Today in the studio we have a diary that was kept by a teenage girl during her family’s emigration odyssey from Russia to the United States. They left Moscow in 1917, embarking on a year-long journey that took them across the continent on the Trans-Siberian Railroad, then through Vladivostok, Yokohama, Hawaii, and San Francisco. Mostly written in Cyrillic, the diary contains photos, little English-language jokes, and references to Jascha Heifetz, a family friend—and violin prodigy—whose family took a parallel trip when they left Russia. Learn about what makes a diary interesting, our translation processes, and the importance of treating these historical documents with respect on this meandering episode of the #brattlecast.
Brattlecast #71 - Anne Frank Collections
It’s a story of hardship and optimism that has never ceased to move us, but which has taken on a particular resonance in these difficult times: The Diary of Anne Frank. We’ll talk about the story of its original publication, take a look at some early editions, and think about the lessons this book can impart to us in our own moment of crisis and isolation. Plus, do you have a fascinating item at home that you’d like to hear virtually appraised on the podcast? We’re welcoming submissions from listeners; please contact the shop at info@brattlebookshop.com.