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

Alice Hoffman’s When We Flew Away offers a powerful fictionalized account of Anne Frank's early life, focusing on the years before her family went into hiding. Based on extensive research and in collaboration with the Anne Frank House, the novel explores Anne’s world as it crumbles under Nazi occupation, capturing the steady encroachment of prejudice and terror. Hoffman masterfully brings Anne to life as a witty, audacious, and deeply perceptive girl, whose creative spirit emerges even in the darkest moments.

The novel begins with the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands, detailing how the Frank family’s existence is gradually stripped away through escalating restrictions and violence. Anne’s inner strength and unique voice, which would later define The Diary of a Young Girl, are carefully developed as she witnesses both ordinary people turning into monsters and innocent families, like hers, being swept into the horrors of war. Hoffman’s lyrical prose adds emotional depth, making Anne’s story feel both heartbreakingly intimate and historically profound.

Critics, such as Newbery Award-winner Lois Lowry, praise the novel for its poignancy, noting how it captures Anne’s humanity in a fresh way, even though readers already know her tragic fate. The novel also serves as a timely reminder of the importance of remembering the Holocaust and striving for a better world. Hoffman’s sensitive retelling will resonate with readers of all ages, offering a deeper understanding of the girl behind the diary that changed the world. 📚❤️