This is a stellar book that tells of the post-WWIIlife of two Vassar students in the wake of the war and the effects that it had on them.

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 for the world today. Highly recommended!

This is a book about anti-Semitism set on the Vassar campus. A group of young women forming a clique with exclusivity determined by their leader. Miriam changes her name to Anne Bishop to hide the fact that she is Jewish and to be accepted into the controlling group. Delia is proud of her heritage and doesn’t hide it from the others. A friendship slowly develops between the two when a betrayal suddenly ends their relationship. This is a timely story in today’s environment and could be a story amongst many different groups. It’s a story about being true to yourself. This would make a great book discussion. Thank you to Harper and NetGalley for an advanced e-galley. All opinions are my own.
#OneOfThem #KittyZeldis #NetGalley

One of Them is a compelling and thoughtful exploration of identity, friendship, and the social pressures faced by young women during a turbulent era. Anne Bishop's double life as Miriam adds a layer of quiet suspense, revealing how much she sacrifices to navigate a world filled with casual anti-Semitism and social expectations. Kitty Zeldis captures the nuances of college life and the clandestine friendship between Anne and Delia with sensitivity and depth. The portrayal of their growing connection, juxtaposed against the backdrop of societal prejudice, is both moving and eye-opening. I appreciated how the story delves into the moral dilemmas of hiding one's true self to gain acceptance, making it feel authentic and relatable. While the pacing is steady, the emotional landscape is richly drawn, leading to a poignant and thought-provoking ending. A well-crafted novel that sheds light on a hidden chapter of history and the courage it takes to be true to oneself. Highly recommended for those interested in stories about identity and social justice.

I truly loved this book. The story drew me in as did the setting. Two women at Vassar, both Jews, one trying to keep this a secret and the other shunned by her classmates as “ONE OF THEM.” It is a story of antisemitism on an elite college campus, still very timely.

Zeldis tells their story from the Poughkeepsie campus to Palestine at war as it became Israel. Theirs is not an easy or loving friendship. Delia was actually expelled from from Vassar as Anne looked away, trying to blend in and hide her identity. This is a point which all readers must examine when we think about unethical behavior by faculty on college campuses.

Their paths crossed again in Paris as Delia searched for information about her mother, who she believed had perished during the war. Anne was there after her complicity in victimizing Delia.

This is a marvelous book for book groups. It is rich in issues that will provoke discussion and debate.

Though this novel takes place in the late 1940’s, I was astounded at its timelessness. Connecting this novel to today’s headlines really helped me to enjoy it on many levels.

Thank you Netgalley for this thought provoking, compelling novel. .