by Rosemary Sullivan

A Nonfiction, 2022 by Harper, 400 Pages

What I Didn’t Like:

Obviously, the subject matter is tough for some. Although it’s well handled if you’re not in the frame of mind for a story about the Holocaust and the people affected by it, this isn’t the book for you.
Be forewarned this is a nonfiction book with a lot of dates, names, and places. It’s a lot to take in and a lot to remember. Not really a negative, more a warning.
You aren’t going to get a definitive answer and certainly not right away. I knew to expect that, because it’s an old case. Be warned that this does show multiple suspects in order to accurately paint a picture. It’s not fiction, it isn’t clear cut or direct.

Informative even for someone (like me) who is familiar with the time period and the story, it’s delivered in a way that is still interesting. Plus, there were things I didn’t know.
Yes, the focus is on who betrayed Anne and the others in the Annex. But the book also goes into heavy detail on others who were given up and why. It’s a shocking reminder of how many people had to hide and how many were betrayed.
Care and attention is paid to the people mentioned. If possible, they are called by their real names and true stories are given. It’s a constant reminder that these are real people and real stories, shocking as that may be.

Historian or nonfiction fans who enjoy well researched WWII texts. This is incredibly well done and careful in its attention to detail.
Special note for teachers: this one is packed with details and is heavy on the names, making it harder to wade through. HOWEVER, it’s rare we get a detailed nonfiction text with this modern of a release date and voice. Therefore, I’d recommend using PASSAGES from this one or sections of the AUDIOBOOK for your units.