Letters to Barbara

Letters to Barbara (Briefe an Barbara) by Leo Meter is a deeply moving collection of letters written in 1943 to his four-year-old daughter. This unique book offers an intimate and human perspective on World War II, seen through the eyes of a father trying to stay connected to his child under extraordinary circumstances. After being arrested by the Gestapo, Leo Meter was forced to serve in the German Wehrmacht on the Eastern Front. Rather than describing the horrors of war, he chose a gentle, child-friendly tone, writing about everyday life, meals, and the places he passed through. The letters are enhanced by colorful, hand-drawn illustrations, making the book both visually engaging and emotionally powerful. The story also has a remarkable historical connection to Anne Frank, as Barbara stayed in Amsterdam during the war in a house next door to where Anne Frank and her family went into hiding, placing this personal story within a broader historical context. Although the subject matter is serious, the accessible language and illustrated format make this book suitable for young readers from approximately 9–12 years, as well as adults interested in personal wartime testimonies. The correspondence ends tragically when Leo Meter was executed in July 1944, likely for refusing to serve. A powerful and collectible book about love, resilience, and family during wartime, offering both historical insight and an emotional reading experience for younger and older audiences alike.