Anne Frank
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| Front cover |
Date read: 24 October - 3 November 2017
Length: 424 pages
Anne Frank and her family are Jews living in Amsterdam during the Second World War. She goes into hiding with her family, the 'van Daans', and 'Mr. Dussel'. This diary, named Kitty, becomes her best friend, and we learn all about Anne's time in the 'Secret Annexe'.
Anne's diary was not what I expected at all. I thought they were all in one small room together, and that the diary would be very dark and depressing. In actual fact they have quite a reasonable space. The Franks share with Mr. Dussel, but the van Daans have a floor to themselves. The diary is mostly positive, with a lot of hopefulness. There are a few entries that aren't so positive, but that's understandable given the circumstances. I was very surprised.
A lot of Anne's diary focuses on the relationships between the various people in the Annexe. I was quite shocked by Anne's blatant hatred towards her mother. To me it seemed there wasn't really any reason for it, but I'm not really one to judge. I just feel kind of sorry for her mother.
Anne get's very close to Peter, the van Daans son who is a few years older than her. They spend many evenings together and have meaningful conversations. This confused me a little because before I read the book, I had heard that she was questioning her sexuality and was perhaps a lesbian. I think I have read the version that has some of these excerpts cut out.
Anne's style of writing is very inclusive, and the way she talks about the people and the events that are happening, it feels like you are really there. You feel like you are also getting to know the people she's living with, and in a way you are experiencing these events with her. It is exceptional writing from a 13-15 year old, and you can tell Anne was very intelligent. Even just knowing about all the subjects she is interested in and studying while in hiding would tell you that. I know I certainly wasn't interested in all that in my early teen years!
A surprising and enlightening account of a Jewish girl in hiding's life. Highly recommend reading.
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| Anne Frank 1929-45 |
Overall rating
Thanks,
The Wee Librocubicularist
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