My Daughter’s Keeper

by Adiva Geffen

Would you entrust the most important thing in your life to a person ordered to hate you?

Poland, 1938. Despite threats of alienation from his Christian family, Johann, a decorated army officer, falls deeply in love with Rachel, a Jewish medical student. When they settle into their new countryside home, their marriage is happy and blissful… and short-lived.

After the Nazi invasion of Poland, Johann goes missing. Without a family to rely on and antisemitic sentiments growing all over the country, Rachel and her newborn daughter Ilona are thrown into the Warsaw ghetto.

Faced with their new reality, Rachel knows the only way to save her daughter is to smuggle her to her Christian sister-in-law, Irena, outside the ghetto. Irena is willing to risk her life just to save a single Jewish baby – but will her courage be enough?

My Daughter’s Keeper is the extraordinary tale based on the true story of two incredible women, brought together by love and faith in the face of war, persecution, and hatred.

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, Holocaust, Historical, Fiction

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2022

About the author

Adiva Geffen is a prolific writer and playwright. She lectures and leads many writing workshops, and she's a board member of the Israeli writers Association. Adiva has published 21 books, including children's stories, reference books and, most famously, suspense novels; most of which were best-sellers. In fact, Adiva is widely regarded as the best suspense writer in Israel. Her plays have appeared on major stages in Israel.

Drawing from rich life experience and pure imaginative force, Adiva Geffen creates compelling characters and captivating scenarios in which suspense, humor, passion and joy are woven into an almost addicting emotional thrill-ride. Her latest duo, detectives Sami and Dikla, have become staples in Israel's literary community.

Geffen began her career as a special-ed teacher. After leaving the education field, she served as the spokesperson for the Habima National Theater for more than a decade. She founded and subsequently led the Israeli Theater Award for 10 years.

Born in Haifa and the mother of three sons, Geffen now lives in Tel Aviv, Israel, with her partner Aharon Meidan.

Her latest book "Klara's Boys" is set to be published in 2017.

Reviews

[Morgan]

Adiva Geffen’s previous books all seem to be the same book with different covers and titles - the best of which was “Surviving the Forest” (2019).

This book that I have in hand has the title “Surviving the War” with a similar cover also publication date of 2019, but is it definitely the same book as is shown on GR as "My Daughter's Keeper".

It is written in such a way that suggests it is meant for a YA reader and it certainly would be an excellent introduction for a young person to learn something about the Jews of Poland who chose to live out WWII in the forest surrounding their home in order to survive – some lived to tell the tale…most did not.

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great WW2 historical fiction.
Some parts will make you smile, and others will make you tear-up. And then there are those scenes that will make your fists clench and you will wonder,”How could humanity sink so low?”

[Dawn Braddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Priceless story that you don't want to skip

There are so many WWII stories out there now, with more still coming. Most of them are very good, this one is truly priceless. The depth of the characters bring you right into the story, they are complex, some are surprising, and you end up feeling for just about all of them.
This story has a richness that is hard to resist.
You have those that don't believe what is going to happen or that it won't affect them in any way. Then you have, maybe an understanding of those that didn't want to get involved and those that felt that everything that was happening, should be happening - That Jewish people really were awful and had this coming. Many parts are very difficult to read, as you would expect. The hate is so deep that it hurts.
It's the love that brings the soul.
The kind ones who risk their lives and their families' lives because if not them, then who. They just couldn't live with themselves, so they help.
The very fact that this is a true story makes you feel the desperation, fear, hope, loss, and love all the more.
You'll truly be missing something very special if you don't read this one.

[Lani Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

War is hell but strong women fight to survive!

Having family that came from Poland/Russia I wanted to learn more about the history. Though mine came over earlier I wanted to know how people did it? How could you live through some of the horrors we have heard over the years. Wha a beautiful story.

