Looking Back... In an effort to transfer my book journal entries over to this blog, I'm going to attempt to post (in chronological order) an entry every Friday. I may or may not add extra commentary to what I jotted down in these journals.
The Diary of Anne Frank (The Definitive Edition) by Anne Frank
Nonfiction
1947/1995
Finished on January 28, 2002
Rating: 4/5 (Very Good)
Publisher's Blurb:
The diary as Anne Frank wrote it: “The single most compelling personal account of the Holocaust ... remains astonishing and excruciating" (The New York Times Book Review).
In a modern translation, this definitive edition contains entries about Anne’s burgeoning sexuality and confrontations with her mother that were cut from previous editions. Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl is among the most enduring documents of the twentieth century. Since its publication in 1947, it has been a beloved and deeply admired monument to the indestructible nature of the human spirit, read by millions of people and translated into more than fifty-five languages. Doubleday, which published the first English translation of the diary in 1952, now offers a new translation that captures Anne’s youthful spirit and restores the original material omitted by Anne’s father, Otto—approximately thirty percent of the diary. The elder Frank excised details about Anne’s emerging sexuality, and about the often-stormy relations between Anne and her mother.
Anne Frank and her family, fleeing the horrors of Nazi occupation forces, hid in the back of an Amsterdam office building for two years. This is Anne’s record of that time. She was thirteen when the family went into the “Secret Annex,” and in these pages, she grows to be a young woman and proves to be an insightful observer of human nature as well. A timeless story discovered by each new generation, The Diary of a Young Girl stands without peer. For young readers and adults, it continues to bring to life this young woman, who for a time survived the worst horrors the modern world had seen—and who remained triumphantly and heartbreakingly human throughout her ordeal.
My Original Thoughts (2002):
I know I've read The Diary of Anne Frank in the past, but it wasn't the definitive edition; this one isn't quite as wholesome as the former! Anne is much more open and honest about feelings toward her parents and the other residents of the Secret Annex, including her romance with Peter. More sexuality is discussed, as well. Would love to have diaries written by Margot and Peter, which would be a great way to compare views of their time in hiding. Anne is wise beyond her years. Her writing seems so mature and insightful for such a young girl!
Current Thoughts:
A timeless and important read. I wish I had been able to visit the museum in Amsterdam when we were there in 2015, but we didn't have enough time.
Anne Frank's Diary is such an interesting piece of literature. Yes, it reveals the inner thoughts of a young girl/woman during the Holocaust, but it the original is version we all read was published under the control of her father who picked and chose what was included. He did not have much of the sexual content published. Long after his death newer more complete versions have been published.
ReplyDeleteHelen, I'm glad the definitive edition was finally published so we could read the full story by Anne.
DeleteI have read Anne Frank's Diary a couple of times--but not this one. I will have to check it out. My daughter said she'll be reading A Diary of a Young Girl next year. I think I'm more excited about that than she is.
ReplyDeleteThis one is especially good. I hope your daughter enjoys A Diary of a Young Girl better than she thinks she will. ;)
DeleteI've read Anne Frank's Diary a number of times over the years, but don't know if it was the definitive edition... I suspect not. I'd like to reread the full story.
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, it's been a long time since I've read either edition, but I think you'd enjoy (for lack of a better word) the definitive version.
DeleteI have this same edition as well, which I bought after touring the Holocaust Museum in DC when it first opened. The book blew me out of my socks. I have always been an Anne fan. And I think a reread every 10 years or so is in order. If you haven't read, Miep Gies book Anne Frank Remembered -- it is a good follow-up. I'm always stunned by the loss of Anne. Her book is so moving and good.
ReplyDeleteSusan, I toured the museum many years ago and several of the displays still haunt me. :( I have not read Miep Gies' book, but will keep an eye out for it. Thanks!
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