A Young Girl's Diary by Sigmund Freud, Cedar Paul, and Eden Paul
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This book presents the real diary of an Austrian teenager named Grete, written between the ages of 11 and 14 in the early 1900s. We follow her daily life in Vienna: her struggles at school, her intense friendships, her complicated feelings for her parents, and her first romantic infatuations. The diary is published alongside an introduction and footnotes by Sigmund Freud, who uses Grete’s own words to illustrate his theories about psychosexual development.
The Story
There’s no traditional plot. Instead, you get a year-by-year window into Grete’s inner world. One day she’s obsessed with a friend, the next she’s furious with her mother. She documents crushes on boys and older male teachers with a mix of innocence and sharp observation. The drama is in the small, real moments—a hurtful comment from a friend, the thrill of a secret note, the painful awareness of her changing body. Freud’s notes pop up to point out what he sees as classic signs of childhood sexuality and the Oedipus complex, framing her normal teenage angst through his revolutionary (and debated) lens.
Why You Should Read It
Grete’s voice is startlingly modern. Her worries about belonging, her fierce loyalties, and her emotional rollercoaster will feel familiar to anyone who remembers being a teen. Reading her diary feels like discovering a secret document. The real intrigue, though, comes from the pairing with Freud. It’s fascinating and a bit unsettling to see a real girl’s private thoughts become a case study. It makes you think about the gap between how we experience our own lives and how others might analyze them.
Final Verdict
Perfect for readers curious about the history of psychology or anyone who loves authentic personal stories. It’s a unique two-for-one: a compelling historical diary and a direct example of Freudian theory in action. Be prepared—it might change how you look at your own old journals.
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Richard Lee
1 year agoTo be perfectly clear, the character development leaves a lasting impact. One of the best books I've read this year.
Ava Smith
1 week agoSolid story.
Dorothy Torres
1 year agoFrom the very first page, it creates a vivid world that you simply do not want to leave. One of the best books I've read this year.
Ava Perez
1 year agoFrom the very first page, the depth of research presented here is truly commendable. I learned so much from this.
Sandra Johnson
5 months agoThe fonts used are very comfortable for long reading sessions.