Annexed by Sharon Dogar
HMH, October 4, 2010
Recently there has been a small flurry of articles (like this New York Times piece) about Sharon Dogar’s upcoming novel for teens, Annexed. Some people are scandalized by the book’s sexual content (though by the standards of many, many other teen novels, this one is quite tame), while some are upset that it portrays a real historical figure (though it’s hardly uncommon for novels to fictionalize the lives of real people). The reason that Annexed is drawing an unusual amount of fire is that the person it dares to fictionalize is Anne Frank.
Curious to see what the fuss was all about, I took the book home with me and read it over the weekend. Annexed is told from the point of view of Peter van Pels, whose family hid in the Annex along with Anne’s. I dimly remembered Peter from my own reading of Anne’s diary, years ago. Dogar imagines what it would have been like to be Peter—to have to hide in the Annex, of course, but also to come to know Anne and her family, and to wonder what Anne was writing about him in her diary. I found that I wanted to know more about Peter and to think about what his experience of the Annex might have been.
As for the novel’s sexual aspects, it spoils very little to say that Peter and Anne only share a few brief touches and kisses. Although I don’t know whether or not the real Anne and Peter ever kissed each other, I do remember that Anne wrote about gradually developing feelings for Peter over the course of the two years they lived in the Annex together, and she also wrote about wanting to grow up, wanting to menstruate and to fall in love and to become a woman. Anne Frank was an adolescent girl, a young woman, and I can readily believe that she could have shared the kind of experiences with Peter that Dogar describes.
Dogar says she tried to stick as closely as she could to events that actually happened and were recorded in Anne’s diary, such as the following scene, which takes place shortly after Peter’s family arrives in the Annex:
I want to stretch out my arms and knock the walls down. I want to run so far and fast that I remember what it’s like to feel my breath burn in my body. I want to move. I want to live. I want to . . .
I whistle. I whistle so loud that I imagine the whole of Holland could hear me. I’m a Jew. I’m a Jew! And I’m right here in the middle of Amsterdam. Hiding. See me! I take a big, deep breath and shout as loud as I can down the chimney.
“I won’t come down!”
What do you think of Dogar’s decision to write about Anne Frank? What are you reading today?
I just started – Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke. My guilty pleasure reading is cutsy mysteries, usually with recipes included.
A question about the Book of the Day email– do you cover all kinds of genres, or do you find that you focus on a couple more than others? I just subscribed and hope to see a variety, I only read mysteries for years, now I read NYT Best-sellers, chick lit, etc.
I am caught up in Hornet’s Nest. Totally intrigued from the start with Dragon Tattoo, I had to continue on the journey with Lisbeth. All I can say is that it will be hard to say goodbye.
I’m reading a debut novel by Chevy Stevens, called Still Missing, it is riveting. A must read.
I have STill Missing on my shelf in the hall. I cant wait to read it. It sounds like a great read. I heard lots about it. It would make a great movie too…
I thought this book was AMAZING! I did a blog post about it and even emailed the author, who graciously replied. Can’t wait to read her next one.
Still Missing was riveting! I think I read it in one sitting. Chevy Stevens is an author to watch; I interviewed her for BookPage and it’s interesting to read about her inspiration for the book: http://www.bookpage.com/books-10013435-Still+Missing
I have about 8 books going concurrently, and one of them is ‘Jane Eyre’ by Charlotte Bronte. Love her writing style, love the story.
I just finished Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff, a quick, enjoyable read. Just starting The Quickening by Michelle Hoover. Has anyone else read it?
Reading Holy Disorders (a Gervase Fen mystery) by Edmund Crispin. I was curious about Crispin’s books. I’m enjoying it so far….will probably look for another title soon.
YEAR OF THE FLOOD preceeds ORAX AND CRAKE by Atwood. I read the in reverse order and the more recent book made less sense. then I read FLOOD, and all is clear.
Very interesting book review. I enjoyed your honest evaluation and I’m sure my kids will be reading it in the future.
I’m currently reading a very interesting book on persuasion. It’s called “27 Powers of Persuasion” (author Chris St. Hilaire). The authors style of writing makes it very easy to read and I can totally relate to many of the examples used. I’m finding myself much more aware of what’s happening in my conversations with others. It has really opened my eyes! I was lucky enough to get my hands on a pre-released copy…it will be available in Sept. Here’s a link if you want to check it out:
http://www.27powersofpersuasion.com/buy-the-book/proven-tactics
I got a prereleased copy as well. I’m not usually a business book person, but this one reads easily and provides practical advice that I’m already using.
I am reading “One Day” by David Nicholls. It takes place on a single day each year for 20 years.
I’m really enjoying Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch!
I am reading The Wildwater Walking Club. I needed something light after reading Her Fearful Symetry.
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