[Jeff Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gripping tale told by grandmas Tulla and Irena to their granddaughter, Noga.
For years, Noga wanted to know the history of her grandmothers and their time in Germany during the war years. Each woman was approaching their nineties and finally decided to share with Noga their experiences, but she could not interrupt.
Tulla was a medical student engaged to Johann, a dashing Calvary man in the Polish army. This was a problem because her family believed you married in your own race and for her, Tulla, Rachael Eisler, it would have her family disown her. She didn’t care. She hoped over time, her family would relent and accept her the same as her husband’s family, who were against the union.
Irena would pass shortly after her ninetieth birthday leaving Noga in limbo wondering who would tell the story. Her mother along with Tulla were going to tell the tale.
Like most Holocaust stories, this one is very compelling. Rachel is rounded up and sent to the Warsaw Ghetto and like her brethren, cannot understand why God would allow this to happen.
When the Ghetto is emptied she is put a on train headed to Treblinka and that camp had only once purpose, extermination. If you’ve neve seen the movie, “Escape from Sobibor,” I highly recommend it.
She is to the point that she knows is headed to her death and actually welcomes it like many do, for they are tired of the suffering at the hands of the SS.
The prisoners manage to open the bars on the window and she is small enough to fit through it. Her choice, die in a gas chamber or by trying to regain her freedom.
She would spent the next year and-a-half with Irena and the children working on a farm.
What is truly captivating about the story is how much the Poles hated the Jews and even after the war continued with the pogroms and the persecution of the Jews. It is amazing how much hate some people bare.
Irena and Rachel would eventually realize, Poland no matter how many generations had lived there, would ever be home and they would never be safe. Thus, they finally gathered their items and move to the “Promised Land, Israel, and relative safety.
Only came across three punctuation issues. Looked more like mistaken keystrokes than anything else. Other than that, this a very clean read. Very refreshing!
If you are a fan of World War Two and Holocaust survivors, this is a must read book.
Five Stars!

[Quisqueya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this historical fiction! The terrible experiences of the main characters helped me to further understand the pain and sorrow that the Jewish people had to endure. How family would turn against family depending on who they chose to follow. How grateful Rachel must have been to have her sister-in-law Irena be such a kind, dedicated and selfless person that she was able to keep Rachel's daughter when it was safer for her to care for her, being that she was not a Jew.
People are survivors. Alliances will form that will help us survive whatever situation we may be in. Hopefully, we will fight and endure for that which is just. I prefer to stay on the Saviors' side. If I do this, I will always be the victor, whether in this life or the life to come!

[Amanda Bernacchi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay at best. What keeps me reading and enjoying a book is the mystery. The way this books starts off, you essentially already know how it’s going to end. I did enjoy the journey to get there , but didn’t love the authors organization. It hopped around a lot and there was no labels on the chapters to tell you who’s point of view it was from. It goes from past to present in a story telling way, but again, slightly hard for me to follow. There were deep topics that were touched upon, but I don’t feel like it was written in the right way. Hard to really be part of the story.

[Kathryn Spurgeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

A truly amazing story about a family brought together during the holocaust. Their love, commitment, and perseverance is one of a kind.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book but a little confusing in the end...

Great book I was hooked but the last chapter really confused me...I won't reveal any details but man I wish there were a book club on this book lol so I can ask what is confusing me😭

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Musings

What a moving and emotional story with remarkable characters and an amazing plot. I am so glad I found this one in Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2*

[Carolyn Scarcella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second author I ever read is called “My daughter’s Keeper” by Adiva Greffen. It is extraordinary miraculous and inspiring book which is based on a true story about two incredible women. A Jew and a Polish brought together by love and faith in the face of war, persecution, and hatred. The story sets at different times past and present. The story unfolds Noga, the granddaughter was listening to Tulla and Irena, in Israel, her grandmother’s experience back in Poland. Tulla (Rachel) was a medical student and is also a Jew. She meets a handsome man Johann, who was an army officer and is a Christian. He was deeply in love with Rachel. His family refused him to marry a Jew. His twin evil brother Andre marries a Polish Christian, Irena. She never meets Rachel, who she marries Johann. When the world war broke out. Johann was called up and went missing. Rachel hasn’t heard from him and has no family to rely on at the time. She learns she was pregnant and was in hiding. Irena, was desperate to meet Rachel, her sister in law. She risked her life to save her sister in law and the child and Irena promised they will be soul sisters forever. Has she kept her promise to Rachel? Have they survived the Holocaust? You decide. I must say Geffen, is a skilled storyteller who knows how to write a story that has your entire focus and energy, she also manages to throw many cliffhangers and twists where she writes an easy, flowing read where you have to keep reading to see how it all ends. I couldn’t put it down as a result.

[Nancy K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heart breaking story of survival for a lone Jewish woman during WWII. Rachele/Tula is befriended by her Catholic sister-in-law, Irena. Irena is betrayed by her husband when he joins the Nazi cause. The sister-in-laws vow to be friends forever. Between the two women they manage to keep Tula's daughter and another Jewish child from starvation and the slaughter of the Jews in the ghetto. Tula is scheduled to be sent to Treblinka for extermination. Through her own bravery, she escapes the death train. Years pass, and she is reunited with Irena and the children.

