Based on a true story, The Secrets I Never Told is a gripping historical novel beginning in early 20th-century Eastern Europe and making its way through the moving tale of one woman and the dark secrets that shadow her life.
Life has never been kind to Fania. Although on the outside she is an educated, impressive woman, her soul is sad and raging. For years she has carried on her shoulders regret for her miserable decisions, of which she tells no one, not even those closest to her.
In 1917, heartbroken after the early death of her husband, Fania finds herself in a strange new place, forced to stand alone against the lies and secrets which, if revealed, will expose the weakest sides of her and disgrace her in front of everyone who is dear to her.
On her deathbed, Fania makes a fateful decision to tell her life story to the transparent man who has lived beside her all her life. This is the start of a harrowing journey of revelation, which leads Fania back to the most difficult and painful times in her life – for the first time, and maybe the last.
This inspirational story revolves around the life of Fania after WWI who escaped Easter Europe with her parents to start her life over in the promised land. Leaving her family of 16 brothers and sisters, they attempted to escape the increasing oppression surrounding their Jewish community. She soon married, despite her husband dying before her daughter was born. Her in-laws persuaded her to raise the child so she would have more options to remarry and start over anew. This, along with a favored brother being taken by authorities through her unknown associations at the time, forever haunted her since she blamed his fiance's brothers breaking them up. Keeping secrets her entire life, she had much to confess at her deathbed. This book is highly recommended for those who wish to learn about life in this time and place.
‘You couldn’t tell that Yosef would appear on the canvas in a moment’
Israeli author Nirit Elyovich earned her degrees in Economics and Business Management, and leads brands to success and has published many articles on brands and understanding the consumer’s psyche. Now she enters the literary field with the publication of her debut novel – THE SECRETS I NEVER TOLD. Her book has been translated from the Hebrew by Rachel Kaufman.
Displaying a keen understanding of early 20th century Europe as well as the feminine psyche, Nirit has penned a fine historical romance. Her novel is based on her grandmother’s life, and acknowledging that fact adds depth to the enjoyment of reading this story. From the opening lines the concept of the secrecy that pervades the tale is apparent: ‘Haifa, 1917– “It’s not good for you to sleep alone, Fanuchka,” Papa tried to persuade me. “Let me take care of you, Fanny. It’s dangerous for you to be alone while you’re pregnant.” Mama said. “It will be good for both of you,” Papa added. I hesitated for a moment. The same thought passed through my mind, the same desire for Mama to take care of me, to hear my weeping. For Mama to comfort me after all the years that I comforted her. It upset me that I had to lose Yosef in order to gain her attention. “I need to be alone for a while.”…
The provided purview of the story invites attention: ‘Life has never been kind to Fania. Although on the outside she is an educated, impressive woman, her soul is sad and raging. For years she has carried on her shoulders regret for her miserable decisions, of which she tells no one, not even those closest to her. In 1917, heartbroken after the early death of her husband, Fania finds herself in a strange new place, forced to stand alone against the lies and secrets which, if revealed, will expose the weakest sides of her and disgrace her in front of everyone who is dear to her. On her deathbed, Fania makes a fateful decision to tell her life story to the transparent man who has lived beside her all her life. This is the start of a harrowing journey of revelation, which leads Fania back to the most difficult and painful times in her life – for the first time, and maybe the last.’
The theme of secrecy and is parameters lifts this story into a higher realm than simply a romance. Nirit Elyovich shows signs of a very promising new author.