The Diary of Anne Frank

First published in Dutch by Contact Amsterdam in 1947. Published in English by Pan books in 1954.


Genre: Biography

Called a testament to human suffering, courage and spirit, it has been read by millions.

This ordinary looking diary was given to Anne Frank on her thirteen birthday (1942) . The diary was found in 1947, completely by accident, in a office building. The diary tells of petty spats, sister rivalries, secret boyfriends and later the daily life of a family fleeing oppression and death.

This story of Nazi persecution is not an extraordinary one, in fact it happened to millions of Jews across Europe. But what is unusual is the survival of such an intricate first hand portrait of these terrible years. For what ever reason instead of taking her books, games or sweets, Anne Frank took her diary when the family fled their home shortly after her birthday. The office where the diary was found served as a haven and a prison for Anne and seven others for two years (You can visit this building in Amsterdam, it has been preserved in the memory of Anne and all the others who suffered as she did).

Because Anne is a young teenager, the diary is sometimes concerned with matters that only a young woman would be concerned about. But Anne is witty and intelligent so these elements of teenager angst and obsession increase the sense of reality and even produce laughter now and again.

Ultimately this book is universally tragic and will produce a tear in all, despite religion, ethnicity or sex. Perhaps because this kind of persecution has occurred throughout history across all continents of the world, and continues in parts of the world today.


Verdict: Moved me incredibly.☻☻☻☻ (4)


Suitable for all because it is so historically interesting. Will particularly interest young women who may deeply connect with Anne.