When We Flew Away Audiobook By Alice Hoffman cover art

When We Flew Away

A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary

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When We Flew Away

By: Alice Hoffman
Narrated by: Mara Wilson
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About this listen

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
Family Life Growing Up & Facts of Life Historical Fiction Heartfelt Tearjerking Holocaust Netherlands
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What listeners say about When We Flew Away

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Good story

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

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