“The war was like the measles. It was everywhere.”
— Early in the book, Annie's simple understanding of the widespread conflict.
Archivist's Choice
The Upstairs Room
Johanna Reiss (1972)
Genre
Children's / Historical Fiction / Young Adult
Reading Time
200 min
Key Themes
See below
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Two Jewish sisters spend years in the claustrophobic confines of an upstairs room, hidden from Nazi invaders in rural Holland, grappling with fear, boredom, and the terrifying unknown fate of their family.
Synopsis
In 1940, eight-year-old Annie de Leeuw lives a normal life in Winterswijk, Holland, until the German invasion shatters her world. As the Nazi persecution of Jews escalates, Annie, now ten, and her older sister Sini are forced to leave their family behind to go into hiding. They find refuge in the upstairs room of a remote farmhouse belonging to the Oosterveld family, who risk their lives to shelter them. Confined to a small space, Annie and Sini experience the extreme challenges of hiding: the constant fear of discovery, the tedium of isolation, and the emotional toll of separation from their loved ones. They endure illness, the never-ending war, and the slow trickle of news from the outside world, clinging to hope for liberation. When the war finally ends, Annie and Sini emerge from their confinement to face the aftermath, the joy of reunion with their father, and the profound changes wrought by their experiences and the loss of their mother and sister.
Reading time
200 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Slow
Mood
Somber, Hopeful, Reflective, Moving
✓ Read this if...
You want a poignant, firsthand account of a child's experience hiding from Nazis during WWII, told with simplicity and emotional depth.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer fast-paced action or are looking for a story with a complex plot.
Plot Summary
The Invasion of Winterswijk
In 1940, eight-year-old Annie de Leeuw lives a normal life with her Jewish family in Winterswijk, Holland. Her world, filled with school, friends, and family, is abruptly shattered when the Germans invade. Tanks and soldiers flood the marketplace, and the initial fear and uncertainty give way to increasing restrictions and decrees targeting Jewish citizens. Annie, too young to fully grasp the danger, observes the changes through the eyes of her older sister Sini and her parents. The once-familiar town becomes a place of apprehension, and the family's sense of security erodes as the Nazi regime tightens its grip on their lives and community.
Escalating Persecution
As the war progresses, the lives of Jewish people in Winterswijk become difficult. They are forced to wear yellow stars, their businesses are confiscated, and they are forbidden from many public places. Annie witnesses the fear and despair of her community as friends and neighbors begin to disappear, taken away by the Germans. The de Leeuw family, including Annie's older sister Rachel, tries to maintain a semblance of normalcy, but the constant threat looms. Discussions about 'labor camps' become more frequent, and while some believe it is a temporary hardship, the underlying terror is palpable, especially to the adults.
The Decision to Hide
By 1942, the danger to Jewish families is undeniable, with mass deportations common. Annie, now ten, and her sister Sini are chosen to go into hiding, as it is too risky for the entire family to seek refuge together. The decision is agonizing for their parents, who must separate from their young daughters. Annie's father arranges for them to stay with a Christian farming family, the Oostervelds, in a remote part of the Dutch countryside. The sisters share a tearful, hurried farewell with their parents and older sister Rachel, leaving behind everything familiar for an uncertain future.
Arrival at the Oosterveld Farm
Annie and Sini arrive at the Oosterveld farm, a seemingly ordinary but isolated place. They are led to a small, cramped upstairs room that will be their home for the foreseeable future. The Oosterveld family – Mr. and Mrs. Oosterveld, their children Dientje, Johan, and the youngest, Jan – are kind but cautious. The girls are given strict instructions: they must remain silent and unseen, especially when strangers are around. This sudden confinement is a stark contrast to their previous lives, and Annie struggles with the loneliness and the constant fear of discovery, while Sini tries to maintain a brave front.
Life in Confinement
Life in the upstairs room settles into a monotonous routine. Annie and Sini spend their days reading, playing quiet games, and listening to the sounds of the farm below. They are entirely dependent on the Oostervelds for food, news, and companionship. Mrs. Oosterveld brings them meals and offers comfort, while Dientje, a girl close to Sini's age, sometimes visits. Annie, younger and more restless, often feels the weight of their confinement and the absence of her parents. Despite the constant tension, a deep bond of trust and affection begins to grow between the sisters and their protectors.
The Fear of Discovery
The threat of discovery is ever-present. German soldiers and Dutch collaborators frequently conduct searches in the countryside, looking for hidden Jews and members of the resistance. There are several terrifying close calls where the soldiers come to the Oosterveld farm. During these moments, Annie and Sini must remain absolutely silent, sometimes even holding their breath, hidden beneath floorboards or in secret compartments. The fear is palpable, and Annie vividly describes the pounding of her heart and the desperate hope that they will not be found. These incidents reinforce the immense bravery and risk taken by the Oostervelds.
