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A review by egbella
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
5.0
When I started reading this book, I had no idea what to expect, except that I thought I'd be getting a half-hearted middle-grade novel somewhat related to the Holocaust.
Boy, was I wrong.
I've read many, many low reviews on this book, talking about how unbelievable the entire story is. Auschwitz was far more heavily-guarded, the fence was electrified, Bruno is too naïve for any nine-year old boy, etc... I agree, I don't see how this story could have actually happened.
But for me, that's not the point of the book. The point is to show a friendship between two boys in totally different worlds. One well-fed, comfortable, and in an upscale family. The other destitute, persecuted, and separated from his loved ones. The point is to show that despite their differences, love can bridge any gap, and care for one another can brighten the darkest storms. To me, Bruno's innocence served as a very moving way to remind me of the horrific reality of the Holocaust. Sometimes it's far too easy to forget how the event affected everyone, even and perhaps especially the children.
Simple but rhythmic, Boyne's writing style was compelling and kept me engaged in the story from page one. I found myself laughing over Bruno's antics, and blinking back tears at the terrible things that were going right over Bruno's head, as well as the way the Jews were treated by the soldiers and even Bruno's family. The ending was both heartbreaking and moving, and somewhat reminded me of 'Bridge to Terabithia' (another of my favorites). I don't see how it could have ended any other way.
Yes, there are issues with some historical aspects, but if those things were 'fixed', this story would not exist. I do believe this story needed to be told, as is. I definitely needed to read it, and I'm very glad I did.
Boy, was I wrong.
I've read many, many low reviews on this book, talking about how unbelievable the entire story is. Auschwitz was far more heavily-guarded, the fence was electrified, Bruno is too naïve for any nine-year old boy, etc... I agree, I don't see how this story could have actually happened.
But for me, that's not the point of the book. The point is to show a friendship between two boys in totally different worlds. One well-fed, comfortable, and in an upscale family. The other destitute, persecuted, and separated from his loved ones. The point is to show that despite their differences, love can bridge any gap, and care for one another can brighten the darkest storms. To me, Bruno's innocence served as a very moving way to remind me of the horrific reality of the Holocaust. Sometimes it's far too easy to forget how the event affected everyone, even and perhaps especially the children.
Simple but rhythmic, Boyne's writing style was compelling and kept me engaged in the story from page one. I found myself laughing over Bruno's antics, and blinking back tears at the terrible things that were going right over Bruno's head, as well as the way the Jews were treated by the soldiers and even Bruno's family. The ending was both heartbreaking and moving, and somewhat reminded me of 'Bridge to Terabithia' (another of my favorites). I don't see how it could have ended any other way.
Yes, there are issues with some historical aspects, but if those things were 'fixed', this story would not exist. I do believe this story needed to be told, as is. I definitely needed to read it, and I'm very glad I did.