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_inge_'s review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
joe_hh98's review against another edition
4.0
Without a doubt, this is John Boyne’s most famous novel, but it is not necessarily his best. ‘The Boy In Striped Pyjamas’ provides a curious insight into the atrocities of the Holocaust, through the lens of childhood innocence.
Bruno is a great protagonist and it is both frustrating and charming to see him blissfully unaware of the horrific nature of his father’s job. His friendship with the captured, Jewish child Shmuel is a true testimony to the power of childhood friendship. And although there are a number of historical inaccuracies within the novel, it remains a very poignant, albeit slightly unbelivable story.
I suspect that because I had already seen the film prior to the reading the book, it may have clouded my rating. Had I not already been aware of the story, the extremely bleak ending to this tale would probably have been a genuine surprise and perhaps would have struck me as much as the film portrayal did. Not to self: always read the book first.
Bruno is a great protagonist and it is both frustrating and charming to see him blissfully unaware of the horrific nature of his father’s job. His friendship with the captured, Jewish child Shmuel is a true testimony to the power of childhood friendship. And although there are a number of historical inaccuracies within the novel, it remains a very poignant, albeit slightly unbelivable story.
I suspect that because I had already seen the film prior to the reading the book, it may have clouded my rating. Had I not already been aware of the story, the extremely bleak ending to this tale would probably have been a genuine surprise and perhaps would have struck me as much as the film portrayal did. Not to self: always read the book first.
heiroffire1989's review against another edition
4.0
Heartbreaking… Through the eyes of a child we get a glimpse of the horrors happening during war, WW2 in this case then. There’s so much to read between the lines for those who can read it, and at the same time it’s a book that’s also perfect for younger readers. I can see why it gets so much good ratings! Overall, I think it was a beautiful book and a quick read. A story that settles quite heavily on you, especially when done reading and you’re letting it sink in - which is why I upgrade from 3 to 4 stars. Can’t wait to read the companion novel that came afterwards about Gretel too!
jo486's review against another edition
3.0
I liked it, but I read it because it was required at school. It wasn't something I would have read out of free will, that's for sure but I still thought it was okay.
theblondebird's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.75