and one their leader powerful as she makes the rules they follow.
Delia Goldhush is the second young girl who tries to befriend Anne. Both are harboring secrets and Anne whose name is really Miriam is fighting the snubs, snide remarks, and daily restrictions placed on Jews at this time. Life at Vassar bringing Anne more parties, more friendships and the Art Library where both Anne and Delia share thoughts about their classes, a professor and more. Then on pages 13 - 15 an encounter with her post and Anne has to tell a story in a different way. Carol went and made sure Anne separated from Delia and knew that she had to choose sides and help with their leader’s birthday. Delia is open and honest about being Jewish where Anne feels it would ruin all that she’s been. Delia 1946?is a chapter that helps us learn about her parents and their lives.
Delia realizes Anne is watching her and reminds herself of the roommate she no longer has and has her own room. Her father’s past is hugging page 17 along with her mother’s on pages 17-19. But the author shares a sad day for Delia’s mother forgot about a school hand this is one day that has remained in her mind as she watches her mother work and create her work Delia finds herself fascinated with bisque doll belonging to her mother and the scenes on pages 21-22 reflect how she was treated by her mother. Then the invasion by the Nazis and her whole world falls apart and her parents fight and her mother disappears will she come back in time to go to New York and sail in the boat to freedom?
Both major characters meet in Vassar College in a city surrounding Poughkeepsie and New York City- Greenwich Village them Paris. Pages 41-49 takes us back to Anne as Miriam. Tell her father why she pushed aside being Jewish and page 42 explains it all. Then going back to her senior year in Nightingale pages 42-49 as she remembers the past and what they wore and how being Jewish made a difference wait until you learn the rest as Anne tuned out the group at the party and had to go back to the present.
Back to Delia in 1940 and time to leave but where is her mother? Then a man on the ride using his hands on her and Delia teaching him a lesson he’d never forget. The chapter continues with her relationship with her father and now attending new schools and meeting new friends but as the invasion continues she learns later on her mother was part if the resistance and was killed. Did her father even care?
Then we get to know Delia as she attends the class of Mr. McQuaid and tensions rise, compliments many and Delia gets blindsided all by herself. A scarf is her downfall.
Then meeting Anne in the morning where they both did laps plus Delia confides in Anne about her mistake with the professor just might bond their friendship and knowing they had each other to confide in and become true friends. But her group is not so understanding and told to come to Virginia’s room but why? More like an order!
Virginia stated the Delia and her professor were carry on and she claimed she could prove it demanded that all of her group sign the letter she was sending to the dean. All signed what will Anne do?
Why fall prey to pressure and why allow these girls to win? How could she betray a trust? Who cares about these girls they are pawns of Virginia.
Going home to her father and her family there she meets his new assistant and girlfriend. Observation is quite telling and Delia has to process it all. Will his girlfriend play a role in his next gallery show? Why is it We and she always helped with the new openings.
Delia and her father face off about selling her mother’s work and she as Anne decides to search in Paris what will the final outcome be?
Facing the Dean and told to leave by the end of the week and reading the letter signed by that group destroyed her trust in Anne. Why did she betray her and now she walked out putting her items in storage and then taking a small bag to her father’s house but her father and his girlfriend were not there. Taking the letter he received and what will she tell him when he returns? Moving home and attending Bernard made her Father’s Day. His way of being inattentive continues but his girlfriend took over in too many places and Harriet helped in the gallery and even invited Delia to go shopping, dinner and bringing her some treat packages and trying to be a friend. Was she really enrolled read pages 123 - 124. Then her father invited her to come with him and his girlfriend to Santa Fe to meet Georgia O’Keefe that’s exciting. She declined calling she had classes and her father never suspected her lies.
Going to her father’s office in the house she uncovers a letter from her mother and diary pages that reveal where she went and why she’s living with someone else. Other letters were found and now Delia is in Paris and searching for her mother’s work and started by seeing Maria Theresa .
