Book Review Summary: Annexed

Introduction

"Annexed" by Sharon Dogar is a poignant coming-of-age story that offers a unique perspective on the harrowing experiences of the Jewish van Pels family during the Holocaust. Set in Amsterdam during World War II, the book follows the story of Peter van Pels, a sixteen-year-old boy who shares a cramped annex with his family and Anne Frank, the famous diarist. Through Peter's eyes, readers gain insight into the daily struggles and emotions of those who were forced to live in hiding while facing the threat of imminent capture and deportation.

About Sharon Dogar

Sharon Dogar, the author of "Annexed," is a social worker who counsels troubled teens. Her debut novel, "Waves," explores the emotional journey of a family dealing with the aftermath of a tragic accident. With her background in social work, Dogar brings a deep understanding of human emotions and experiences to her writing, creating compelling stories that resonate with readers.

Analysis of Views

1. Engaging Perspective: Readers appreciate the book's unique approach, as it offers a fresh perspective on the Anne Frank story. By focusing on Peter van Pels' experiences, the author provides a new dimension to the well-known narrative. This perspective allows readers to empathize with Peter's struggles and emotions, adding depth to their understanding of the events.

2. Powerful Emotional Impact: "Annexed" has been praised for its emotional impact. Readers find themselves fully immersed in Peter's story, experiencing his fear, hope, and despair as he navigates the challenges of living in hiding. The book's ability to evoke strong emotions in readers is considered one of its strongest attributes.

3. Historical Accuracy: Sharon Dogar's research and attention to historical accuracy have been commended by readers. The author's dedication to capturing the spirit of the time and accurately portraying the events that took place during the Holocaust is highly regarded. Readers appreciate the authenticity of the story, which adds credibility and depth to the narrative.

4. Themes of Identity and Resilience: The book explores themes of identity, resilience, and survival. Peter's journey as he grapples with his own identity and struggles to find meaning in his circumstances resonates with readers. The themes of resilience and hope shine through even in the face of unimaginable adversity, making the story both inspiring and devastating.

5. Engaging Writing Style: Sharon Dogar's writing style has been praised for its simplicity and clarity. Readers appreciate the author's ability to convey complex emotions and events in a clear and concise manner. The writing style adds to the overall impact of the book, making it accessible and engaging for readers of all ages.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Unique Perspective: "Annexed" offers a fresh take on a well-known story, providing readers with a new angle on Anne Frank's experiences. The unique perspective allows for a deeper understanding of the events and adds depth to the narrative.

2. Emotional Impact: The book's emotional impact is a significant reason for its recommendation. Readers find themselves fully immersed in Peter's story, experiencing his struggles and emotions alongside him. The powerful emotional journey is a compelling reason to read this book.

3. Historical Accuracy: Sharon Dogar's attention to historical accuracy adds credibility and depth to the story. Readers appreciate the accurate portrayal of the events and feel a sense of connection to the real-life characters and their experiences during the Holocaust.

4. Themes of Identity and Resilience: The exploration of themes such as identity, resilience, and survival resonates with readers. The book offers a powerful message about human resilience and the importance of finding meaning in difficult circumstances. These themes make "Annexed" a thought-provoking and inspiring read.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

1. Sensitivity to Content: Some readers have expressed concerns about certain aspects of the book, including sexual content and portrayals of Anne Frank's diary entries. While these elements are present in the story, they may be considered controversial or off-putting for some readers. It is important for potential readers to consider their own sensitivities before deciding whether to read this book.

2. Limited Relevance: For those who are already familiar with Anne Frank's diary or have read extensively about the Holocaust, "Annexed" may not offer significant new insights or perspectives. While it is a well-crafted book, its relevance may be limited for those who have already explored these historical events in depth.

Conclusion

"Annexed" by Sharon Dogar offers a poignant coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of World War II and the Holocaust. Through Peter van Pels' eyes, readers gain insight into the daily struggles and emotions of those who lived in hiding during this dark period in history. The book's unique perspective, emotional impact, historical accuracy, exploration of themes such as identity and resilience, and engaging writing style make it a compelling read for both young adults and adults alike. While some readers may have concerns about certain aspects of the book, overall "Annexed" is recommended for those seeking a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of human resilience in the face of adversity.