The Boy in the Striped Pajamas – John Boyne

BOOK REVIEW: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas – John Boyne

Bruno is a small boy who lives in Berlin with his mother, father and sister Gretel. One day he is told by his maid that their family is moving to “out-with”, which is actually Auschwitz. Their new house is next to a big concentration camp, but Bruno and Gretel do not know, and think that they are in a holiday home. Bruno is curious and finds the fence outside his home, and spots a boy about his age inside the fence. He quickly becomes friends with the boy, Shmuel, and wants to help him escape, but can he succeed in a plan and keep it secret from his family?

This book gives readers a real understanding of the horrors of the Holocaust. The author captures the curiosity and intrigue of children and how a simple misunderstanding can cause catastrophe.

The word structure is simple and understandable, and I recommend this book to teenagers aged 10-14.

Alice Morgan