The warehouse she thought might uncover where the sculpture was is no longer there. Learning the truth she then the invoice had a list of three storage companies but none had records of her mother’s sculpture. Then Anne sees Drew but glad to be in Paris. Anne made a decision to join Mrr’s.Gilchrist and then stuck in a kibbutz for two weeks and now Delia and Sophie as she called herself then careful leaving the confines of the kibbutz and the truth about being Sophie’s daughter. Page 262 more.
How will Drew react to her telling his mother she’s Jewish?
Will she go to confession and meet with a priest?
The ring what happens? Then a child and Asher who will care for him?
Anne 1948-1949
Then the same for Delia. 1949 Anne and a shocking revelation.
Delia did not respond to Anne’s letter and there’d more involved. Will Anne go back to Drew watch her reaction to his ring. Delia and George will they go back to college? Smile when you read the last chapter and realize the true meaning of friendship and forgiveness . One of them will you admit you are?
Fran Lewis just reviews
September 14, 2025
In today's polarized world, certain individuals are often talked about as "them" or "those people," pejorative terms to say the least. In ONE OF THEM, Kitty Zeldis takes that phrase, those words, and exposes the microaggressions, the ignorance and the prejudice behind it. The book's two main characters attend Vassar College. While they are Jewish and from wealthy families, their approach to life is very different.
Anne Bishop becomes part of a group of privileged WASP girls, taking tea with them and dishing tea, gossiping about fashion, other students and life. Her mother died when she was a baby, and she and her father are very close. He changed his name to Bishop when the law firm he wanted to join didn't show an interest in him, and he thought a non-Jewish last name might help his chances. His first name changed from Jacob to Jay. He has been very successful with his new moniker. Anne's first name is Miriam, but at Vassar she decides to go by her middle name after an unsettling event with her best friend during high school.
Delia Goldhush, on the other hand, escaped Nazi Germany after the occupation of Paris with her father, who owned an art gallery. Her mother, an artist, disappeared right before they were to depart, so they had to go on the last boat leaving France without her. Her parents were more dedicated to and consumed by their social network, art and their gallery than they were with loving their daughter. Delia's sophisticated style, confidence and obvious intelligence draw Anne to her. They are starting to grow close until Anne participates in an event that drives a wedge into their budding friendship.
Zeldis' narrative is fluid and easy to read. The descriptions and the reflections, combined with just the right amount of dialogue, make this a book you won't want to put down. After all, we like these two women --- both of whom are perfectly imperfect --- and we want to know how they proceed in their journey. Anne and Delia are searching for something. Delia yearns for the mother she never really had. She thinks that if she can find the boxes of sculpture her mother left behind in Paris, she finally will be happy. Anne's father died when she was in high school, so she's on her own. But she was irrevocably changed by her short-lived relationship with Delia. She has feelings of shame for her part in what happened, and she misses the friendship that might have been.
The story takes us from Poughkeepsie, NY, to Paris, and even to the brand-new state of Israel. As Zeldis shares the unfortunate truth about the many microaggressions that Jewish people endured in the ’40s, it's clear that those same microaggressions are still happening. And the tensions between the Jewish settlers and the Arabs in what was Palestine and is now the state of Israel? Things are just as dire today as they were then. Anne's guide in Israel was Ahmed, and he told her that his family had lived in Palestine-now-Israel for three or four generations. He said that while many Jews had lived in Palestine, there were riots after the British conquered Syria, and most left. But "now they're back again. Grabbing the land. Trying to force us out." And the Arabs attack the Jews who then retaliate in what becomes a never-ending cycle. Sound familiar?
Later, the same guide tells Anne, "You Americans are so soft. Nothing bad has happened to you in a long time. But bad things have been happening to us longer than you've been alive." When she replies that bad things can happen to anyone, he says that bad things happen to some people "more than others." As Anne talks about the violence she witnessed at the kibbutz she visited, someone comments that "[n]othing is going to get settled for a long time." Such irony. Who could have imagined that the anger, the distrust and the hatred would continue for generations?
