When We Flew Away by Alice Hoffman

A Bittersweet Ode to Lost Innocence

There’s a haunting moment early in Alice Hoffman’s “When We Flew Away” where young Anne Frank, gazing out her window in Amsterdam, notices something unsettling. The rabbits that used to frolic in the square below have vanished, as if whisked away by an ominous wind. It’s a small detail, easily overlooked, yet it speaks volumes about the creeping darkness enveloping Anne’s world – and Hoffman’s masterful ability to capture the subtle shifts that herald monumental change.

This exquisitely crafted novel transports us to the precipice of history, inviting readers into Anne Frank’s life in the years leading up to her family’s fateful decision to go into hiding. With lyrical prose and keen psychological insight, Hoffman breathes vibrant life into one of the 20th century’s most iconic figures, reminding us that before Anne became a symbol, she was simply a girl—dreaming, hoping, and grappling with the turbulent emotions of early adolescence against an increasingly perilous backdrop.

A Coming-of-Age Tale Shadowed by History

Hoffman’s narrative spans roughly three years, from 1940 to 1942, as we follow Anne from age 10 to 13. The story opens with an ordinary day suddenly shattered by the boom of German bombs falling on Amsterdam. From there, we witness the gradual erosion of normalcy through Anne’s eyes—each new restriction, each whispered rumor, each disappeared neighbor chipping away at the foundations of her once-secure world.

What makes the novel so compelling is Hoffman’s deft balancing act between the personal and the political. While the looming specter of Nazi occupation forms an ever-darkening backdrop, the heart of the story lies in Anne’s internal journey. We see her wrestle with typical pre-teen concerns—sibling rivalry with perfect older sister Margot, crushes on boys, frustrations with her mother—even as larger anxieties begin to intrude.

The Birth of a Writer

Central to Anne’s arc is her blossoming passion for writing. Hoffman beautifully illustrates how storytelling becomes both escape and lifeline for Anne, a way to make sense of a world spinning out of control. There are lovely scenes of Anne scribbling away in secret, crafting tales of brave heroines and magical forests. We see the seeds being planted for the diarist she will become, as Anne discovers the power of putting her thoughts to paper.

A Family Portrait

While Anne remains front and center, Hoffman fleshes out the entire Frank family with nuance and empathy. Otto, Anne’s father, emerges as a figure of quiet strength, clinging to hope even as options dwindle. Edith, Anne’s mother, is portrayed with particular sensitivity – her attempts to protect her daughters at odds with Anne’s yearning for independence. And Margot, often overshadowed by her famous sister, comes alive as a complex young woman grappling with her own fears and dreams.

Echoes of Fairy Tales in Dark Times

Hoffman, known for weaving magical realism into her stories, employs a subtler touch here. Yet there’s still an undercurrent of the mythic running through the novel. Anne’s imagination frequently turns to fairy tale imagery—dark forests, wicked wolves, girls locked in towers. These motifs serve as both comfort and warning, highlighting the stark contrast between the stories Anne loves and the grim reality closing in around her.

One recurring image is particularly striking: a giant black moth that only Anne seems to notice, fluttering at windows and growing larger as danger approaches. It’s a brilliant metaphor for the creeping dread that even a child can sense, long before adults are willing to name it.

The Weight of Hindsight

Reading “When We Flew Away” is, inevitably, an experience tinged with sorrow. We know the fate that awaits Anne and her family, lending every moment of joy or normalcy a bittersweet poignancy. Hoffman doesn’t shy away from this dramatic irony, but neither does she let it overwhelm the story. Instead, she uses our foreknowledge to heighten the stakes, making us cherish every fleeting moment of Anne’s truncated childhood.

A Delicate Dance with History

Writing historical fiction about such a well-known figure is a daunting task, but Hoffman navigates it with grace and integrity. While she takes some creative liberties in imagining Anne’s inner life, the novel is meticulously researched and feels true to both the historical record and the spirit of Anne’s own writings.

Hoffman’s depiction of Amsterdam under occupation in “When We Flew Away” is particularly vivid. We feel the gradual tightening of restrictions, the growing atmosphere of suspicion, and the way fear seeps into every interaction. Small details—rationed food, blacked-out windows, whispered conversations—build a palpable sense of a world turning hostile.

Love in the Time of Darkness

Amidst the encroaching shadows, Hoffman allows glimmers of light to shine through. Anne’s first crush, on a boy nicknamed “Hello,” is rendered with tender authenticity. Their shy flirtations and stolen moments offer a poignant reminder of the normal teenage experiences Anne should have had. Similarly, the bonds between the Frank sisters, while sometimes fraught, deepen as shared danger brings them closer.

A Literary Bridge to an Iconic Voice

For readers familiar with Anne Frank’s diary, “When We Flew Away” serves as a fascinating prelude, illuminating the experiences that shaped the young writer we come to know through her own words. Hoffman’s Anne feels entirely consistent with the voice that emerges in the diary – curious, dramatic, introspective, and fiercely determined to make her mark on the world.

Yet the novel stands on its own as a powerful coming-of-age story. Hoffman captures the universal pangs of early adolescence—the longing to be seen, the struggle to define oneself, the first stirrings of independence—and sets them against a backdrop that forces Anne to grow up far too quickly.

The Power of Words

Perhaps the novel’s most profound theme is the enduring power of storytelling. As Anne’s world constricts, her imagination expands. Words become her refuge, her act of resistance, her way of asserting her humanity in the face of dehumanizing forces. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of why Anne Frank’s own words have resonated so deeply for generations.

A Masterful Addition to Holocaust Literature

“When We Flew Away” joins a long tradition of novels grappling with the Holocaust, but Hoffman’s approach feels refreshingly unique. By focusing on the lead-up to hiding rather than the hiding itself, she illuminates a period often overlooked. The result is a story that feels both intimately personal and sweepingly historical, offering new insights into one of history’s darkest chapters.

Hoffman’s prose is, as always, a joy to read. Lyrical without being flowery, it captures Anne’s youthful voice while maintaining a mature emotional depth. Moments of levity balance the encroaching darkness, creating a reading experience that is immersive and deeply moving without ever feeling exploitative.

In Conclusion: A Soaring Tribute to the Power of Hope

“When We Flew Away” is, ultimately, a celebration of the human capacity for hope and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. Through Anne’s eyes, we’re reminded that even in the darkest times, the spirit can soar. Hoffman has crafted a novel that honors Anne Frank’s legacy while standing as a remarkable work of literature in its own right.

For fans of Hoffman’s previous work, particularly her young adult novels like “Incantation,” this book will feel both familiar and fresh. It’s also a natural companion to other acclaimed Holocaust novels like Markus Zusak’s “The Book Thief” or John Boyne’s “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.”

Deeply researched, exquisitely written, and profoundly moving, “When We Flew Away” is a must-read for anyone interested in Holocaust literature, coming-of-age stories, or simply beautiful, thought-provoking fiction. It’s a powerful reminder that behind every historical statistic lies a individual human story—and that some voices, like Anne Frank’s, refuse to be silenced, continuing to resonate long after they’ve left this earth.