The Illness
Annie falls seriously ill with pneumonia, a life-threatening condition made worse by the lack of proper medical care. The Oostervelds face an agonizing dilemma: taking Annie to a doctor would expose their secret and endanger everyone. Instead, Mrs. Oosterveld, with her limited medical knowledge, nurses Annie tirelessly. The illness is a critical test of the Oostervelds' resolve and compassion. Annie's feverish state and the constant fear of discovery create immense tension within the small farmhouse. Miraculously, and through Mrs. Oosterveld's devoted care, Annie slowly recovers, a sign of her resilience and the family's unwavering commitment.
The War Drags On
As the months turn into years, the psychological toll of their confinement becomes immense. Annie struggles with boredom, loneliness, and the constant longing for her family. Her growth is stunted, both physically and emotionally, due to the lack of fresh air and normal childhood experiences. Sini, older and more aware of the dangers, often acts as a protector and source of comfort for Annie, but she too suffers from the isolation. The constant need for silence and invisibility creates an unnatural existence that leaves lasting scars.
News from the Outside
The Oostervelds are the sisters' only link to the outside world. They bring snippets of news, often whispered, about the war's progress, the movements of the Germans, and the fates of other Jewish families. Sometimes the news is hopeful, speaking of Allied advancements; other times, it is devastating, confirming the worst fears about the 'labor camps.' These fragments of information are crucial for the girls, shaping their understanding of the war and fueling their hopes and anxieties. The Oostervelds carefully filter what they share, trying to protect the girls while also preparing them for the harsh realities.
Liberation
After more than two years in hiding, the sounds of distant gunfire and the increasing frequency of Allied planes signal the approaching liberation. The tension on the farm is palpable, a mix of hope and lingering fear. Finally, British and Canadian forces arrive, and Holland is liberated. The Oostervelds can openly celebrate, and Annie and Sini are at last free to leave their upstairs room. The transition is overwhelming; the world outside is bright, loud, and unfamiliar. They step out, blinking in the sunlight, into a world irrevocably changed.
The Aftermath and Reunion
With liberation, Annie and Sini embark on the difficult journey of finding their family. They return to Winterswijk, a town that bears the scars of war. The joyous reunion with their father is bittersweet, as they learn the tragic truth: their mother and older sister Rachel did not survive the concentration camps. The joy of freedom is tempered by profound grief and the realization of the immense losses suffered. The sisters, though physically safe, carry the emotional wounds of their experiences, forever changed by their time in the upstairs room and the war that stole their childhood and their loved ones.
Principal Figures
Annie de Leeuw
The Protagonist
Annie transforms from an innocent child into a survivor, marked by trauma and loss but also by resilience and a deep appreciation for those who saved her.
Sini de Leeuw
The Supporting
Sini matures rapidly under duress, taking on a maternal role for Annie and developing immense strength and resilience.
Mr. Oosterveld
The Supporting
Mr. Oosterveld remains a steadfast and unwavering pillar of strength and moral conviction throughout the hiding period.
Mrs. Oosterveld
The Supporting
Mrs. Oosterveld consistently provides selfless care and comfort, becoming a maternal figure who endures hardship for the sake of others.
Mr. de Leeuw
The Supporting
He endures the separation and loss of his wife and eldest daughter, emerging as a survivor who must rebuild his family.
Mrs. de Leeuw
The Mentioned
Her story is one of tragic loss, symbolizing the millions who perished.
Rachel de Leeuw
The Mentioned
Her story is one of tragic loss, symbolizing the millions who perished.
Dientje Oosterveld
The Supporting
Dientje acts as a quiet ally and friend, demonstrating childhood compassion in extraordinary circumstances.
Themes & Insights
The Loss of Innocence
The novel powerfully illustrates how war steals childhood innocence. Annie, an eight-year-old at the outset, is forced to abandon her carefree life for a world of fear, confinement, and loss. She misses school, friends, and the simple joys of playing outside. Her growth is stunted, and she experiences the horrors of persecution and separation at a tender age. This theme is evident when Annie reflects on her pre-war life and the stark contrast with her hidden existence, highlighting what she has been deprived of.
“What had happened to the outside world, I wondered. Was it still there? Had the war eaten it up the way it had eaten up my parents, my sister Rachel, my school, my friends, my freedom?”
Courage and Compassion
The story shows the courage and compassion displayed by ordinary people. The Oosterveld family risks their lives and the lives of their children to shelter Annie and Sini, knowing the severe consequences if discovered. Their unwavering commitment, particularly Mrs. Oosterveld's devoted care during Annie's illness, exemplifies human kindness in the face of unimaginable danger. This theme is central to the narrative, showing acts of selfless heroism amidst widespread brutality.
“They had saved us. They had endangered their lives, their children's lives, for us. They had taken us in. They had been brave.”
Resilience in Adversity
Despite constant fear, loneliness, and deprivation, Annie and Sini show resilience. They adapt to their confined existence, finding small ways to cope with boredom and maintain hope. Annie's recovery from a life-threatening illness in hiding further highlights this theme. Their ability to endure such extreme circumstances, holding onto the hope of reunion and freedom, shows the enduring strength of the human spirit. This is evident in their quiet games and shared stories, which provide moments of solace.