ONE OF THEM is not a happily-ever-after story. It's an incisive look at the post-WWII era, when antisemitism was rampant, and restrictions were in place in private country clubs, summer camps, subdivisions and the workplace. "Passing" was what some did to make life easier, and this is an insightful reveal of what that entails and how that might play out.
It would be wonderful to say that the world has changed, that religion no longer indicates the value of a person nor does the color of one's skin. But in reality, what Zeldis has done is to cause the reader to see the unfortunate truth that all too little has improved. The conflict in the Middle East is as bad as it ever was, and antisemitism and prejudice against those from other cultures is rampant in the US, as well as other parts of the world.
But none of that takes away from the beauty of Anne and Delia's story. It's inspiring and a testament to the importance of forgiveness and being true to one's self. Multifaceted protagonists, an intriguing plot and beautiful writing make this a novel not to miss.
Reviewed by Pamela Kramer
Anne Bishop becomes part of a group of privileged WASP girls, taking tea with them and dishing tea, gossiping about fashion, other students and life. Her mother died when she was a baby, and she and her father are very close. He changed his name to Bishop when the law firm he wanted to join didn't show an interest in him, and he thought a non-Jewish last name might help his chances. His first name changed from Jacob to Jay. He has been very successful with his new moniker. Anne's first name is Miriam, but at Vassar she decides to go by her middle name after an unsettling event with her best friend during high school.
Delia Goldhush, on the other hand, escaped Nazi Germany after the occupation of Paris with her father, who owned an art gallery. Her mother, an artist, disappeared right before they were to depart, so they had to go on the last boat leaving France without her. Her parents were more dedicated to and consumed by their social network, art and their gallery than they were with loving their daughter. Delia's sophisticated style, confidence and obvious intelligence draw Anne to her. They are starting to grow close until Anne participates in an event that drives a wedge into their budding friendship.
Zeldis' narrative is fluid and easy to read. The descriptions and the reflections, combined with just the right amount of dialogue, make this a book you won't want to put down. After all, we like these two women --- both of whom are perfectly imperfect --- and we want to know how they proceed in their journey. Anne and Delia are searching for something. Delia yearns for the mother she never really had. She thinks that if she can find the boxes of sculpture her mother left behind in Paris, she finally will be happy. Anne's father died when she was in high school, so she's on her own. But she was irrevocably changed by her short-lived relationship with Delia. She has feelings of shame for her part in what happened, and she misses the friendship that might have been.
The story takes us from Poughkeepsie, NY, to Paris, and even to the brand-new state of Israel. As Zeldis shares the unfortunate truth about the many microaggressions that Jewish people endured in the ’40s, it's clear that those same microaggressions are still happening. And the tensions between the Jewish settlers and the Arabs in what was Palestine and is now the state of Israel? Things are just as dire today as they were then. Anne's guide in Israel was Ahmed, and he told her that his family had lived in Palestine-now-Israel for three or four generations. He said that while many Jews had lived in Palestine, there were riots after the British conquered Syria, and most left. But "now they're back again. Grabbing the land. Trying to force us out." And the Arabs attack the Jews who then retaliate in what becomes a never-ending cycle. Sound familiar?
Later, the same guide tells Anne, "You Americans are so soft. Nothing bad has happened to you in a long time. But bad things have been happening to us longer than you've been alive." When she replies that bad things can happen to anyone, he says that bad things happen to some people "more than others." As Anne talks about the violence she witnessed at the kibbutz she visited, someone comments that "[n]othing is going to get settled for a long time." Such irony. Who could have imagined that the anger, the distrust and the hatred would continue for generations?
ONE OF THEM is not a happily-ever-after story. It's an incisive look at the post-WWII era, when antisemitism was rampant, and restrictions were in place in private country clubs, summer camps, subdivisions and the workplace. "Passing" was what some did to make life easier, and this is an insightful reveal of what that entails and how that might play out.
It would be wonderful to say that the world has changed, that religion no longer indicates the value of a person nor does the color of one's skin. But in reality, what Zeldis has done is to cause the reader to see the unfortunate truth that all too little has improved. The conflict in the Middle East is as bad as it ever was, and antisemitism and prejudice against those from other cultures is rampant in the US, as well as other parts of the world.
