Boyne, John: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
The book, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne, is about a boy named Bruno whose family has to move because of his father’s job. His father is a Nazi commander. It is set in the time of the Nazi regime, during which many Jews were sent to the concentration camps.
In 216 pages John Boyne tells the story of a 9-year-old boy who becomes friends with a Jew of the same age. Bruno and his new friend, Shmuel, meet each other at the fence every day. Bruno outside, and Shmuel inside the concentration camp. They are getting closer to each other day by day, but then Shmuel tells Bruno that he can’t find his father and needs Bruno’s help. They dig a hole under the fence, so that Bruno is able to get inside the camp.
Bruno has to wear the same clothes as all the other Jews, so that no one notices him. The boys start looking for Shmuel‘s dad, but nobody would have expected what happens next…
The story of the book is very moving and sometimes also gripping. It was very interesting to read how children handle such difficult situations. I would recommend the book to everyone who’s interested in the Holocaust.
Boyne, John: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
Pages: 216
Rating: *****
Signatur: FE.J / BOY
© Review and Illustration: Lea Walter, 5Am (September 2018)