The story is told by Tula to her granddaughter, after Irena's death at an advanced age. My only negative comment is the switching from past to present was rather jarring.

[Emma Dehne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Any book was going to be hard to follow The Great Alone, but I liked this one, and it kept my interest. I loved the bond between Tulla and Irena. It was fun to see all of the characters be linked to the storytellers. I didn’t love how it was written as recounting a story, but still a good read!

[Rachael Munster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sad story during ww2 but really puts to light the struggles and sacrifices people had to endure to survive.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Daughter’s Keeper: A WW2 Historical Novel Based on a True Story of a Holocaust Survivor: World War II Brave Women Fiction is by Adiva Geffen. It seems wrong to classify such stories as fiction when they really happened. I agree with Robert H. Gillette when in his book Escape to Virginia: From Nazi Germany to Thalhimer’s Farm, he coined the term Creative History to classify stories like this. It is a true story; but the author had to create bridges between what was actually known and what had to be pieced in to tell the whole story. That is what Adiva Geffen did with her story.
Two women, one Catholic and one Jewish, became sisters when their husbands who were twins married them under completely different circumstances. Rachel married Johann, a Polish officer, and was never accepted by his family and not completely by her own. He was killed in action during the initial fighting with the Nazis in their takeover of Poland. Irena married his twin, Aaren, and was totally accepted by her family as he was by hers. However, he went on to become a big shot with the Nazis and with his womanizing, lost her. Irena, having always wanted a sister and who believed totally in family, connected with and was instrumental with saving Rachel and her daughter Ilona as well as others along the way. It wasn’t until long after the war and their move to Israel that the family became aware of what happened to them during the war years.
The book is well written and although intense, it still shows a lot of humanity that some Poles had towards the oppressed Jews. It is well worth reading.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love & faithfulness

Rachel & Irena are two delightful characters and two strong women. Rachel is a Jew in Poland studying to be a doctor and falls in love with a handsome military officer, Johann, who just happens to be Catholic. Irena is a Polish Catholic who falls in love with Andre, his twin brother. Johann’s mother is very angry when she is told of the marriage of Johann and proves Anti-Semitism is alive and well. She refuses to recognize the marriage of Johann & Rachel. Hitler’s reign of terror begins as his forces of evil are unleashed on Poland. What follows is a story of the good people who help Irena and Rachel survive 6 years of cruelty. Even after the Germans are gone and the death camps have been revealed, the Polish people continue their persecution of the survivors of those concentration camps. This forces Irena to accept Rachel’s plan to emigrate to Israel because of Ilona, the child of Johann and Rachel and Barauch, a young orphaned boy who Irena and Rachel have raised. It is the only place that these children will ever be accepted.

[Michelle Queen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first historical fiction book to read in the “Red Birds” book club. During a time of war and when Hitler was enforcing his evil plans against the Jews, during the Holocaust to kill them off. This book was eye opening to me. It brought understanding on just how difficult those times were for the Jews. It was also interesting to see how individuals from seemingly different beliefs, worlds and backgrounds became family. The characters in this book had each other’s backs, although at times they had to pretend to not be Jew or catholic, they had one common goal… fight or die fighting to save their life. Each one had to face and endure different trials and hardship under the strict laws of the land at that time. Each man for his own and at other times often fighting to protect each other, while holding on to….. sanity and the will to live. I am grateful that this families perseverance against all odds, wasn’t the end for them.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is great, and very engaging, but I’m subtracting a star because it lacked true character development and in-depth character perspective. The vast majority of the book is written strictly as a narrative - someone describing the story vs. the story unfolding with real insight into what the characters are thinking and feeling.

That said, it’s a beautiful story and I finished the book in three days. I’m glad I read it. The discussion about family members, neighbors, and friends turning on each other was heartbreaking and I loved the bond that Irena and Rachel/Tulla shared. If you liked this book, I highly recommend We Were the Lucky Ones. Similar type of storyline in the same area and historical time period, but on a completely different level as far as writing quality, historical context, and connection with/depth of characters.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing story

As a Jewish child in 1960s USA, we were taught to place ourselves in the events and horrors of the Holocaust. We were taught through stories both true and fictional as well as newsreels and films. It was mesmerizing as well as horrifying. As an adult, I read this and pictured my grandparents and parents and imagined the friends my grandfather left behind when he emigrated as a boy of 9 from Grodna, Poland.

