This is the book that I truly never want to end.

I have an intense desire to read through it continuously because it has pulled me in with its deeply touching plot.

Bruno, who is so young, is a child eager to live his life to the fullest. The innocence of a nine-year-old child is vividly depicted. Similarly, his inability to spell words clearly adds to his charm. After all, he is the protagonist of his own story.

John has done an excellent job of explaining the nature of the time during World War II. He presents it from the perspectives of a child who has everything yet is still upset and another child who has nothing and is constantly searching for happiness.

The relationships in the book, such as the fights between siblings, the strictness of the 'Commandant' Father, and the caring Mother, all resemble the stories of our own lives.

However, there is one thing that John did that I don't quite understand. He used most of the phrases repeatedly, like the fifth-floor house and the basement, which seem to be of no concern to others.

Also, the actual words were not used anywhere in the whole book. Instead, they could have been used within brackets to clarify what Bruno was unable to pronounce properly, such as Out-with (Auschwitz) and Fury (Fuhrer).

Despite these minor flaws, I really liked the story a great deal. The protagonist's hobby of exploration ultimately led him to disappear forever. The slaves of Poland, whose origin was unknown, were killed in the Holocaust.

However, I also found myself thinking about the other side of the story. What if the ending had been a happy one? Then, it would have been Shmuel, not Bruno, who had to cross the fence linings. He could have come with them as a slave to Berlin. Later, after the war, they could have lived happily as friends rather than in an owner-slave relationship.

For me, specifically, the cover gets a rating of 4.0/5.0, the story a 5.0/5.0, and the language a 5.0/5.0. Overall, it earns a rating of 5.0/5.0.

Lest we forget!



THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS is a profound allegory or fable presented in a strong yet austere and achingly simple prose, as seen through the eyes of a naïve nine-year-old boy. All he desires is to find a friend to talk to.



When Adolf Hitler promotes Bruno's father, a senior Wehrmacht officer, to the commandant of the Auschwitz concentration camp, Bruno and his entire family are uprooted from their pleasant, gentrified life and social circle in Berlin. They are then relocated to a lonely and isolated home in Poland, just outside the barbed wire of the camp. Despite having no real understanding of his father's occupation, Bruno has unwavering faith in his father's good intentions and respects the authority of his orders. For a while, Bruno quietly goes about his daily routine and undertakes his schooling with his sister, taught by a private tutor. However, a nine-year-old boy craves friends and company. In lonely frustration, Bruno finally decides to explore the countryside outside the fence surrounding the camp.



When Bruno meets Shmuel, a young boy wearing blue and white striped pajamas and a cap, sitting cross-legged on the other side of the fence, they introduce themselves with the hesitant yet completely charming simplicity that is characteristic of young boys at this age. Aware that this exploration is against his father's explicit orders, Bruno decides to keep his new friend a secret from everyone, not even telling his twelve-year-old sister. Each day, whenever he can, he returns to the same spot outside the fence so that he and Shmuel can share stories, confidences, and talk like all young boys throughout history.



Despite Bruno's slow and hesitant growth into awareness of the starvation, beatings, and privations endured by the thousands of people inside the camp, he still expresses the ironically outlandish sentiment that he is jealous of Shmuel for being inside the camp. After all, Shmuel has hundreds of boys he could befriend, while Bruno, on the outside, is all alone.



The heart-breaking ending of the story, although somewhat predictable, is no less powerful in its impact and the delivery of its ultimate message. Prejudice is not inherent in the young; hatred, bigotry, and cruelty must be taught and learned. All of mankind's races are, in fact, the same, and any perceived differences are as superficial, insubstantial, and ultimately meaningless as being dressed in a pair of striped pajamas and a cap or being marked with a tattoo.



THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS, never explicitly or graphically depicting the violent brutalities of the Holocaust, is a powerful book with an important message suitable for young readers. Although Hitler's Final Solution was not the context in which the phrase "Lest we forget" was coined, it somehow seems appropriate. If I had young children, I would want them to learn this lesson from such an extraordinary source.



Highly recommended.



Paul Weiss

Bruno is a young boy, and his life is set during the time of World War II. Bruno's father is a military officer. He lives happily with his mother, father, and sister. Suddenly, one day when he comes back from school, he finds out that they are moving somewhere else. No one tells Bruno where they are going. But Bruno is not happy about leaving this place.

He starts to look for the reason on his own. Why are they leaving this beautiful house in such a hurry? Then he remembers that a special person came to their house that day, and after that...