But none of that takes away from the beauty of Anne and Delia's story. It's inspiring and a testament to the importance of forgiveness and being true to one's self. Multifaceted protagonists, an intriguing plot and beautiful writing make this a novel not to miss.
Reviewed by Pamela Kramer
September 10, 2025
One of Them AUDIO by Kitty Zeldis is a fascinating book which takes place after World War II, 1946-1948. There are multiple themes: anti-Semitism, sexism, friendship, starting a new life, to name a few. The stars of the show are two very different Jewish girls who meet a Vassar College: Anne Bishop and Delia Goldhush. After an earlier experience, Anne decided to use her middle name and not mention her Jewishness. She watched as the “popular” girls were horrible to Delia, eventually getting her expelled. Anne participated in that, to her perpetual shame and it destroyed the budding friendship the two had begun building. Over the next several years, they met again and again. Anne wanted the friendship, Delia did not. They were in Paris, Anne for school, and Delia, to explore her past. Then they went to Palestine together to search for Delia’s mother. There, surprising things happened and they were again separated, their relationship not yet healed. Things came to a head back in New York as Anne worked on her graduation project at Vassar.
Two wonderful characters with a common background and yet, dissimilar lives. The story narrates how difficult relationships can be and yet how valuable they turn out to be. It is the story of two young women maturing into themselves, and it it not always easy to watch, or participate in. The world was changing after the war. Women’s lives were different. The Jewish state of Israel was born, not easily, with plenty of violence. The women discovered that being a professor did not automatically make one a good person, although many were, or their parents, for that matter. It was an interesting journey through the travails of growing up.
Gilli Messer was the narrator and was very easy to listen to and was able to traverse the personalities and changes with grace and aplomb. She made the book even better than it was already.
I was invited to listen to One of Them by Harper Audio Adult. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HarperAudioAdult # GilliMesser #KittyZeldis #OneOfThem
Two wonderful characters with a common background and yet, dissimilar lives. The story narrates how difficult relationships can be and yet how valuable they turn out to be. It is the story of two young women maturing into themselves, and it it not always easy to watch, or participate in. The world was changing after the war. Women’s lives were different. The Jewish state of Israel was born, not easily, with plenty of violence. The women discovered that being a professor did not automatically make one a good person, although many were, or their parents, for that matter. It was an interesting journey through the travails of growing up.
Gilli Messer was the narrator and was very easy to listen to and was able to traverse the personalities and changes with grace and aplomb. She made the book even better than it was already.
I was invited to listen to One of Them by Harper Audio Adult. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HarperAudioAdult # GilliMesser #KittyZeldis #OneOfThem
September 27, 2025
Queue music from “Hevenu shalom aleichem ” By The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
Timeliness or timelessness? Some novels can break both barriers, as Kitty Zeldis’s latest novel proves. Certain books take you on a journey through life, but the best books will stay with you, acknowledging your sympathy, or even more, your empathy. One of Them is a coming-of-age novel, taking readers on a journey back to Post WWII Poughkeepsie, Paris, and Palestine, exploring the timeless & universal themes of love, loss, art and literature, betrayal, desire, acceptance and friendship.
The completely flawed, totally complex, yet relatable FMC characters, Anne and Delia, along with Zeldis’ vivid imagery, drew me to turn page after page. Whether trapsing across Vassar’s campus, the streets of Paris, or the arid terrain of Be’er Sheva, I felt totally immersed in their intertwined lives throughout the story. As we watch Arts Integration struggle to survive in our schools nationwide now, I loved the fact Zeldis uses the richness (& different mediums) of art and literature to emphasize how one object d’art can allow us to have differing points of view – AND new ways of seeing the same thing.
