Title: “Meeting” Anne Frank: An Anthology
Author: Tim Whittome
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 978-1664145566
Pages: 402
Genre: Holocaust Biographies / Children’s Historical Biography
Reviewed by: Tony Espinoza
Pacific Book Review
Some of the greatest philosophers, thinkers and geniuses to ever grace our world have not only gone unrecognized in their own time, but have been the tragic victim of horrific events, and yet have still seen the hope and brightest moments of humanity. None embody this notion more than the young teen girl whose writings and memories inspired so many out of a time of sorrow and terror, Anne Frank. She once said, “I see the world being slowly transformed into a wilderness; I hear the approaching thunder that, one day, will destroy us too. I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that everything will change for the better, that this cruelty too shall end, that peace and tranquility will return once more.”
In the acclaimed and recently released anthology “Meeting” Anne Frank, a collection of authors come together to share twenty stories filled with art and personal anecdotes of how they have connected with the accomplished and late writer, Anne Frank, over the years since her passing. While none knew her personally, the authors share how they came to know Anne either through having met or known others from Anne’s life before the occupation, during her time in hiding, or during her last months, or from the teachings and reading of her own diary and the subsequent biographies that have come afterwards. Through historical context, personal stories and extensive research, the authors have put together an emotional and thought-provoking look into the person and writer that was Anne Frank.
A truly heartfelt and engaging book, this anthology carries with it the importance and emotion that Anne Frank’s story and life has always brought readers around the world. While the authors do an incredible job of including memorable art and photographs, along with history and research which feels like a biography, the authors take an interesting and unique turn and not only showcase their first time coming across Anne’s story but how her life and her work has impacted them. The book also includes some great interviews with some of the actresses who have portrayed Anne’s life and some insightful looks into her life’s biggest and most defining moments, not just the events that she has come to be known for. The writing is insightful and thoughtful, bringing a personal aspect to the author’s own experiences and feelings towards the famed historical figure’s impact on the world.
This is the perfect read for those that enjoy historical and world-based non-fiction reads, as well as stories that read like personal essays, historical non-fiction reads that delve into the life of important figures and in particular WWII. As a history buff myself, I was fascinated to be able to not only get a glimpse into Anne’s life and those that knew her, but to see how her impact on history has affected the lives of these twenty authors as well.
A memorable, engaging and detailed non-fiction read, “Meeting” Anne Frank is the perfect anthology that deals with history and historical figure writer Anne Frank. The photographs, the personal stories which touch on the author’s lives after reading and learning of Anne’s work, and the detailed research really and truly make this a memorable and important read, and stands out from the typical biographies many have read on this remarkable young woman.
