The Big Sister
In her memory of the Frank sisters, Jacqueline van Maarsen provides a beautiful and insightful look into their relationship. She describes Margot as a “big sister” who was “very nice to Anne always.” Jacqueline herself looked up to Margot, and saw no “rivalry between them,” a testament to Margot’s quiet and steady nature. This is a powerful statement, especially given Anne’s often difficult and spirited personality.
Margot was not only kind; she was also exceptionally clever, a fact that Jacqueline says she didn’t fully appreciate at the time. This detail is a poignant reminder of the brilliant mind that was lost to the Holocaust.
The most striking part of Jacqueline’s memory is her observation of the sisters’ dynamic. She recalls that “Margot was always very nice to Anne, and Anne wasn’t always nice, but she was never unpleasant with Margot.” This is a testament to Margot’s loving and patient nature. It was a relationship built on acceptance and unconditional love, a beautiful contrast to the harsh world that was closing in on them.
Jacqueline’s memory gives us a glimpse into a bond that was both ordinary and extraordinary. It was a relationship between two sisters who, in a world that was being torn apart, found solace and strength in each other.