When We Flew Away

When the Frank family relocated from Germany to the Netherlands in 1934 they truly believed it would save them. The country remained independent and neutral on all political and religious matters. But as Europe succumbed to the atrocities brought by Hitler and the Nazi’s there was no longer a safe place to be found. When We Flew Away reimagines Anne’s life prior to 1942, before they were forced into hiding. Before she wrote a diary that changed the way we see the world. Anne and her sister led a simple life with all the normal urgencies of a young girl trying to figure out what she likes and who she wants be. This outspoken young girl was often reprimanded in school for being a chatterbox, while she idolized and was jealous of her older sister, the model student. As the family watched their freedoms slowly disappear they clung to each other and a few friends that would help them organize the infamous attic where they would be concealed for two years. Appreciating the birds and the flowers and the feel of sunshine on your face, Anne describes the simple joys we take granted every day. I simply love author Alice Hoffman but I must admit this is a very YA book and although I often enjoy them this one did not capture my heart. It was a little repetitive and told by a narrator when as the reader I would’ve liked to imagine her thoughts first person. Maybe because I have been reading about the life of Anne Frank for my entire life, nothing will ever compare to her diary and actual words. ⭐⭐⭐