The Voice That Would Not Be Lost
On June 25, 1947, a small book with a monumental story was published for the first time. Titled “Het Achterhuis” (The Secret Annex), it was the diary of a young girl named Anne Frank. The title was Anne’s own, a testament to her dream of one day becoming a published writer.
At first, Otto Frank was uncertain about sharing his daughter’s private thoughts with the world. But he knew it was Anne’s wish to be an author, and he decided to fulfill that dream. He carefully edited and compiled her manuscripts, a painstaking act of love and remembrance. The diary’s journey to publication began when Dutch historian Jan Romein wrote a column about it in the newspaper “Het Parool.” Romein’s words piqued the interest of the Amsterdam publishing house, Contact.
Otto later said of the moment, “If she had been here, Anne would have been so proud.” He was right. Her diary was a literary and historical masterpiece that would go on to be translated into more than seventy languages. Miep Gies, who had risked her life to protect the Frank family, later reflected on the profound impact of the diary, saying, “So much had been lost, but now Anne’s voice would never be lost. My young friend had left a remarkable legacy to the world.”
Anne’s diary is more than a historical document. It is a timeless piece of literature that has touched millions of hearts. It ensures that Anne’s voice, her hopes, her dreams, and her quiet, unwavering belief in the goodness of humanity will live on forever.