One Of Them resonated deeply with me on so many levels. From growing up in an all-Jewish neighborhood to living in Bosnia for several years, I related to this novel, identifying with the desire for acceptance & approval, the desire to fit in & to still be yourself. When both Anne and Delia travel to Palestine in 1947, I knew I had to take a deeper dive into the ’47 accords, as it was glossed over in my academics. The 1947 accords, aka UN Resolution 181, reminded me very much of The Dayton Accords and my time living in Sarajevo. This, IMHO, is the mark of a great novel: where the novel connects deeply with the reader and sparks the desire to learn more.
A great book club book, One Of Them will spark much discussion, & be a GREAT option for the big screen. Many thanks to @suzyapprovedbooktours & @kittyzeldis for my #gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Timeliness or timelessness? Some novels can break both barriers, as Kitty Zeldis’s latest novel proves. Certain books take you on a journey through life, but the best books will stay with you, acknowledging your sympathy, or even more, your empathy. One of Them is a coming-of-age novel, taking readers on a journey back to Post WWII Poughkeepsie, Paris, and Palestine, exploring the timeless & universal themes of love, loss, art and literature, betrayal, desire, acceptance and friendship.
The completely flawed, totally complex, yet relatable FMC characters, Anne and Delia, along with Zeldis’ vivid imagery, drew me to turn page after page. Whether trapsing across Vassar’s campus, the streets of Paris, or the arid terrain of Be’er Sheva, I felt totally immersed in their intertwined lives throughout the story. As we watch Arts Integration struggle to survive in our schools nationwide now, I loved the fact Zeldis uses the richness (& different mediums) of art and literature to emphasize how one object d’art can allow us to have differing points of view – AND new ways of seeing the same thing.
One Of Them resonated deeply with me on so many levels. From growing up in an all-Jewish neighborhood to living in Bosnia for several years, I related to this novel, identifying with the desire for acceptance & approval, the desire to fit in & to still be yourself. When both Anne and Delia travel to Palestine in 1947, I knew I had to take a deeper dive into the ’47 accords, as it was glossed over in my academics. The 1947 accords, aka UN Resolution 181, reminded me very much of The Dayton Accords and my time living in Sarajevo. This, IMHO, is the mark of a great novel: where the novel connects deeply with the reader and sparks the desire to learn more.
A great book club book, One Of Them will spark much discussion, & be a GREAT option for the big screen. Many thanks to @suzyapprovedbooktours & @kittyzeldis for my #gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 21, 2025
In 1946, Anne Bishop is enrolled in Vassar and is eager to be accepted by her peers. She is wary of Virginia Worthington, the ringleader of a group who is quick to find fault with others, especially Jews, whom she disparages as "devious." Virginia takes special delights in badmouthing a Jewish undergraduate, Delia Goldhush, who fled with her father from France to escape the Nazis. Delia appears to be indifferent to the fact that she is shunned by most of her classmates. Anne is torn, because she has kept the fact that she is Jewish a secret. Although she would like to befriend Delia, who is stylish, intelligent, and self-possessed, Anne does not have the courage to endanger her own social standing.
"One of Them," by Kitty Zeldis has some fine descriptive writing and features two likeable heroines. Delia and Anne, in separate chapters, movingly reveal their anguish, regrets, and hopes for the future. Aside from these plusses, this is a somewhat cliched novel in which most of the secondary characters lack nuance. Virginia is a one-dimensional snob. Anne's father, now deceased, was a wonderful man whom she misses daily. Delia's parents, Simon and Sophie are, for the most part, self-centered and immature. When Delia and Simon flee to America, Sophie does not join them. She disappears and her husband and daughter have no idea if she is alive and, if so, where she has gone.
Zeldis's prose and dialogue are, at times, heavy-handed, and the story is riddled with melodramatic elements. There are eventful sojourns in Paris and Palestine, and efforts at healing old relationships and at embarking on new ones. "One of Them" deals with religious prejudice, personal growth, and the reluctance of some individuals to forgive those who have wronged them. Although this work of historical fiction holds our interest, it would have been more compelling had the writing style been more polished and subtle.
