A review by yonderwaves
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

dark reflective sad fast-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

3.5

The boy in the striped pyjamas is a heartbreaking story, but it isn't realistic. We follow a nine-year-old boy named Bruno who discovers that he has to move from his comfortable life in Berlin to a place called "Out-With". There he meets a boy named Shmuel on the other side of his fence. Some parts of the story seem unlikely like when Hitler is referred to as Der Führer, Bruno thinks that he's called The Fury, in addition, Bruno has no clue who he is. (I feel like the story would've been a bit better if Bruno was younger) Regardless of its historical inaccuracies, it can keep you captivated until the end. And it sends a powerful message that hate isn't something one is born with, but rather taught. 
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