When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary By Alice Hoffman

Alice Hoffman’s When We Flew Away is a deeply moving and meticulously researched novel about Anne Frank, bringing to life the years leading up to her time in hiding during World War II. As the Nazi occupation tightens its grip on the Netherlands, the Frank family’s world is slowly dismantled through escalating restrictions, prejudice, and fear. In this harrowing backdrop, Hoffman vividly portrays Anne as audacious, creative, and wise beyond her years, capturing the essence of a young girl forced to confront unimaginable horrors while discovering her voice as a writer.

With insight and sensitivity, Hoffman traces Anne’s emotional and intellectual growth, crafting a poignant narrative that adds new depth to a story we thought we already knew. The novel does more than recount historical events; it offers readers an intimate look into Anne's inner world, showcasing her wit, defiance, and the humanity she clung to even as the world around her became monstrous.

Critically acclaimed for her lyrical storytelling, Hoffman recreates Anne’s early life with breathtaking poignancy, exploring how the encroaching terror of war shaped her family and the lasting impact of their ordeal. Published with the cooperation of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, When We Flew Away is a testament to the enduring relevance of Anne’s story and the importance of remembering the past to inspire a better future. Fans of Alice Hoffman and readers of all ages will find this novel to be an extraordinary and heart-wrenching tribute to one of history’s most iconic figures.