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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Aiden Scott
7 months agoSimply put, it challenges the reader's perspective in an intellectual way. This story will stay with me.
Margaret Lee
5 months agoAfter finishing this book, the storytelling feels authentic and emotionally grounded. Thanks for sharing this review.
Carol Thomas
3 weeks agoPerfect.
Karen Robinson
10 months agoFrom the very first page, the content flows smoothly from one chapter to the next. Absolutely essential reading.
Jackson Wright
1 month agoI had low expectations initially, however the storytelling feels authentic and emotionally grounded. Exactly what I needed.