Let's talk about books- The Diary of a Young Girl.

Hello again! 

Today I'll be talking about the first ever non-fiction book that I had read- The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. 

This book is a diary written by a 13 year old Jewish girl who went into hiding during the Second World War. This being an autobiography and a book of historical significance, there are no spoilers as such. But if you are as naive as I was when I read this book, you are going to be gutted when you get to abrupt end of this diary. I got so involved in this book, in the day-to-day life of Anne Frank that the last entry left me reeling. The last entry is one of her introspective entries, so very usual, completely normal, and utterly heart rending when you find out that it's the last one. 

While reading this book, you can feel the changes Anne went through. Even though she was just in her mid-teens, her thoughts and feelings are more mature than one would expect. Anne received the diary as a birthday gift, and started writing in it immediately. We get to see Anne change from talking about her crushes and classmates, to war, fights with her family and her own battle with depression and anxiety. The book is full of raw feelings and you will undoubtedly be reminded of your own teenage struggles, that are common between Anne and you, despite the difference of 8 decades between you. Anne's entries are highly relatable yet vastly different. 

The book if full of heart-touching instances as well as one's that are so sad they'll make you cry, but it also has it's share of comical entries. The one entry that hits you right in your heart and forces you to think of the hardships Jews went through in the war, is about a dream Anne has. She calls it a nice dream. Anne dreams that she has met her cousins and has some money to go shopping. What makes you sad here is her shopping list, which consists solely of items of everyday use- underwears, vests, jackets, sweaters and shoes. The items that she grew out of within a few months of going into hiding. One other instance which touches one's heart is when Anne dreams of her best friend, who had not gone into hiding. Anne apologizes to her and prays that she be well and alive. 

Living cooped up with seven other people and not being able to step out at all, will have a negative impact on anyone's mind, Anne was no different. Anne suffered from depression and anxiety, and her entries show clearly how strongly she fought against it. 

The book also shows us how courageous and selfless the people helping Anne and her family were. These people were workers in Anne Frank's father's office. From small things like regularly meeting those in hiding and giving them news to smuggling in food and rations for them, the employees of Opekta supported the Frank and the Van Daan family in any way they could. 

 

I would say this book is a must read for everyone, it takes the reader through a rumbling rollercoaster of emotions. Do let me know if you have read the book and how did you like it. Coming up the next book in the following week. Signing off with a quote from Anne Frank-

          Work, love, courage and hope, 

          Make me good and help me cope!