Review… The Diary of a Young Girl – Anne Frank

 

“Discovered in the attic in which she spent the last years of her life, Anne Frank’s remarkable diary has since become a world classic—a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and an eloquent testament to the human spirit. In 1942, with Nazis occupying Holland, a thirteen-year-old Jewish girl and her family fled their home in Amsterdam and went into hiding. For the next two years, until their whereabouts were betrayed to the Gestapo, they and another family lived cloistered in the “Secret Annex” of an old office building. Cut off from the outside world, they faced hunger, boredom, the constant cruelties of living in confined quarters, and the ever-present threat of discovery and death. In her diary Anne Frank recorded vivid impressions of her experiences during this period. By turns thoughtful, moving, and amusing, her account offers a fascinating commentary on human courage and frailty and a compelling self-portrait of a sensitive and spirited young woman whose promise was tragically cut short.

After a recent trip to Amsterdam, and a visit to the Anne Frank House, I realised (quite embarrassingly) that I’d never read her diary. I logged into Amazon and purchased it immediately.

Anne Frank was forced into hiding in 1942 when the Nazis occupied Holland. Her family and several other “Annex Residents” went into hiding in the annex of Anne’s father’s business (This is the building on the right hand side of the photo). With the help of several of the office staff, the Annex Residents remained in hiding for over two years. Anne’s diary beautifully describes the two years they remained in hiding, the difficulties of Annex life and the daily events she endured.

Miep (one of those who helped the Franks remain in hiding) collected Anne’s diaries once the Annex residents had been arrested as she hoped to be able to return them to Anne one day. After receiving the pages, Anne’s father submitted them for publication, knowing that was what Anne had intended.

During my visit to the Anne Frank House I noticed that she was constantly described as “not a saint”. After reading the book I understand why – she was a normal girl! A girl who wasn’t particularly fond of her mother, who talked more than she should and no doubt got into a lot of trouble.

The copy I read was the Definitive Edition, which is far less edited than other copies. It also features comments throughout which Anne included at a later date when she decided to rewrite her diary in the hope that she would be able to achieve publication.

 ‘I hope Anne’s book will have an effect on the rest of your life so that insofar as it is possible in your own circumstances, you will work for unity and peace.’ – Otto Frank

I feel no review would do this book justice. It is simply a must read for anyone and a book which should have a proud place on every bookshelf. 5 stars for a truly unforgettable book.

The Midnight Reader xo