I have just finished reading ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’ by John Boyne. I read it in two sittings. There are not many books that make me want to read on and on until finishing. Admittedly, the book is quite short (216 pages). A fast but addictive read. After finishing the book I was left speechless.
The story, based on a German boy called Bruce Hoess, takes the reader back to life in 1940. It centres around the Auschwitz ‘death’ (concentration) camp in Poland where Bruce is moved when his father is promoted to the position of Obersturmbannführer, a paramilitary Nazi Party rank used by both the SA and the SS. Bruce and his family live in the guard house and it is only after some exploring and questioning that Bruce begins to become more aware of who the people are on the other side of the fence.
The innocence of Bruno and the friendship that grows between him and Shmuel is heartwarming. The book touches on the horrendous truths of what happened back during World War II. By the end of the story the hairs on my arms were standing on end….
Oh wow — what a fantastic, but horrifying review. Thanks for the honest thoughts. I’ll have to pick that one up when I’m feeling brave.
It’s really worth reading. I want to see the film now. It’s one of those stories that will stick with me. It is a powerful story in the same way that Anne Frank’s diary was powerful. However, I wouldn’t say that it is comparable in the impact that Anne Frank’s diary had. Worth reading for sure. Thanks for letting me know what you thought of the review.
I just said you’re always surprising! I never know quite what I’ll be reading when I visit. It’s always something interesting. And I feel the urge to look for that book next time I’m in the library now. To thank you for being you, I hope you’ll accept The Versatile Blogger award. http://randomlymari.wordpress.com/2011/03/23/feeling-kinda-versatile/
Wow – fantastic! You’ve just made my day!! Thank you
I’m glad you like the variety – that’s an indication as to what my brain is like – totally random thoughts.
Random thoughts are great, especially when there’s variety
Am so gonna go get this book.
Oh do – you’ll smile, you’ll cry and you’ll remember the story for a long time.
yeh I’m reading it in school and its really good
Have you finished it yet? When I’d finished it I just sat silently and thought…. It was a very powerful book.
Thank you for visiting and taking the time to comment on my blog.
i think its a sad movie.
I am so sorry.
You don’t have to be sorry. I am sure that the film is very sad. I will probably feel the same when I watch it. Thanks for visiting and for commenting.
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I just love the way it is written with them hints and all through inocent 9 year old bruno it gives a different perspective to World War 2 but with an impact ecause of how powerful the messsage is and how sad
Thanks for your reply. It’s so true about how sad the story is. Such innocence in the book. It was all very moving.
its really good
[...] fast but addictive read. (Full review here). After finishing the book I was left speechless. Whilst reading, Ireally felt as though I was back [...]