Finally, Bruno moves to another place. But everything here seems strange to him. He has no friends in this new place. While wandering alone, Bruno discovers a boy of his age one day - Shmuel. Bruno moves forward... But there is a barbed wire fence between Bruno and Shmuel.

Why is there this barbed wire? Will Bruno and Shmuel not be able to be friends because of it? Can they ever play together? And is that special person - or someone - the reason why Bruno had to leave his beloved house? There are more exciting things for the readers along with the answers to these questions.

Perhaps the story is very touching because it is written from a child's perspective. Tears came to my eyes while reading it. When I read the line that Bruno and Shmuel touched each other by raising the barbed wire fence a little - my heart just jumped! Two lines from a poem about a borderless country came to my mind, "Drawing two maps between two countries, the divisions of emotions are tied..."

This book tells an emotional story. A young boy moves to a new place. He has no friends to play with. His father has a very important job to do. In a child's mind, he sees children behind a fence. But he doesn't understand why they are separated and why he can't play football with them.

I've watched the film. Yes, I agree that the film is a lot better and has a lot more details. However, this book is for young readers. It explains about this terrible time in history. It is a great book for kids to read, never forget, and ensure that it never happens again. It is definitely worth the 5-star rating.

It is important to note that books like this play a crucial role in educating children about the past. They help them understand the consequences of certain events and encourage them to be more empathetic and understanding. By reading such books, kids can develop a sense of responsibility towards creating a better world.

Moreover, the simplicity of the language used in this book makes it accessible to young readers. They can easily relate to the story and the characters. This, in turn, makes the learning process more enjoyable and engaging. Overall, this book is a valuable addition to any child's library.

Bruno slowed down when he saw the dot that became a speck that became a blob that became a figure that became a boy.

Although there was a fence separating them, he knew that you could never be too careful with strangers and it was always best to approach them with caution. So he continued to walk, and before long they were facing each other.

Bruno may have been just nine years old, but he knew something was wrong when he came home from school and found the family’s maid in his room packing up all of his belongings. His father had received important military orders and the family was to leave their luxury home in Berlin to go someplace that Bruno had never heard of before. When Bruno saw his new home, he didn’t like it at all. Theirs was the only house on the road. And it was much smaller than their other home. And behind it was a big yard with a spiky fence all around it. A yard that contained small huts, several soldiers, and many, many men and boys all wearing identical striped pajamas with a matching cap. It was all very strange. Yes, Bruno didn’t like this place at all.

Bruno is innocent, naïve, and an unlikely protagonist who neither recognizes nor understands the horrors of the concentration camp located behind his new home. Through his young and selfish lens, he only sees unfairness when he views the camp. Why should there be so many boys on the other side of the fence who have one another to play with while he has no one? Bruno is absolutely angered by this injustice. Of course, the reader realizes what the true injustice is, which makes Bruno’s self-centeredness all the more unpalatable. Boyne doesn’t introduce readers to the boy in the striped pajamas until halfway through the book, which allows readers ample time to become acquainted with Bruno. During that period, we realize that Bruno’s “faults” are really just him being a small, sheltered, and unworldly boy of nine: he’s thoughtless, scared, self-indulgent, petulant, and irrational. But Boyne also shows us a Bruno that is kindhearted, inquisitive, and who understands the value of maintaining a secret and the importance of keeping a promise.

I’ve read several books for both juvenile and young adult readers that deal with the Holocaust and concentration camps. This one is unique in that Boyne shows us the horror through two young boys of the same age, height, and physical features—virtual mirror images of each other. Bruno is essentially the “before” while Shmuel, the boy in the striped pajamas, is the “after”. One is German, well fed, idealistic, and blissfully ignorant while the other is Polish, gaunt, hopeless, and worn down by hate, starvation, and fear. It’s a stark contrast and Boyne is able to successfully illustrate the horrors of war and bigotry without having to delve into graphic detail. Although this book is recommended for grades 9 - 12, its implied acts of violence (there is one brief mention of a dog being shot) and death make it suitable for younger readers although a knowledge of World War II would help put the subject matter into context. The use of repetition and puns also help to successfully reinforce key points and ideas for readers.

Above its grisly subject matter, "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" is a touching story about two lonely boys who find comfort and security through friendship. American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker Emanuel James “Jim” Rohn said, “For every promise, there is a price to pay.” Bruno had to weigh the value of a promise he made and although he knew very little about politics or geography or just the world in general, he did know that there was value to be placed on life and that you always, always keep a promise…especially to your best friend.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne is an incredibly deeply affecting historical fiction story!

