1990s Pocket Books paperback of the 1952 Enlgoish translation of the 1947 Dutch publication of the found memoir that ended prior to the capture of the family in 1944. This copy has its cover torn off. This was on my list of best classics to read when I found this copy today in the free books pile on the porch of Dimond Library.

Edit May 19, 2013: All of the power of this book of course comes with the ominous ending and afterword, which is quite stunning in its horror. That said, the vast majority of this book is rather mundane, being essentially a typically self-absorbed teenage girl's weekly and semi-daily diary entries. Surprisingly, Anne is a charming and very bright and talented young woman, with a very playful side that is quite endearing. She calls her diary "Kitty," and talks to "her" as if to an intimate confidante. Still, I wanted to read from her more about war conditions and deprivations and the fears, and less about school work and hobbies and boys and family rifts, entertainubg as she makes those nonetheless. But then towards the end there is the heart-sickening revelations from Anne about the rapid progress of the Allies, when we know it will we too little too late. Indeed Anne and her family were some of the last to die, having been turned in by a Dutch informer. They were such a careful and intelligent group of people, it left me wondering where they slipped up, in letting their location be found out, after all such careful preparations of their life in the Secret Annexe.

... in the free books box on the porch.

And a plug for the next meetup of TriValley BookCrossing group, at Panera Bread in Dublin, the second Tuesday of each month.

Aside from loving shared books, my main passion in life is supporting the human rights work of my good friend, Anni Cyrus. 💖 💖 Her life story of survival as a childhood refugee is astounding, and quite moving!

Please look her up on Google and YouTube. You can also follow her on Facebook and Instagram, among other platforms.