Written In Darkness

Written in Darkness, first published in 1946, is the diary of Belgian Anne Somerhausen, written during the war-time years of 1940 to 1945 – years of invasion, resistance, terror and eventual liberation. Described is life under the Germans: the political and economic administration, controls, deceptions, inflation, money and food shortages, anti-Semitism and increasing violence, black markets, resistance and reprisals, deaths and deportations. Written in Darkness also portrays Somerhausen's own life and that of her family: her need to find a job, her husband away in a prison camp, and her three boys, particularly Luke, the youngest, who wastes away on the meager starvation rations and almost dies, but regains his health through the efforts of kind people in the countryside. The diary remains a classic example of quiet heroism and determination to survive during a grim and frightening period.