I don't typically read a large number of historical fiction novels, but this one truly stands out as being unique.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is centered around a nine-year-old boy named Bruno. He is extremely unhappy about having to move very far away from his three best friends. He decides that he doesn't like the new house at all because it is smaller than his house in Berlin. There are no other houses in the immediate vicinity and there is no one for him to play with, so he feels lonely and bored.

Outside the new house, Bruno notices a tall and spiky wire fence that seems to go on forever. When he goes out exploring, he comes across a boy on the other side of the fence. The boy calls himself Shmuel and he is wearing what appears to be striped pajamas...

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a short five-hour audiobook narrated by Michael Maloney. His wonderful voicing skills truly bring this story to life. It is written with the innocence and perceptions of a nine-year-old boy. For example, Bruno believes that the place his family is going to is called "Out-With" and the person who promoted his father to Commandant is "The Fury". An interesting play on words by Mr. Boyne!

The impact of the ending is shockingly poignant!

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is labeled as Children, Teen, and Young Adult Fiction. This is a book that I would very much enjoy reading with my granddaughter as a way to introduce her to questions she may have about a time in World History that we should never forget. It is also important to note that this book is a work of fiction and is not based on a true story.

I highly recommend this book! 4 stars!⭐⭐⭐⭐

4.5 Stars.

I made the decision to read this book at present because I am intending to read the adult sequel “All the Broken Places” shortly.

This is a fable. It is not founded on any true story. However, it is a story that made this reader stop and think.

Bruno is a naïve 9-year-old. He appears to have no clue about what is taking place in Germany. His father is in charge at the Auschwitz concentration camp. Should a 9-year-old have asked more questions? His parents kept him ignorant of what was happening. So when he befriends a boy from the other side of the fence, he doesn't understand why they can't be friends.

I pondered how much I would have desired to share with my children. I believe I would have attempted to shield them from the truth, but still….. I wasn't there, so, I truly don't know what I would have done.

A heartrending story of the horrors of the Holocaust, told for a younger audience.

Published: 2006

This is the most sold book by an Irish author. I would definitely recommend it! It makes you think about the difficult choices parents might face during such a tragic time and how innocence can be lost. The simple yet powerful narrative engages the reader and leaves a lasting impression. It's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the impact of war and the importance of protecting the innocent.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a remarkable book that I decided to pick up based on the positive things I'd heard about the author's writing and the intriguing name. I didn't even read the synopsis! The writing style is light-hearted, and having the story revolve around Bruno was a brilliant choice. The innocence of the young boy truly reached me, while also effectively delivering the darkness of the adult world. It reminds me of Fredrik Backman's writing, easy to get into, funny yet packing an emotional punch.

The characters are excellent. Although the main character is a 9-year-old boy, the story is not for young kids as they wouldn't understand it. The wide range of characters, from Bruno's family to the boy in the striped pajamas, felt incredibly real. The plot is great too. I'm not usually a fan of war stories or historical fictions, but this book taught me more about history than 12 years in school. The pacing is extremely fast, and it can be read in one sitting. The meeting of the boys at around 50% made the story even more interesting. If I had to criticize one thing, it would be that the book felt too short, and I wanted more time with these characters. I expected a different ending, but it wasn't rushed. It simply destroyed me in the best possible way. I even watched the ending of the movie on Youtube, which had brilliant actors and further shattered what was left of me.

In summary, I highly recommend this book to everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish and wanted more. I will definitely be checking out the author's other books. You can get the book from Book Depository.

This Review ✍️ Blog

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a Holocaust “fable” by Irish writer John Boyne. A nine-year-old German boy, Bruno, arrives at Auschwitz when his father becomes the camp commandant. Bruno is extremely naïve, thinking the men in striped pajamas are on vacation. He befriends another boy, Schmuel. However, calling this a “fable” seems to excuse the lack of historical and psychological accuracy. It’s absurd to think a nine-year-old in Nazi Germany wouldn’t know about the Führer or what “Heil Hitler” meant. Bruno is almost old enough for the Hitler-Jugend, and his sister would have been in the BDM. The story also has many other implausibilities. The fence at Auschwitz wasn’t as described, and Schmuel’s ability to vanish is unbelievable. Additionally, Bruno wouldn’t be reading Treasure Island. This book trivializes the Holocaust and is being wrongly compared to The Diary of Anne Frank. It undercuts the idea of German complicity. Save your money and read non-fiction like The Diary of Anne Frank or Night, or a more believable fictional tale like The Book Thief.

