Once upon a time, in a land called the Netherlands, a young girl named Anne Frank had a story that captivated the world. Most of us are familiar with 'The Diary of a Young Girl,' the timeless memoir that chronicled Anne's life while hiding from the Nazis during World War II. But have you ever wondered what led her to become the courageous voice that still resonates with us today? Well, wonder no more, because a new novel by bestselling author Alice Hoffman is here to shed light on Anne's life before she picked up her iconic diary.
Titled 'When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary,' this enchanting tale, set to be released on September 17th, takes readers on a journey back to the early 1940s in the Netherlands. With the cooperation of the Anne Frank House, Hoffman weaves a story that delves into the experiences and emotions Anne faced before she began writing her diary.
Now, you may be thinking, 'Alice Hoffman? Isn't she known for her bewitching tales of sorcery?' And you would be right! Hoffman is renowned for her spellbinding novels, including 'Practical Magic,' but she also possesses a knack for captivating young readers. Not to mention, her recent work, 'The World That We Knew,' explores the haunting events of the Holocaust, making her the perfect candidate to bring Anne Frank's pre-diary life to light.
In a heartfelt statement provided by Scholastic, Hoffman expressed her deep connection to 'The Diary of a Young Girl,' stating that it changed the way she looked at the world and shaped her identity. She yearned to discover what Anne's life had been like before her diary, what events had molded her into the writer who eloquently captured the anguish and resilience of those affected by Nazi occupation.
In the pursuit of understanding, Hoffman embarked on extensive archival research, including invaluable resources provided by the Anne Frank House. This meticulous attention to historical detail ensures that readers will be transported to the harrowing period when state-sponsored discrimination transformed ordinary people into monsters, and the Jews in the Netherlands experienced an indomitable wave of violence and hatred.
By exploring Anne's personal growth as a young woman and a developing writer, Hoffman's novel aims to showcase the power of resilience, hope, and the human spirit. Anne Frank's private journal, her intimate sanctuary amidst unimaginable turmoil, ultimately becomes the instrument through which she would change the world.
The Anne Frank House, one of the arbiters of Anne's legacy, has wholeheartedly endorsed Hoffman's novel. Ronald Leopold, the executive director of the Anne Frank House, expressed his belief that the book will inspire young readers to recognize the importance of making a positive impact on the world. The story serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, one voice can still shine a beacon of light and hope.
Hoffman's novel, 'When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary,' joins the ranks of other works centered around Anne Frank's remarkable journey. Although Ellen Feldman's 'The Boy Who Loved Anne Frank' and other projects have explored different aspects of her life, this particular novel promises an insider's perspective, crafted with utmost care and the blessing of the Anne Frank House.
As we eagerly await the release of 'When We Flew Away,' let us continue to honor the memory of Anne Frank, whose words remind us of our shared humanity and the importance of fighting for a better world. Alice Hoffman's novel promises to be a captivating tribute to the girl whose voice still resonates, ensuring that the legacy of Anne Frank will never be forgotten.
