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My Grandmother’s Shadow: An utterly heartbreaking unputdownable historical novel based on a true story

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One woman’s search for answers unfurls into a riveting multi-layered family saga, perfect for readers of Jean Grainger and Soraya Lane.

Winter, 1941 : Watching the smoke rise over the burning synagogue of the Riga Ghetto, Johanna Friedman’s only concern is keeping her family safe. As she prepares to leave her home, clutching what little possessions she is allowed to carry, her thoughts meander to a simpler time before the war – and a secret name, one she rarely recites out loud, forever embedded in her heart.

Present day. Devorah was never allowed to ask about her mother’s repressed past, until [AGP1] her mother agreed to show her a hidden drawer containing her secret history. [AGP2] Devorah unravels the story of the amazing women who have shaped her the one who raised her mother as her own – and the one her mother never knew.[AGP3] [AGP4]

Inspired by the true story of her maternal lineage, Devorah Shafrir Keret weaves a haunting, unforgettable saga of brave, broken women spanning a century of secrets and triumphs, unfaltering love and incredible loss, and the generation-spanning power of family.

267 pages, Paperback

Published October 5, 2023

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Devorah Shafrir Keret

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Author 143 books207 followers
November 19, 2023
A deeply moving, compelling historical novel inspired by real events...

Set against the backdrop of the harrowing winter of 1941 in the Riga Ghetto, Devorah Shafrir Keret's "My Grandmother’s Shadow" introduces us to Johanna Friedman, a woman whose paramount concern is protecting her family amidst the horrors of war. As she clings to the few possessions allowed in such dire times, her thoughts wander back to a time of innocence and a secret name that holds profound significance.

Fast forward to the present day, where we meet Devorah, Johanna's descendant, eager to uncover her mother's repressed past. In a poignant moment, her mother finally decides to reveal a hidden drawer containing a trove of family history, unlocking the door to the incredible legacy of the women who have shaped her life. As Devorah unravels the mysteries of her lineage, we're taken on a journey spanning generations, witnessing the remarkable stories of brave women who've triumphed in the face of incredible loss and adversity.

Inspired by her own maternal lineage, Devorah Shafrir Keret crafts a narrative that is not easily forgotten. "My Grandmother’s Shadow" delves into the depths of family bonds, secrets, and enduring love. It's a tale that bridges time, connecting the past with the present, and will resonate with readers who appreciate stories that etch a lasting mark on the soul by beautifully weaving together history and family. This novel is an unforgettable saga that explores the indomitable power of family over the span of generations. Highly recommended, and a well-deserved five stars from me. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
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