Reviews with content warning for War - The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

I’ll start off by saying that I think this book is written well for its target audience, though I believe the themes explored require a more adult understanding of historical events. The Holocaust would be a difficult topic to tackle, no matter who you’re writing for.

That said, I did go into this novel knowing of the controversy surrounding it (I recommend reading the 2019 article titled The Problem with ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’ written by the Holocaust Survivors’ Friendship Association).

I agree that this book is not the most accurate representation of the victims of the holocaust, but rather a watered down version of events seen through a child’s eyes. Readers should remember that this is a work of fiction, not a textbook and so should not rely on this as their sole source of WW2 information.

I think a persons first reading of this book should be after having learned about the real events that took place, from an educator and/or non-fictional sources. This was my reading experience so I was able to draw on my prior knowledge to recognise the implications made, and visualise what was not being said in the text.

I was quite disappointed to find that there were no historical notes, educational notes, talking points/questions or acknowledgment of the millions of people who were murdered at this time in history, either at the beginning or the end of this novel.

Content Warnings

may_brie's review against another edition

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dark sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

The book centers the nazi experience in the holocaust and removes the blame from the children present. I have hear many Jews explain how this sort of storyline is harmful and does not manage to teach about the holocaust and instead deflects blame and teaches children that they are too young and stupid to a) understand what’s going on, and b) be part of the problem. The book spreads general misinformation and removes the grief and suffering of Jews from the story which is incredibly problematic.

Content Warnings

missbits's review against another edition

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emotional sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

stardustdreamer's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

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