When Hannah was five, she and her family were forced to leave Germany. It was 1933 and, as Jews, they realised the growing threat of the Nazis so sought a new home in Amsterdam.

Here, Hannah soon found a new friend, a young girl similar in age who was also bright, lively and fun-loving. This was Anne Frank.

In June 1942 the Nazi occupation of Europe intensified and Amsterdam was no longer the safe refuge. One day, without warning, Anne and her family disappeared. It was said that they had escaped to Switzerland. Though Hannah was sad at losing her friend, she was comforted in knowing that she would be safe. 

For Hannah and her family, there was transportation to Westerbork and then Bergen-Belsen. They endured terrible conditions and personal tragedies, but ultimately Hannah received the incredible news that Anne was nearby, they were in the same camp. Hannah did all she could to help her dear friend.

Of course we know that Anne Frank did not survive the concentration camp. But her father, in receipt of the diary Anne kept during their time hidden in the attic, contacted Hannah and together they shared Anne's story, and their own experiences, to audiences all over the world.

Hannah died last year, just a few months before the book was published, at the age of 93. She had lived in Israel, had worked as a children's nurse, had been married and widowed twice and enjoyed a large family. She was tireless in talking about her wartime experience, the hardships, grief, loss and trauma. This book is her story as told to author Dina Kraft. It is beautifully written, with a light, sensitive touch, but is nonetheless poignant, powerful and important.