Reviews

The Boy at the Top of the Mountain by John Boyne

racingthroughbooks's review against another edition

emotional inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

asreadbymila's review against another edition

4.0

It's a really good read. I'd say it isn't written for the target audience of 10-14, i'd recommend it for people 12 and up. You really need an understanding of WO1 and the consequences it had for the parties involved to understand the emotions and views that the characters are dealing with. I've read reviews saying it's a book that makes Hitler seem harmless, but I beg to differ. It portrays the view of a kid who doesn't know the evil untill it's done and who makes amends with what happened in the end. I think it shows the way many Germans were raised during and after that time and the consequences it had for the population. If you have a kid, educate them before you let them read it and talk about the book as they go through it. Make sure you are informed as well (read it prior to them reading it).

sotor_je_padu's review against another edition

dark emotional inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I read it a while ago bit it still lingers in my mind. It's one of the most one of the kind stories about ww2. It touched me and it was surprisingly thrilling. I remember worrying soooo much for the boy. I really recommend it.

melkoetsveld's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective medium-paced

4.0

maryk's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective

3.75

hollyabbott's review against another edition

challenging dark sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

Really interesting take on the war. And really sad as you can imagine many young men were subject to the same manipulation. But does feel slightly fair fetched at time s

chrisb85's review against another edition

5.0

Short story but loved it, love the authors books they grip you and take you back in time. Wonder if there will be a film made like the boy in the striped pyjamas.

izzum_pullan08's review against another edition

adventurous challenging hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

geokl7's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

meghanlovesbooks's review against another edition

dark emotional sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0