"One of Them," by Kitty Zeldis has some fine descriptive writing and features two likeable heroines. Delia and Anne, in separate chapters, movingly reveal their anguish, regrets, and hopes for the future. Aside from these plusses, this is a somewhat cliched novel in which most of the secondary characters lack nuance. Virginia is a one-dimensional snob. Anne's father, now deceased, was a wonderful man whom she misses daily. Delia's parents, Simon and Sophie are, for the most part, self-centered and immature. When Delia and Simon flee to America, Sophie does not join them. She disappears and her husband and daughter have no idea if she is alive and, if so, where she has gone.
Zeldis's prose and dialogue are, at times, heavy-handed, and the story is riddled with melodramatic elements. There are eventful sojourns in Paris and Palestine, and efforts at healing old relationships and at embarking on new ones. "One of Them" deals with religious prejudice, personal growth, and the reluctance of some individuals to forgive those who have wronged them. Although this work of historical fiction holds our interest, it would have been more compelling had the writing style been more polished and subtle.
September 9, 2025
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
👗 loved The Dressmakers of Prospect Heights
📖 enjoy historical fiction
🎭 hide who you really are
💭 like books that make you think
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Anne Bishop seems like a typical Vassar sophomore—one of a popular group of privileged WASP friends. None of the girls in her circle has any idea that she’s Jewish, or that her real name is or that her real first name is Miriam. Pretending to be a Gentile has made life easier—as Anne, she no longer suffers the snubs, snide remarks, and daily restrictions Jews face. She enjoys her college life of teas, late-night conversations, and mixers. She turns a blind eye to the casual anti-Semitism that flourishes among her friends and classmates—after all, it's no longer directed at her.
But her secret life is threatened when she becomes fascinated by a girl not in her crowd. Delia Goldhush is sophisticated, stylish, brilliant, and unashamedly Jewish—and seems not to care that she’s an outcast among the other students. Knowing that her growing closeness with Delia would be social suicide if it were discovered, Anne keeps their friendship quiet. Delia seems to understand—until a cruelty on Anne’s part drives them apart and sends them scattering to other corners of the world, alone and together.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
I absolutely loved The Dressmakers of Prospect Heights, so I knew I would love this one as well! The story immediately pulls you into a world of tension between a young Jewish girl who is hiding her identity behind a new name, and a girl who is okay with her true self but shunned for it. I loved seeing their relationship blossom, but became sad when Anne did what she did because she was too afraid of taking off her mask. This is a well written historical fiction novel that feels extremely important in this day and age. Highly recommend!
👗 loved The Dressmakers of Prospect Heights
📖 enjoy historical fiction
🎭 hide who you really are
💭 like books that make you think
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Anne Bishop seems like a typical Vassar sophomore—one of a popular group of privileged WASP friends. None of the girls in her circle has any idea that she’s Jewish, or that her real name is or that her real first name is Miriam. Pretending to be a Gentile has made life easier—as Anne, she no longer suffers the snubs, snide remarks, and daily restrictions Jews face. She enjoys her college life of teas, late-night conversations, and mixers. She turns a blind eye to the casual anti-Semitism that flourishes among her friends and classmates—after all, it's no longer directed at her.
But her secret life is threatened when she becomes fascinated by a girl not in her crowd. Delia Goldhush is sophisticated, stylish, brilliant, and unashamedly Jewish—and seems not to care that she’s an outcast among the other students. Knowing that her growing closeness with Delia would be social suicide if it were discovered, Anne keeps their friendship quiet. Delia seems to understand—until a cruelty on Anne’s part drives them apart and sends them scattering to other corners of the world, alone and together.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
I absolutely loved The Dressmakers of Prospect Heights, so I knew I would love this one as well! The story immediately pulls you into a world of tension between a young Jewish girl who is hiding her identity behind a new name, and a girl who is okay with her true self but shunned for it. I loved seeing their relationship blossom, but became sad when Anne did what she did because she was too afraid of taking off her mask. This is a well written historical fiction novel that feels extremely important in this day and age. Highly recommend!
