The story of "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" is very difficult to describe. Usually we give some clues about the book on the cover, but in this case we think that would spoil the reading of the book. We think it is important that you start to read without knowing what it is about. If you do start to read this book, you will go on a journey with a nine-year-old boy called Bruno. (Though this isn't a book for nine-year-olds.) And sooner or later you will arrive with Bruno at a fence. We hope you never have to cross such a fence.
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
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Amazon Review
John Boyne's The Boy in Striped Pyjamas will no doubt acquire many readers as a result of the subsequent film of the novel, but viewers of the latter would do themselves a favour by going back to the spare and powerfully affecting original book. Bruno is nine years old, and the Nazis’ horrific Final Solution to the ‘Jewish Problem’ means nothing to him. He's completely unaware of the barbarity of Germany under Hitler, and is more concerned by his move from his well-appointed house in Berlin to a far less salubrious area where he finds himself with nothing to do. Then he meets a boy called Shmuel who lives a very different life from him -- a life on the opposite side of a wire fence. And Shmuel is the eponymous boy in the striped pyjamas, as are all the other people on the other side of the fence. The friendship between the two boys begins to grow, but for Bruno it is a journey from blissful ignorance to a painful knowledge. And he will find that this learning process carries, for him, a daunting price.
A legion of books have attempted to evoke the horrors of the Second World War, but in this concise and perfectly honed novel, all of the effects that John Boyne creates are allowed to make a maximum impact in a relatively understated fashion (given the enormity of the situation here). The Boy in Striped Pyjamas is also that rare thing: a novel which can affect both children and adults equally; a worthy successor, in fact, to such masterpieces as To Kill a Mockingbird and The Catcher in the Rye -- both, of course, books, dealing (as does this one) with the loss of innocence. --Barry Forshaw
Review
"An account of a dreadful episode, short on actual horror but packed with overtones that remain in the imagination. Plainly and sometimes archly written, it stays just ahead of its readers before delivering its killer punch in the final pages" (Nick Tucker Independent 20060113)
"A small wonder of a book. Bruno's education is conducted slowly, through a series of fleeting social encounters rather than by plunging him into a nightmare landscape" (Guardian 20060121)
"An extraordinary tale of friendship and the horrors of war seen thorugh the eyes of two young boys, it's stirring stuff. Raw literary talent at its best. More please!" (Irish Independent 20051217)
"Quite impossible to put down, this is the rare kind of book that doesn't leave your head for days. Word of mouth should be strong and this has the potential to cross over to an adult audience. A unique and captivating novel, which I believe deserves huge success" (Becky Stadwick The Bookseller 20050812)
"Brilliantly written, superbly conceived novel, ending with words as bleakly ambiguous as any I have ever read. Boyne's ability to lead us on with crystal clear prose so that we unthinkingly fall into the elephant trap reminds me irresistably of another Irishman - Jonathan Swift" (Dennis Hamley The School Librarian 20060701) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
"A small wonder of a book. Bruno's education is conducted slowly, through a series of fleeting social encounters rather than by plunging him into a nightmare landscape" (Guardian 20060121)
"An extraordinary tale of friendship and the horrors of war seen thorugh the eyes of two young boys, it's stirring stuff. Raw literary talent at its best. More please!" (Irish Independent 20051217)
"Quite impossible to put down, this is the rare kind of book that doesn't leave your head for days. Word of mouth should be strong and this has the potential to cross over to an adult audience. A unique and captivating novel, which I believe deserves huge success" (Becky Stadwick The Bookseller 20050812)
"Brilliantly written, superbly conceived novel, ending with words as bleakly ambiguous as any I have ever read. Boyne's ability to lead us on with crystal clear prose so that we unthinkingly fall into the elephant trap reminds me irresistably of another Irishman - Jonathan Swift" (Dennis Hamley The School Librarian 20060701) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
377 of 402 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
When I bought this book I wasn't sure what to expect; the blurb was very secretive about the content of the book. I was reading it with the thought of passing it on to my year 6 class, to try and lure them away from J.Wilson's teen-reads!
At first, it felt like a light read, for a book which says it isn't suitable for nine year olds; however, it becomes a lot darker the further you get into the story. As an adult, you can see beyond what the child sees and hears (this can be disturbing at times). I could not put this book down and read it in two days!
I won't spoil the ending for those who choose to buy it. The book as a whole left me thinking, which is a good thing. I am not sure if I would recommend it to the majority of my 11 year olds;however, I think a mature child would find it a thoughtful read.
