4 stars
A powerful read that provides valuable insight. This is a great resource for understanding an important part of history both in terms of some of its major events as well as how individuals dealt with and reacted to the times. An excellent example of putting a face to history.
The definitive edition adds additional passages from Anne Frank’s diary that were omitted from the more well-known version. This includes many that deal with her tense relationship with her mother.
As Anne Frank wrote much of the diary with the intention of sharing it with the public, the writings include many historical details such as their food and supplies, costs of items, the layout of the Secret Annex, and political updates, as well as personal drama and opinions of the other members of the Annex.
Anne Frank writes from the perspective of a teenager and faces many relatable issues such as feeling misunderstood, moral conflicts, loneliness, desire for independence, frustration with schooling, confrontation with parents, and disagreements with siblings. Through her writing, the reader sees how Anne Frank grows and matures in hiding and the difficulties this presents.
Though difficult to read at times due to the subject matter, this is a crucial story.