Anne Frank & Etty Hillesum : spiritualiteit, schrijverschap, seksualiteit

Analyzes the diaries of Anne Frank and Etty Hillesum, focusing on their persecution as Jews and their position as Jewish women. Discusses their passion for writing and their religiosity as reactions to their restricted freedom and to the persecutions. Reformulates the theory of Julia Kristeva in the chapters on Anne Frank, claiming that the mother-daughter relationship also explains Anne Frank's passion for writing. For Etty Hillesum, writing functioned as a weapon to fight Nazism and destruction. Examines the theory of Helene Cixous on "ecriture feminine" and her reception of Hillesum's works. Argues, in contrast to Cixous, that Hillesum's spirituality is based on her womanhood. Concludes that the diaries of these two women are the result of their development as persecuted Jewish women facing the paradox of life. Includes bibliographical references (pages 325-346) and index. 360 pages ; 22 cm