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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.
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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.
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