I will be passing it on to one or two adults and children; I also think I may read it again in time I think a second reading may bring more subtext to the suface.
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By J. H. Bretts
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
I think this is a terrific book, one that crosses over the boundary between children and adult fiction to appeal very widely. However, it is still a very disturbing portrait of Nazi Germany, vividly showing how fascist ideology and a patriarchal culture twisted and distorted the world - and could do so again. The ending is as powerful as any I've read in a work of fiction. What prevents me giving it five stars through is that the author never completely convinced me that the nine year old son of a high ranking Nazi official living in Berlin could absorb so little of what was going on around him.
164 of 178 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I'm sure that this is a book that most people have now heard of, especially with the film now released. However, it's probably approached with as least pre-information as possible. I prefer the synopsis that the book originally had..
"The story of "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" is very difficult to describe. Usually we give some clues about the book on the cover, but in this case we think that would spoil the reading of the book. We think it is important that you start to read without knowing what it is about. If you do start to read this book, you will go on a journey with a nine-year-old boy called Bruno. (Though this isn't a book for nine-year-olds.) And sooner or later you will arrive with Bruno at a fence. We hope you never have to cross such a fence."
It is listed as a children's book, but it's not for younger children, and it's certainly an adult book aswell. If you haven't yet read it, don't go searching the reviews, just pick up the book, and read it in the way it was intended.
The book is told in a simple manner, reflecting the innocence and naivety of Bruno. I believe it's meant to be read in the same way as a parable or fable, it's not meant to be a historically accurate text. To me, it was a simple, very effective piece of story telling, which brought me to a stand still, made me cry, and has stayed very much in my thoughts.
"The story of "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" is very difficult to describe. Usually we give some clues about the book on the cover, but in this case we think that would spoil the reading of the book. We think it is important that you start to read without knowing what it is about. If you do start to read this book, you will go on a journey with a nine-year-old boy called Bruno. (Though this isn't a book for nine-year-olds.) And sooner or later you will arrive with Bruno at a fence. We hope you never have to cross such a fence."
It is listed as a children's book, but it's not for younger children, and it's certainly an adult book aswell. If you haven't yet read it, don't go searching the reviews, just pick up the book, and read it in the way it was intended.
The book is told in a simple manner, reflecting the innocence and naivety of Bruno. I believe it's meant to be read in the same way as a parable or fable, it's not meant to be a historically accurate text. To me, it was a simple, very effective piece of story telling, which brought me to a stand still, made me cry, and has stayed very much in my thoughts.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book
Held me from start to finish although I didn't want it to finish. It gradually dawns on you what this book is really all about.
Published 1 day ago by D. Ward
5.0 out of 5 stars
brilliant
Fantastic book. I could not put it down. Much better than the movie. Highly recommended read for every book lover.
Published 4 days ago by sambuca
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant read
I am fanatical about WW2 books because of their insight into the past and though this book is written in a form of which I'm not accustomed to, it was still very enjoyable. Read more
Published 4 days ago by Amy-June Vincent
4.0 out of 5 stars
Book
This book was very suspenseful if you haven't seen the film as I hadn't when reading it. A very disturbing book at the same time.
Published 4 days ago by pen
5.0 out of 5 stars
moving story
Such a moving and sad story. A definate must for all readers. This gives a touching portrayal of life for a two young boys clueless to world war 2 and the sad event of... Read more
Published 14 days ago by Priya_kay
5.0 out of 5 stars
I could not put the book down once I started reading it........
I had seen the film on the TV a while back and found it really good and bought the book but never got around to reading it as I usually find books boring after seeing a film... Read more
Published 15 days ago by BD
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boy in striped pjs
It was very good
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Published 23 days ago by Grace Knightly xxx
5.0 out of 5 stars
As described
It arrived on time and was as described which is all I look for. Nothing more to say really.Peace. Out.
Published 25 days ago by Reid Neil
5.0 out of 5 stars
A real tear-jerker!
I have read this book so many times, and everytime I tear up at the end.
I really enjoy reading this book, and I am yet to see the film, though I would love to. Read more
I really enjoy reading this book, and I am yet to see the film, though I would love to. Read more
Published 29 days ago by KateVoisey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Kindle Book
This is a Kindle book and it downloaded to my laptop in seconds. Easy to read font and very enjoyable
Published 1 month ago by V. Prowse
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