**The Boy in the Striped Pajamas: A Tale of Innocence and War**

In 1942 Berlin, in the midst of World War II and the beginnings of the Holocaust, we meet Bruno, a nine-year-old boy from a well-respected German family. His life is relatively uneventful until his father is appointed commander in a distant region. Bruno, along with his sister Gretel and parents, must relocate to Out-With, a much smaller house, leaving behind family and friends for the sake of his father's important rank promotion.

In this new isolated house, Bruno discovers a small window that offers a view of a vast area with tiny huts and countless small figures dressed in a curious striped outfit. There are mature, old people and children, all in a huge wire-fenced field.
This is a superb historical fiction about the Holocaust, a must-read alongside The Diary of Anne Frank. It presents two unique and different perspectives of the same tragedy. The novel explores the cruelties of war and the self-invented differences that lead humanity to divide itself. It is a powerful and heart-wrenching story that few others can match. Highly recommendable!
Don't forget to also check out the movie (2008).
**PERSONAL NOTE**: [2006] [240p] [Historical] [Highly Recommendable] [Curious Bruno] [Innocent Shmuel] [Ending Alert] [Oh, the humanity!]

This story just about killed me emotionally.

I was extremely dissatisfied with the ending and really struggled to come to terms with it.

Nonetheless, it remains a remarkable book.

The vivid descriptions and the powerful portrayal of the events during the Holocaust make it a truly engaging read.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone, especially to older youth who are in the process of learning about the Holocaust.

It provides a valuable and eye-opening perspective on this dark period of history.

By reading this book, they can gain a deeper understanding of the atrocities that took place and the courage and resilience of the people who endured it.

It is a must-read for those who want to learn more about the Holocaust and its impact on the world.

To tell the truth, I have not watched the film based on John Boyne's The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. And many of my Goodreads friends who, like me, had major issues with the latter do claim that the film is supposedly considerably better and far superior.

But as to the novel itself, which I originally read in 2007 for a university graduate level course on Holocaust literature I was taking online for academic interest, I categorically and univocally have to say that I have seldom been confronted with a WWII and Holocaust themed children's novel that I found so massively and annoyingly infuriating, so implausible and so problematically unreasonable as John Boyne's The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.

Now, I do indeed and very well realise that there is definitely more than a grain of truth in John Boyne's premise that the main protagonist, nine-year-old Bruno, might well not be aware of the full horror of the death camps, of Auschwitz. However, considering that Bruno's father is a high ranking Nazi official and the main commandant of Auschwitz, that Bruno and his family live right in Auschwitz, and that there are individuals in "striped pyjamas" right behind the fence and so close that Bruno makes friends with a young Jewish boy named Shmuel, I find Bruno's presented ignorance of the Holocaust, of what Auschwitz is and what it represents, majorly unbelievable.

Even for a young child of Bruno's age, and especially since according to family members who were actually children in Germany during WWII, while the concentration and death camps were officially a state secret, it was generally an open secret of which many Germans were at least somewhat aware. The total and massively intense level of ignorance and naiveté presented by young Bruno simply does not feel reasonable and natural, especially considering his family and his father's job.

But still, I could probably have handled Bruno's ignorance and naiveness, albeit with not much reading pleasure and only very grudgingly. However, the author also tried to make Bruno into a young child with a speech impediment. ALL of Bruno's linguistic faux pas do NOT work in German, and since the novel is set in WWII Germany and features a unilingual German boy as the main protagonist, NONE of the English language puns and mistakes Bruno makes are sensible and reasonable, thereby rendering Bruno as pretty well ridiculous and totally absurd.

And truth be told, what has finally convinced me to only rank The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas with one star and to reread and post a very negative review is the plain and infuriating fact that I am also personally MASSIVELY OFFENDED by John Boyne nastily, arrogantly and ignorantly spewing claims that those of us who have not enjoyed and appreciated his novel are somehow supposed to be akin to those who deny the Holocaust. This is at best a massively ignorant attitude, and in my opinion, it actually enables and helps those who do in fact actively deny the Holocaust.

Not recommended even for toilet paper. And if the rumours about a sequel are true, I would only be interested in reading it to post another negative review and mitigate the probable laudatory gushing of John Boyne's uncritical supporters, as I cannot imagine a sequel that would not also feel equally inauthentic, unrealistic and strange.