Anne Frank Book Review

Authors Avatar

T 1

Rosemary

ENG 3U1

Ms

13 December 2010

Not an Ordinary Fairy Tale

        A memoir is defined as an account of one’s personal experience. It is what the author has encountered throughout his or her life, and is based on memory. They are real life events, and sometimes they do not have a happy ending. Despite the fact that The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank, does not have a happy ending, this memoir is astonishing. I usually enjoy happy endings, but this diary touched me more than any other story I have read. This memoir is truly one of the best novels by far. Firstly, I can make an effortless connection with her as I read through her journey of hiding through out World War Two. As well, Anne’s transformation from a naive to an intelligent young girl in a matter of  three years is entertaining. Finally, I learn the lessons she is sending to people all over the world. The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank is an impeccable memoir due to the fact it is so easy to connect with Anne, watching her as she matures while the reader learns the messages she is trying to send out.

        In Anne’s diary, she is so open and honest with her feelings, it is so simple to connect with her. She does not hold anything back, and tells the reader exactly what she is thinking and feeling. She tells the reader when she is scared that the Nazi’s may find her family. She tells them when is she mad because of the fights she has with others living in the secret Annex. She also tells them when she is confused about the person she is. Everyone encounters all these feelings

T2

and emotions, whether or not it is a similar experience. “I have the hardest time trying to maintain a normal facade when I’m feeling wretched and sad” (Frank 214) Anne is telling the reader that although she is not happy, she is pretending to be happy. Everyone experiences pain, and put a smile on our faces face and pretend like nothing is wrong. No one is fearless, and everyone has fear in them. Many have confusions of who they really are as well. Anne shows me that it is okay to cry sometimes, she shows me that all the fears that I have in life I am able to face them and everything will be alright. She lets me know that growing up as a teen, it is really hard to figure out who I really am, but eventually I will figure it out. Every emotion she experiences, I know exactly how she is feeling. Therefore, what Anne is going through is completely normal, so it is easy for the reader to know what kind of emotion Anne is feeling. Kate Johns, a reader of this book writes “It was a true page turned that had me going through every emotion imaginable. I cried, and laughed, and I was angered, and I also felt helpless” (Kate Johns, Helium) With Anne’s open and honest words, the reader has no problem experiencing Anne’s emotions. Another enjoyable part of this memoir I enjoy is the transformation Anne makes.

Join now!

        Throughout Anne’s memoir, her transition from being an obnoxious young girl, to a mature young lady makes for a more enjoyable read. In the beginning of this memoir, Anne is twelve and very immature. She deals with childish matters and becomes angry at pointless issues. As her diary continues on, her issues become more deep and interesting. She talks more about the troubles she is experiencing and she no longer wines. This is more enjoyable and interesting to read about and to notice how much she changes. On one of Anne’s older entries,

T 3

she added in a ...

This is a preview of the whole essay