WHEN WE FLEW AWAY A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary

Mara Wilson offers a graceful performance of Hoffman's fictionalized account of Anne Frank's life before her family went into hiding. In a clear, warm tone, Wilson describes a young Anne, who is passionate about writing and infectiously high-spirited and curious. While conveying Anne's vexation at her sister and mother, Wilson also communicates her unshakable love for her family. Because listeners will likely know the end of Anne's story, the portents of doom delicately woven into the novel--for instance, black moths that gather at the windows--are all the more impactful. Hoffman's heartfelt afterword, which she narrates herself, ties the novel together, offering devastating details about Anne's death, even as it stresses the impact of Anne's legacy and the resilience of the human spirit. S.A.H. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2024]