World War II. Young people are being called up by the german occupiers for forced labor. Jews are send to concentration camps and a probable death. As jews, the family Frank has spread the rumour that they managed to leave the country. But actually they live in a house in the heart of Amsterdam. Although space is limited, the Franks nevertheless decide to take in the Van Daan family and Dr. Dussel, who are also fleeing nazi persecution.
These 8 people are forced to live together in 2 years of war, shortage, bombings, and extremely difficult living conditions. Anne matures quickly and develops her writing skills, resulting in the most widely read book in the last 50 years.