A review by evergrn
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

dark emotional sad medium-paced

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

5.0

This was the first historical fiction novel I've read as a child, and one that really captivated me. Though it's devastating and heart-wrenching, it’s also incredibly beautiful. The way the story unfolds around Bruno’s innocent perspective on the horrors of the Holocaust makes it more impactful. 

 “Despite the mayhem that followed, Bruno found that he was still holding Shmuel's hand in his own and nothing in the world would have persuaded him to let go.”

What I particularly love about this book are the characters and the way they are portrayed—especially the children. Bruno and Shmuel is the heart of the story, and their friendship reveals a powerful message: children do not naturally hold prejudices; it is something we learn and inherit as we grow older, and it has no place in the hearts of children who are simply looking for companionship and understanding. Bruno, despite the barriers that society and his family try to impose on him, forms a genuine connection with Shmuel, a boy from the other side of the fence. Their friendship is innocent, pure, and deeply moving. 

Personally, I really love this book and I think it’s a beautifully written. I know that some people criticize it for not accurately depicting the true reality of the Holocaust, but to me, it's important to remember that this is a work of fiction. It’s not intended to be a precise historical recount of the events, but rather a fictional exploration of one of history’s darkest periods to highlight universal themes like innocence, friendship, and the dangers of prejudice and how much we lose when we allow it to drive our actions. 

5/5!