This is a well written novelization of a true story, it engrossed me so that I heard the women speaking in my grandparents voices. I was transported to that world with it's joys, wonders, fears, and always remembering.

[Sharon Van Hecke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flew through this book

Read this book in three days with no effort. Some books are a chore but not here. Was shocked to realize i was almost done while out war an appt. Well written, great narrative. Cared deeply about the characters. Finished and knew a bit more than when I started about the continuing anti Semitic violence that followed people of Jewish descent even after the war was over. I plan to look for more books by this author. I do recommend. Happy reading. Thank you to the author for sharing. Your family is full of beautiful and special souls.

[Theresa Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

World War Two Survival

Kristin Harlem based this novel on facts but took liberty with the individuals and their story. Prior to the German invasion of Poland, Rachel a beautiful young Jewish girl falls in love with a Catholic Polish soldier. Irena, a young beautiful Catholic girl falls in love with the soldiers twin brother. This novel tells a story of love, hate, loyalty, betrayal and the human spirit to survive. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Please remember, we must never forget.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The girl was caught being nosy with items she found at her grandmothers. When asked what they were she was told she would hear it later, when she was older. The time came when the story had to be told. Irene and Rachel married twin brothers. The girls were not known to each other. Races was Jewish while the others were Christian Poles. Rachel and her husband were ostracized by his family. The time came when Irene felt she had to meet Rachel. Little did she realize how strong antisemitism was.! And how they would weave a bond as sisters.

[Aliene · Rating 4 out of 5]

A história é maravilhosa e emocionante. Nela, que é contada por mais de uma pessoa ao mesmo tempo, vemos como duas guerreiras-irmãs se juntaram para salvar a si e, principalmente, a jovem Ilona da guerra. Vemos ao longo do tempo personagens que nos cativam, mas são humanos e eventualmente cometem erros; personagens que mostram claramente que seu caráter é péssimo e outros que são maravilhosos e destemidos; e como, mesmo numa das maiores crises humanitárias da história, há sempre esperança de um final feliz.

[linda murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a True Story....

This book kept me reading, even taking notes to remind me who was who! The will to survive, the reasons to survive, the ability to survive under the inhumane, non God believing rulers of Nazi oppression is almost fiction in itself! How can a group of monsters turn an entire country into vicious, heartless people, who can call themselves Christians, and who are as far from the heart of Christ and God as can be? The Nazi's were handpicked by Satan to war against the God of my Bible!

[Nancy Mazgajewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a tremendous novel of courage, love and determination. Being based on a true story only makes this work that much richer.

Once again I am indebted to authors who leave me learning something new about the Holocaust. I certainly didn't know that when Jews returned after the war to their homeland in Poland many were still persecuted and even killed.

Having travelled throughout Eastern Europe I was hoping to see the Warsaw ghetto. It is no more. The Jewish cemetery has been desecrated and much of the city of Warsaw was leveled.

[Anita Quelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Daughter’s Keeper

Ilona is a Jew and her husband who died in the war is Catholic. She births a daughter however is turned away by her husbands family except by her sister-in-law. No where to go, Ilona ends up in the ghetto and gives her daughter to her sister-in-law to protect.

The story was somewhat hard to follow as for past and present. The brothers reminded me of the two “wild and crazy guys” from SNL. Overall a good read.

[Jeff · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was okay at best. Despite the many grammatical errors and typos, there were times when the story was captivating, but at page 228, right when Tulla was helping Odelle Efrstadt who had fallen, the very next page, . 247 Tulla had fallen from a tree and likely broke her leg.

I was so confused. I kept flipping pages and trying to see what metaphor or something I missed, but looked at the page numbers and…that’s right! My book is missing 19 pages.

[Joanne Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

I started reading this book right after Israel was attacked on October 7th. It just happened to be on my kindle. As a Jew myself I felt there was a reason this book was there for me to read. We should never forget and that time is now.
As much as it was hard to read what I already knew, it was a wonderful story of family and hope.
I will definitely recommend this book to everyone!

[nancy cozzolino]

Your Heart my Heart

While reading this book I felt I could see this beautiful family right in front of me. How can so called Christians continue to harm others and call it justified ? I pray I will have the courage to stand up for someone wrongly accused because of their religious belief. Antisemitism still strongly stains our world. When will people learn to coexist ?
This is a story told from the Heart.