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

challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-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

3.25

I'm in mixed minds about this book, obviously written for children, and in some ways, it is very powerful. Whilst it is called a fable, I think this needs to be clearer as historical fiction goes its inaccurate and perhaps would have been better for it to not have the links to Nazi Germany and to be more of a dystopian read but carrying the same messages. I hope that this book STARTS the discussion for children regarding the horrifics of the holocaust and the treatment of Jewish and other people deemed to be lesser.  Bruno, the main character, knew nothing about his heritage or the treatment of the jews which growing up in his household is unbelievable, and for him and his sister not being members of Hitler Youth particularly with his fathers status seems absurd. But if the message delivers, then that's not a bad thing, but I just hope this book makes the reader commence their own research as to the atrocities to this particular time in our history and really hope the last sentence in the book is true "Not in this day and age".
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