The Boy in Striped Pajamas, by John Boyne, is a historical fiction book that takes place in Germany during WWII. The book is about a boy named Bruno and his family’s life from Berlin to a concentration camp he calls “Out-with.” He becomes friends with a boy who lives in the camp which leads to Bruno learning about the true nature of it.
The
Boy in Striped Pajamas is not a long novel, but despite
that it still provides an interesting perspective of the time period and status
of the characters. Bruno’s father works for the Fury, also known as Hitler, and
Bruno does not quite understand what happens in the camp or what kind of work
his father does. Bruno is a young boy and the book is written in a way where the
reader’s perspective feels like Bruno’s, naïve. For example, the camp “Out-with”
is Auschwitz but because Bruno pronounces it as “Out-with”, the true name is
never explicitly stated in the book. People often look back at history with a
clear view of the events and whether it was right or wrong. However, people
living in the moment do not know that. They may not fully understand what is
happening and the morality behind it.
Overall, the book is a good, easy read and is easy to
understand. The unique perspective of a young boy provides in interesting take
on the time period. The pace of the book is quite fast and the ending is impactful
and fitting for the story.
By Maggie
Amazing book review! Love the way you added incite and reasoning behind the perspective the book was written from. I recently read a WWII, so it would be interesting to read another one written from a different angle.
ReplyDeleteYou make an excellent point about how parties involved in historical and defining events may be oblivious to their situation. I remember picking up this book at the recommendation of some friends but I didn't get very far since I wasn't immediately hooked and had to return the book anyway. This review does make it sound like an interesting and maybe even oddly light (from tone, not topic) read, though, so maybe I'll check it out.
ReplyDeleteI saw the movie in middle school, so I know the basic plot, but I'm interested to find out how the book differs from it. Thanks to this review, I think I'll check it out.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading this in middle school, and I loved it too. If I were to be looking for reviews on this book, I'd come here first.
ReplyDeleteI've seen the movie for this book so I know the basic plot. I like the way you talked about how people look back on history. It gave some insight on the message of the book.
ReplyDeleteI personally really enjoy books about war, specifically about the citizens. I think typically war books are about battles and soldiers, but I think it is just as important to see the impact of the citizens, what they thought and what their experiences were. I definitely want to read this book.
ReplyDeleteGreat review - I loved your analysis of how the perspective of the protagonist enhances the book's depiction of the time period. I actually read this book a while back - I also enjoyed how the simplistic narration and the puns displayed show Bruno's naivety, if a bit awkward to read through at times.
ReplyDeleteJust like the book, your review is short and sweet. You describe the book well and make an excellent point about history and point of view. I like the fact that you hone in on a specific thing but it summarizes the book perfectly
ReplyDeleteI think you described the book pretty well and I too read the book in middle school and I found it it a good read. I think it is a good educational read as well as a good story.
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