89 pages • 2 hours read
The Diary of Anne Frank: A Play
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Book Brief
The Diary of Anne Frank: A Play
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1955121
Play • Fiction
Amsterdam, Netherlands • 1940s
1955
Adult
12+ years
Super Short Summary
The Diary of Anne Frank: A Play by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett follows the harrowing life of thirteen-year-old Anne Frank, her family, and others as they hide in a Secret Annex in Amsterdam during the Nazi occupation. The play, narrated through Anne's diary entries, captures their daily struggles, close quarters, evolving relationships, and the constant threat of discovery, culminating in their sudden capture by the Nazis. The play includes graphic descriptions of violence during the Holocaust.
Melancholic
Hopeful
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Diary of Anne Frank: A Play by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett captures the emotional essence and claustrophobic tension of Anne Frank's original diary. Critics praise its faithful adaptation and powerful performances, though some note it can feel condensed and lose nuances pivotal in the book. Overall, it stays a moving tribute to Anne's legacy.
Who Should Read The Diary of Anne Frank: A Play?
Readers who would enjoy The Diary of Anne Frank: A Play by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett are likely drawn to historical narratives, particularly involving World War II, and enjoy deep, emotional character studies. Similar audiences would also appreciate The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and Number the Stars by Lois Lowry.
Margot Frank
Margot Frank
Anne's older sister, known for her maturity and gentle nature, who serves as a contrast to Anne with her reserved and selfless demeanor.
Mrs. Edith Frank
Mrs. Edith Frank
Mother to Anne and Margot, a patient and reserved woman who struggles to connect with Anne due to her headstrong personality.
Mr. Otto Frank
Mr. Otto Frank
The father of Anne and Margot, who is warm, thoughtful, and the only member of the Secret Annex to survive the war.
Miep
Miep
A young Dutch woman in her early twenties who aids the families in the Secret Annex, providing supplies and emotional support.
Mr. Kraler
Mr. Kraler
A Dutchman and employee of Mr. Frank who helps hide the families, occasionally bringing news of the outside world.
Peter van Daan
Peter van Daan
A shy teenage boy who moves into the Secret Annex with his parents, sharing a developing friendship with Anne.
Petronella van Daan
Petronella van Daan
Peter's mother, outspoken and often causing tension within the Annex, while also providing meals for the group.
Hermann van Daan
Hermann van Daan
Peter's father, who exhibits contentious behavior and smokes, contrasting with the more noble Frank family.
Alfred Dussel
Alfred Dussel
A German Jewish dentist who joins the Secret Annex, bringing troubling news from outside and quickly becoming a challenging roommate for Anne.
121
Play • Fiction
Amsterdam, Netherlands • 1940s
1955
Adult
12+ years
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