Jacqueline van Maarsen (1929–2025)

Jacqueline van Maarsen's poignant recollection of her friendship with Anne Frank and her own experience as a Dutch Jew during World War II is an excellent choice for anyone interested in learning more about the Holocaust. van Maarsen's memoir brings Anne back to life, recounting anecdotes and memories of better times, when she and Anne were children, making the most of life in the shadow of the Third Reich. These happy instances add depth and nuance to understanding Anne Frank and her show more situation, as van Maarsen's memories present Anne from a different perspective, as well as giving readers a more complete picture of what life was like for Jews living in the Netherlands during the war, especially from a child's point of view. Any retelling of the Holocaust is going to be painful and difficult to read and comprehend from a 21st century perspective, but van Maarsen's account is particularly heartbreaking, as her own life stands in contrast to the possibilities of Anne--everything that could have been. I appreciate that van Maarsen shows us Anne as a young girl--complicated, dynamic, expressive--not merely a victim. I would absolutely consider using this text in the classroom to accompany a unit on the Holocaust or on Anne Frank. show less

The autobiography of Anne Frank's best friend. It's mainly not about Anne or their friendship but the family history of Jacqueline's parents and their war hardships and it's a unique insight into the fate of a half-jewish family in occupied Netherlads.

A book that is a nice addition to the diary itself. For me it is also the first book I read 'about Anne', told by someone who knew her well.
I liked the book, it described the thoughts of the girl Jopie as well as the reservations of the adult.

Goed geschreven boek dat samen met het dagboek van Anne Frank een goed idee geeft van het leven van de joden tijdens WOII in Amsterdam.