One of Them: A Powerful Post-WWII Story of Hidden Identity and the Price of Prejudice

by Kitty Zeldis

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 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. 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. 

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Jewish, Adult Fiction, Judaism, New York, Audiobook

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 9, 2025

Reviews

[Katie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Rina · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It focused on two main characters. Anne and Delia were both students at Vassar College right after WWII. Although both were Jewish, Anne hid her Jewish background so that she could fit in with the other girls. Delia embraced who she was, but was shunned by the other girls. This coming of age story, takes the girls from the U.S. to Paris, to Palestine, and ends back at Vassar. An incredible story which shares the girls’ maturity and transformation into independent women.

I read the ebook edition and was disappointed with the many typos, omission of words, and word order problems. It definitely needs some more proofreading!

[Kayleigh Antenucci · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - This book started SO good but then it followed the characters in a very unexpected direction and felt like it lost the plot for a while so that it could touch on a lot of political topics. I appreciated the friendship(ish) perspective and finding yourself as a young adult woman in 1940’s post WWII. I also loved the history of Jewish families here in the US after WWII and how they were still mistreated or judged.

[Dana K · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Stacy40pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jennie Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Dahlia · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Brandy Lemire · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Christina McComiskie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Laura Willyard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. I higly encourage you to read if youi like strong women in historical fiction. Kudos to Kitty Zeldis! I look forward to reading more of her historical novels.

[Deborah Fontaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book. Well written.

[Ally Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book club was pretty split on this, in the end I found it slow, and the author's writing ability wasn't really up to snuff for the various topics she tried to cover. So many plot lines were just dropped halfway through, and much of the bigotry (both antisemitism and ableism) was just kinda left without any apologies or what felt like meaningful remorse.

[Tina Panik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Library Journal; full review appears there.

This was an ARC

[Carol Ann Tack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful prose-excellent book discussion material!

[Samfreene · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Ashley (ashreadsitall) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ll read anything pertaining to WWII, so I was quick to pick this one up as the premise seems really intriguing.

Unfortunately, it read a little young adult for me and I often found myself skimming through it instead of digging in and enjoying it. Was a bit boring which is a bummer. Wasn’t for me.

Thank you Net Galley for the arc! Appreciate the opportunity.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Propulsive, but pretty formulaic

[Nancy Avoli · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a very wordy book. The story was ok at best.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

A great idea, but ultimately a boring read for me.