“We lived on hope. It was a thin diet, but it was all we had.”
The Psychological Toll of Confinement
The novel explores the psychological impact of prolonged hiding and isolation. Annie and Sini suffer from extreme boredom, anxiety, and a deep sense of loss for their normal lives and family. Annie's physical development is affected, and her emotional state is marked by fear and longing. The constant need for silence and invisibility creates an unnatural existence that leaves lasting scars. This theme is seen in Annie's internal monologues and her struggles with her limited world.
“I was growing up, but I wasn't growing out. I wasn't growing anywhere.”
Family and Separation
The theme of family, both the de Leeuws and the Oostervelds, is central. The painful separation of Annie and Sini from their parents and older sister Rachel is a core emotional conflict. The girls constantly yearn for their family, and the reunion with their father is a moment of joy mixed with the grief of losing their mother and Rachel. Conversely, the Oosterveld family's unity and decision to risk everything for the sisters highlight the strength of familial bonds and extended family care.
“The hardest part was leaving my parents. It was a pain I had never known before.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
First-Person Narration (Child's Perspective)
The story is told through the eyes of young Annie.
The use of first-person narration from Annie's perspective (starting at age 8 and ending at 12) allows the reader to experience the Holocaust through an innocent, yet deeply personal lens. This perspective provides an immediate and emotional connection to the events, as Annie often understands the world through simple observations and feelings rather than complex political analysis. It highlights the profound impact of war on children and makes the unimaginable horrors more accessible and poignant for younger readers, focusing on personal loss and fear.
The Upstairs Room as a Symbol
The physical space of hiding represents confinement, safety, and psychological struggle.
The 'upstairs room' is more than just a physical location; it symbolizes the sisters' entire existence during the war. It is a place of forced confinement, silence, and deprivation, representing the loss of freedom and childhood. Yet, it is also a sanctuary, a place of safety provided by the Oostervelds. The room becomes a microcosm of their world, where their hopes, fears, and resilience play out. Its smallness emphasizes their limited world and the immense psychological burden of being hidden.
Foreshadowing (Subtle)
Hints of escalating danger and future loss.
While not overtly dramatic, the narrative uses subtle foreshadowing to build tension and convey the growing peril. Early mentions of Jewish families 'disappearing' or going to 'labor camps,' and the increasing restrictions placed on Jewish citizens, hint at the tragic fates that await many, including Annie's mother and Rachel. This creates a sense of dread and reinforces the high stakes of Annie and Sini's hiding. The adults' hushed conversations and the gradual tightening of German control serve as constant, understated warnings.
Contrast
Juxtaposition of pre-war normalcy with wartime brutality.
The novel frequently employs contrast to highlight the devastating impact of the war. Annie's fond memories of her pre-war life – school, friends, family gatherings, playing outdoors – are constantly juxtaposed with the grim reality of her hidden existence: silence, confinement, fear, and the absence of loved ones. This sharp contrast effectively conveys the profound loss of innocence and the complete upheaval of her world, making the tragedy of the Holocaust deeply personal and emotionally resonant for the reader.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“When you're scared, you don't always think straight.”
— Annie reflecting on a moment of panic or a difficult decision.
“There were no children in the world anymore. Only grown-ups, pretending to be children.”
— Annie's observation of the loss of innocence in wartime.
“The worst thing was the waiting. Always the waiting.”
— Describing the constant anxiety and uncertainty of hiding.
“It was a secret, and secrets were like heavy stones inside you.”
— Annie's internal struggle with keeping their hiding place a secret.
“Hope was a very small bird that sometimes flew away and sometimes came back.”
— A poignant metaphor for the fluctuating nature of hope during difficult times.
“Even in the darkest times, there were always small lights.”
— Annie finding comfort in small acts of kindness or moments of beauty.
“You can get used to anything, if you have to.”
— Annie's adaptation to the confined and restricted life in hiding.
“The world outside was a different world. A dangerous world.”
— Contrasting the safety of their hiding place with the perils outside.
“It was hard to be brave all the time.”
— Annie acknowledging the emotional toll of their situation.
“Freedom was a word that tasted like sunshine and smelled like fresh air.”
— Annie's longing for the simple joys of a normal life.
“Sometimes you had to make believe things were better than they were, just to get through the day.”
— Describing the coping mechanism of imagination and denial.
“The war had taken so much, but it couldn't take everything.”
— A resilient statement about the enduring human spirit despite loss.
“Being alone was one thing. Being alone when you knew there were others you couldn't reach was another.”
— Annie's feeling of isolation despite being with Sini, knowing her family was separated.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
'The Upstairs Room' tells the true story of Annie de Leeuw, a young Jewish girl in Nazi-occupied Holland, who, along with her older sister Sini, must go into hiding in the upstairs room of a remote farmhouse to escape persecution and capture by the Germans during World War II.
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