When We Flew Away

A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary

De: Alice Hoffman

Narrado por: Mara Wilson

Bestselling author Alice Hoffman delivers a stunning novel about one of contemporary history's most acclaimed figures, exploring the little-known details of Anne Frank's life before she went into hiding.

Anne Frank's The Diary of a Young Girl has captivated and inspired people for decades. Published posthumously by her bereaved father, Anne's journal, written while she and her family were in hiding during World War II, has become one of the central texts of the Jewish experience during the Holocaust, as well as a work of literary genius.

With the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, the Frank family's life is turned inside out, blow by blow, restriction by restriction. Prejudice, loss, and terror run rampant, and Anne is forced to bear witness as ordinary people become monsters, and children and families are caught up in the inescapable tide of violence.

In the midst of impossible danger, Anne, audacious and creative and fearless, discovers who she truly is. With a wisdom far beyond her years, she becomes a writer who will go on to change the world as we know it.

Critically acclaimed author Alice Hoffman weaves a lyrical and heart-wrenching story of the way the world closes in on the Frank family from the moment the Nazis invade the Netherlands until they are forced into hiding, bringing Anne to bold, vivid life.

Based on extensive research and published in cooperation with the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, When We Flew Away is an extraordinary and moving tour de force.

Perfect for Alice Hoffman fans of every age.

"Adding new poignance to a story whose ending we already knew, Alice Hoffman has deftly recreated the child Anne Frank with all her wit, mischief, and uncertainties. This fictionalized account of the increasingly desperate years that preceded the famous diary breaks readers' hearts one more time. But it reminds us of how important it is to remember and honor all that was lost."—Lois Lowry, Newbery Award-winning author of Number the Stars

“We can highly recommend Alice Hoffman’s novel of Anne Frank’s life, set in the dramatic and terrible circumstances of those first war years. We hope it will persuade young readers that contributing to a better world is both necessary and possible,” says Ronald Leopold, Executive Director, Anne Frank House.

©2024 Alice Hoffman (P)2024 Scholastic Audio Books

Another great Alice Hoffman book

Alice Hoffman is one of my most favorite authors - her prose is always so lyrical and thought provoking. This story is Hoffman's imaging of Anne Frank's life in the Netherlands before her family went into hiding during WWII. Even though it is about a frightening time, it gracefully captures the thoughts and emotions of a bright young girl growing into her own. The book may be categorized as a young adult book but it is relevant for the adult reader as well - especially anyone who read the book Diary of Young Girl as teen themselves.
It was excellently narrated by Mara Wilson.
Hoffman's author's note (read by the author) was as touching & significant as the entire book. Hoffman concludes her note by saying that Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank should be required reading of every 13 year old in the United States and in the world. I completely agree.

How Wonderful

I know that this is fiction, but it showed what might have been the world around Anne Frank. Amazing. And it reminds us not to sit still when we can still do something about the problems around us. Before there’s nothing we can do.

One of the best books of the year

In this historical fiction novel, Alice Hoffman uses real people, places and facts to imagine the two years before Anne Frank and her family went into hiding. I almost feel disloyal to Anne Frank for enjoying this novel even more than her diary.

Hoffman is a beautiful storyteller. Taking on a task of Anne’s story before the diary is an arduous task. Though Anne is the age of middle grade readers, I think only small percentage of tween readers will enjoy WHEN WE FLEW AWAY. I first read Anne’s diary in middle school, but most of the context went over my head. I think adults appreciate the brilliance of her diary more than young people. WHEN WE FLEW AWAY is written more simplistically than the diary, though just as beautifully.

I enjoyed the audiobook more than the written book. In the way that Anne Frank’s diary appeals more to older readers than middle grade readers, WHEN WE FLEW AWAY likely will also.

More Timely Than Ever

The day after the 2024 election, I began listening to this book. I finished it quickly and in tears. I didn’t think, after all these years, that I would turn back to Anne as I had at age 11, for strength and courage. We will all need it these next 4 years. Thank you, Alice Hoffman.

Good story

Evening knowing what happens, I enjoyed this story. Made me think more about her before the camp.