When my daughter Romy was in second grade, she discovered a book about Anne Frank in her elementary school library. Something about Anne's story captivated her. Romy devoured the book and went back for more, eventually reading every single title about Anne Frank the library had to offer. Her curiosity and admiration never waned. Soon after, she read The Diary of Anne Frank, a book that remains one of her favorites to this day.
For me, Neutral Milk Hotel's "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" has always been profoundly meaningful. I've long considered it the greatest album of all time. Jeff Mangum's haunting passion for the story of Anne Frank courses through the album, especially in its best track, "Holland, 1945." When I shared this song with Romy, it became a bridge between our worlds — a way for us to connect over Anne's story and the art she inspired. Eventually, I got her a t-shirt with artwork inspired by the song, which she still has today.
This past summer, we had the opportunity to visit the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. It was one of the most moving experiences of my life, but even more so for Romy. She wore her t-shirt that day. After we walked through those rooms and absorbed the weight of Anne's story, we sat on a bench outside. There, with a shared sense of reverence, we listened to "Holland, 1945" together. In that moment, everything came full circle.