This sounds like an interesting read, if like me, you like historical fiction. It's an account of the life of Peter Van Pels, best known for his association with Anne Frank. This book goes beyond their life in the secret annexe, and details what Peter's life might have been like in the NAZI concentration camps. I came across this book trailer and interview with author Sharon Dogar, where she explains her reasons for writing the book. This one is actually surrounded in controversy right now due to an article in The Times which accused Dougar of 'sexing up' Anne Frank.
Click to read full articles:
To me, Dogar does a good job of explaining her reasons for writing the book and from reading her interview, it appears that she has dealt with the subject with great sensitivity. If you want to find out for yourself, the book is available for download on NetGalley. If anyone has already read it, I'd love to know your thoughts.
Book description:
Everyone knows about Anne Frank, and her life hidden in the secret annexe - or do they? Peter van Pels and his family are locked away in there with the Franks, and Peter sees it all differently. He's a boy, and for a boy it's just not the same. What is it like to be forced into hiding with Anne Frank, to hate her and then find yourself falling in love with her? To know you're being written about in her diary, day after day? What's it like to sit and wait and watch whilst others die, and you wish you were fighting? How can Anne and Peter try to make sense of one of the most devastating episodes in recent history - the holocaust? Anne's diary ends on August 4 1944, but Peter's story takes us on, beyond their betrayal and into the Nazi death camps. He details with accuracy, clarity and compassion, the reality of day to day survival in Auschwitz - and the terrible conclusion. It's a story rooted firmly in history and it asks a question of us all: Are we listening? 'Is anybody there?' Peter cries from the depths of his despair in the camps. Read it, and you will be.
Thanks for the heads up, I hadn't heard about this one. Do you think it's really 'sexed-up'? or is it more of a romance and people are just looking to criticize something?? hmmm sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteHi Carrie - I dunno. I doubt if it can be too 'sexed up' as it's for a young adult audience, and it's years since I've read The Diary of Anne Frank, but I do remember a romance between Anne and Peter, although I don't think it was too full on. In the article it says that they kiss in this book, but nothing else. I guess we'll have to read it and see. It does sound interesting!
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