September 8, 2025
If I could pick one word to describe this book, it would be…..magnificent.
I was not sure what to expect when I picked up this book, but it was certainly not that I would fall in love…..and fall in love I did! Author Kitty Zeldis has put together such a touching, relevant and poignant story and it is one that all fans of historical fiction….heck, all humans should read!
Set during WWII, this story tackles head on some of the social issues of the time that are still prevalent today.
Anne is a college freshman at Vassar where, as a member of the popular clique, no one knows her secret….that her real name is Miriam and that she is Jewish. As snide anti-Semitic comments are made, she but hold her tongue and turn a blind eye so her secret does not come out. When Anne befriends Delia, a Jewish classmate, she keeps their friendship quiet, but when the time comes and she is forced to choose, which side will Anne take?
The book follows the lives of Anne and Delia both past and present. There are so many layers of this story which are so beautifully portrayed.
Raw, honest, emotional, no sugar coating….I found myself lost in the pages of this book, not wanting it to end. I absolutely loved the characters the author created. So real, vibrant and messy!
The relationship between Anne and Delia and the way it evolves as they grow is everything.
The book, One of Them, does not shy away from tough subject matter. The characters are forced to face their choices head on and learn from them. This is a story of prejudice, broken promises, betrayal, hurt, loss, pain, personal growth, self-discovery, hope, family, friendship, love and redemption.
A huge thank you to Harper Perennial for the ARC of this book and to Harper Audio for the ALC. It was such a privilege to be able to both read and listen to this incredible story. What I loved is that it was like two completely different but soul fulfilling experiences. Narrator Gilli Messer and the Harper Audio production team did a brilliant job with the production of this book and bringing it to life!
I was not sure what to expect when I picked up this book, but it was certainly not that I would fall in love…..and fall in love I did! Author Kitty Zeldis has put together such a touching, relevant and poignant story and it is one that all fans of historical fiction….heck, all humans should read!
Set during WWII, this story tackles head on some of the social issues of the time that are still prevalent today.
Anne is a college freshman at Vassar where, as a member of the popular clique, no one knows her secret….that her real name is Miriam and that she is Jewish. As snide anti-Semitic comments are made, she but hold her tongue and turn a blind eye so her secret does not come out. When Anne befriends Delia, a Jewish classmate, she keeps their friendship quiet, but when the time comes and she is forced to choose, which side will Anne take?
The book follows the lives of Anne and Delia both past and present. There are so many layers of this story which are so beautifully portrayed.
Raw, honest, emotional, no sugar coating….I found myself lost in the pages of this book, not wanting it to end. I absolutely loved the characters the author created. So real, vibrant and messy!
The relationship between Anne and Delia and the way it evolves as they grow is everything.
The book, One of Them, does not shy away from tough subject matter. The characters are forced to face their choices head on and learn from them. This is a story of prejudice, broken promises, betrayal, hurt, loss, pain, personal growth, self-discovery, hope, family, friendship, love and redemption.
A huge thank you to Harper Perennial for the ARC of this book and to Harper Audio for the ALC. It was such a privilege to be able to both read and listen to this incredible story. What I loved is that it was like two completely different but soul fulfilling experiences. Narrator Gilli Messer and the Harper Audio production team did a brilliant job with the production of this book and bringing it to life!
August 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this novel about two different Jewish women, who are trying to navigate life after WWII. Anne is a student at Vassar and has become part of a group of women who have high standards, and although Anne knows she really doesn't fit with them, she knows they are also the ones who could easily tarnish someone's reputation. Delia is still struggling with the fallout of the war, her mother's choices and how her father seems to have lost his drive. Delia doesn't care that she is the outsider and gets talked about at Vassar. She is who she is and she will embrace that and not worry what others think. Anne and Delia form a friendship but when a betrayal happens and causes expulsion, the other is ashamed for her actions and will do all she can to try to prove she is not that type of person. However, this change may be just what Delia needed to move forward with her life, finding answers she has always wanted about what happened during the war and showing Anne that she shouldn't be embarrassed for who she is, but to embrace it and find those who truly care for her for who she is and not her religion. I enjoyed these two women's stories and how they entwined and that they each taught the other something about life and forgiveness. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
August 31, 2025
One of Them takes place in the United States after WWII and highlights the anti-Semitism that continued to exist after the war. It highlights the lives of two girls beginning at Vassar College; Anne Bishop who was Jewish but hid it from her college friends and Delia who was discriminated against at college because she was Jewish.
