I have always been fascinated with stories of the life during WWII and holocaust. I have read ample of books touching these topics and one of the boy which I read recently is “The Boy In the Striped Pyjamas”.
Lets start with the Blurb of the book:
Bruno is a son of a commandant in Berlin. He has to move from Berlin to take up residence near a concentration camp in Poland due to his fathers transfer. Unhappy and lonely by the upheaval, Bruno sets out exploring the area around his house. That’s when he meets a boy in striped pyjamas, Shmuel, a jewish boy on the other side of the fence. Across the barbed wire, the two boys begin their forbidden friendship which  ends in a tragedy.
The book has received a mixed bag of reviews. While some felt sorry for the two boys, the other side of crowd wanted a more accuracy. But let’s not forget the story is told by a nine year old boy who doesn’t understand what is a concentration camp and why his friend stays behind the barbed wires with his family. Very innocently he uses words like Out-With instead of Auschwitz and Fury instead of Fuhrer (Hitler).
A short read, this book will keep you glued till you turn the last page, and maybe even shed a tear. There are many books written on the topic of holocaust and it’s one of the most condemned episode of the world history. This book stands out because this book by John Boyne is narrated by a 9 year old and how he perceived the situation around him. Loaded with emotions, this book will flow like fluid till you reach the very end.
I gulped this book in a day and was left a little sad specially after reading the end. But we all know, stories on holocaust will never give us a happy ending.
Also Read The Paris Library- Book Review
9 replies on “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas”
Books on the holocaust have hold a morbid fascination. There are so many books and accounts about this horrific phase, however this book seems unique. It would be interesting to read the perspective of a 9 year old boy. Sandy N Vyjay
I can understand it must have been difficult time after completing such books based on wars esp if it’s based on 2 little boys.
I wanted to express my appreciation for your blog post on “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.” Your thoughtful analysis of the book was insightful, and it gave me a new perspective on the story. Your post made me appreciate the book even more, and I am now inspired to revisit it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this touching and powerful book.
I have always shied away from stories of holocaust. Yet, i admit these stories need to be told. Someday!
A part of me wants to dive deeper into these events and stories while the other part of me gets triggered. I can’t handle too much torture)grief/struggle yet always want to spread the awareness. The book cover looks very interesting!
Your blog post on “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas” and stories of the Holocaust was an incredibly moving and thought-provoking read. You tackled a difficult subject with sensitivity and grace, and I appreciate the way you conveyed the importance of remembering the lessons of history. Your writing style is engaging and informative, and I look forward to reading more of your work.
Hello! I have also read this book and as you said, its ending left me devastated. I liked the way you reviewed the book in short, crisp sentences and have kept it to the point. I myself, have tried to rephrase the contents of the book in the form of a poem on my blog, if you would like to check it out. Waiting to read more of your posts!
sure will check out your post too
Thank you