Another book review in the life of Megan Ruth Rempel. I start to wonder after posting so many of these if they all sound the same, or if they actually help readers pick and choose. Most of my ratings for books are pretty similar because I enjoy almost everything that I read! Each novel to me has it’s own set of things that make it unique. This is my second time reading Anne’s diary so I know that I definitely got more out of it.
Anne Frank’s extraordinary diary, written in the Amsterdam attic where she and her family hid from Nazis for two years, has become a world classic and a timeless testament to the human spirit. Here she is first and foremost a teenage girl – stubbornly honest, touchingly vulnerable, in love with life. She imparts her deeply secret world of soul-searching and hungering for affection, rebellious clashes with her mother, romance and newly discovered sexuality, and wry, candid observations of her companions. Facing hunger, fear of discovery and death, and the petty frustrations of such confined quarters, Anne writes with adult wisdom and views beyond her years. Her story is that of every teenager, lived out in conditions few teenagers have ever known.
The Diary of Anne Frank contains many lessons on the coming of age of a young girl. Anne lives in a time of hate towards the Jewish and even before she goes into hiding there are strict rules for all of her people. Anne talks about the discrimination her family lives casually before she goes into hiding. Jewish people in Amsterdam aren’t allowed to drive cars or share public facilities with others that aren’t Jewish, and the Star of David was worn dutifully. When discussing these facts with her diary: Kitty, Anne has a calm air about her. Her character was one of the highlights of the story.
Throughout her confinement in the Secret Annex Anne grows from a selfish young girl to a reflective young woman. Many changes take place in Anne’s life. She learns to be independent of her parents and to develop her own view on things. Despite the ongoing war, she decides that being optimistic is the only way to live her life. Last but not least Anne goes through puberty and finds companionship in Peter – the son from the Van Daan family who are also in hiding.
Anne’s writing is crisp and developed, she writes down dialogue that emerges between the Annex members and describes the setting quite well. Her diary is overall an intriguing read.
I decided I’m not going to rate the books I read anymore because I always manage to find something I like in each one. So read my reviews and judge for yourself if the book is enjoyable, if it is up your alley. I would recommend Anne Frank’s diary to a young person growing up or anybody that is interested in such a subject.
Later gaters,
- MRR