Anne was a typical Vassar student who hung out with her WASP friends on campus. She was Jewish but had been discriminated against in high school so she changed her name from Miriam to Anne and never told anyone that she was Jewish. Her group of college friends never accepted Delia because she was 'one of them' and made constant remarks about her. Ann became fascinated with Delia and meets her several times off campus -- meeting on campus would be social suicide. They are becoming friends when an act of betrayal ends their friendship in a heartbreaking manner.
This book is the story of friendship and family but it also highlights the anti-Semitism that existed in the United States after the war. Delia was not accepted in college strictly because she was Jewish and Anne felt that hiding her true self would make her more acceptable. This is a story about friendship and love, differences and acceptance and finding your place in the world where you can be happy and true to yourself while accepting other people who are different. This was a well written and through provoking novel that continues to echo in our current society.
Anne was a typical Vassar student who hung out with her WASP friends on campus. She was Jewish but had been discriminated against in high school so she changed her name from Miriam to Anne and never told anyone that she was Jewish. Her group of college friends never accepted Delia because she was 'one of them' and made constant remarks about her. Ann became fascinated with Delia and meets her several times off campus -- meeting on campus would be social suicide. They are becoming friends when an act of betrayal ends their friendship in a heartbreaking manner.
This book is the story of friendship and family but it also highlights the anti-Semitism that existed in the United States after the war. Delia was not accepted in college strictly because she was Jewish and Anne felt that hiding her true self would make her more acceptable. This is a story about friendship and love, differences and acceptance and finding your place in the world where you can be happy and true to yourself while accepting other people who are different. This was a well written and through provoking novel that continues to echo in our current society.
September 8, 2025
Anne Bishop seems like a typical Vassar sophomore—one of a popular group of privileged WASP friends. None of the girls in her circle has any idea that she’s Jewish, or that her real first name is Miriam. But her secret life is threatened when she becomes fascinated by a girl not in her crowd. Delia Goldhush is sophisticated, stylish, brilliant, and unashamedly Jewish—and seems not to care that she’s an outcast among the other students.
This story is told from two different points of view, Anne and Delia. Both are Jewish but one is hiding it and one is not. This leads to some different experiences for both young ladies. I did enjoy Delia’s tale a little bit better, probably because I found her a bit of a stronger woman. But don’t go to sleep on Anne…she comes into her own.
Let me say, I did not like part of the section at Vassar. I really disliked the mean girls. Yes, I know…part of the story and also part of growing up. I just wanted to slap a few of them!
I did enjoy reading about Palestine. I have only read a few books with this setting. This part intrigued me!
This is an all around good tale that keeps you moving from place to place! I also loved another book by this author, The Dressmaker of Prospect Heights. So add that one to your list as well!
Need a good novel of full of secrets and betrayal…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel for a honest review.
This story is told from two different points of view, Anne and Delia. Both are Jewish but one is hiding it and one is not. This leads to some different experiences for both young ladies. I did enjoy Delia’s tale a little bit better, probably because I found her a bit of a stronger woman. But don’t go to sleep on Anne…she comes into her own.
Let me say, I did not like part of the section at Vassar. I really disliked the mean girls. Yes, I know…part of the story and also part of growing up. I just wanted to slap a few of them!
I did enjoy reading about Palestine. I have only read a few books with this setting. This part intrigued me!
This is an all around good tale that keeps you moving from place to place! I also loved another book by this author, The Dressmaker of Prospect Heights. So add that one to your list as well!
Need a good novel of full of secrets and betrayal…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel for a honest review.
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