The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - John Boyne)

Member Name: bluejules

Product:	Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - John Boyne
Date:	27/08/07 (210 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Simple idea, wonderfully written

Disadvantages: Sad

This is one of the best books that I have read in quite a while. I first seen it in Asda but as it was still in hardback and the sleeve didn't give much away I didn't buy it. Then just a few days later it appeared in my mam's copy of The Book People magazine. As it was cheaper than Asda (by a couple of pound) and the magazine hinted slightly towards what the story was about I decided to give it a go and so I bought it. And I'm so glad I did…

"The story of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is very difficult to describe. Usually we give some clues about the book on the jacket but in this case we think that would spoil the book. We think it is important that you start to read without knowing what it is about" The cover of the book. (I thought it was worth putting in as the book is hard to describe)
The cover then goes on to mention that if you do read the book you will go on a journey with a nine year old boy and sooner or later you will arrive at a fence. (This is not a book for nine-year-olds though.) It does not say anything about the fence other than that fences like this exist all over the world.

After reading the book I see why so little is given away on the cover. It is the kind of book that you can read without knowing anything about, yet still find it an enjoyable read.

The Book People Magazine, however, did indicate that the story was set in Europe and that it was about two young boys and their journey together. The first paragraph of the book tells of one day when Bruno (the first young boy whom we meet in the story - he's also the main character) arrived from school to find of all his belongings being packed into boxes. Bruno is very upset to learn that he will be moving house. He is pleased that it is only for the 'foreseeable future' (which Bruno believes is only a few weeks). It is at his new home where he finds the fence. He also meets another young boy similar, yet so very different, to himself. This boy's name is Shmuel.

I really liked the fact that the whole story was portrayed through the eyes of an innocent nine-year-old boy. The writing style was so clear and easy to read that I really felt like I was somehow there, living alongside this young boy. I began to feel quite attached to him and his friend Shumel. It was interesting (and sometimes a little disturbing) to be able to see beyond Bruno's own interpretation of the world. He is clearly growing up and he feels (like I did at that age) that he understands more than what he actually does. This can make the reader feel a range of emotions alongside young Bruno. For me these emotions were quite strong. Sometimes I felt happy but most of the time I felt frustration and sadness. I wanted to tell Bruno what was going on in his life. The things that he did not understand and were completely oblivious to.

" ' Poland,' said Bruno thoughtfully, weighing up the word on his tongue. 'That's not as good as Germany, is it?'
Shmuel frowned. 'Why isn't it?' He asked.
'Well, because Germany is the greatest of all countries,' Bruno replied, remembering something that he had overheard Father discussing with Grandfather on any number of occasions. 'We're Superior'…

…'Where is Poland anyway?' he (Bruno) asked after a few silent moments had passed.
'Well, it's in Europe.' Said Shmuel…
'I think Poland is in Denmark,' said Bruno…. 'Because that's many miles away,' he repeated for added confirmation."

I wouldn't normally put an extract from a book into a review but I think this is a great way to demonstrate just how innocent Bruno seems to be. To me as an adult, his innocence is quite disturbing. It really made me think about the world we live in and how the children of our world believe what the 'grown-ups' tell them. And why shouldn't they? Who else do children have to look upon for knowledge? Sadly, though not all of the knowledge from adults is beneficial to the children. The 'knowledge' and opinions that were passed onto Bruno were very biased and were by no means good in the time that this book was set. It demonstrates very well how we should teach our children right from wrong in order for them to grow up in the world as responsible members of society.
The book was extremely moving and heartfelt. The words and style of writing were simple yet so well written that it flowed wonderfully well. I really felt like I was reading the words of a nine-year-old even though the book is written in third person.

The whole way through the book little things just kept clicking into place. This made the book have a steady and in some places, fast pace. The ending was clever, extremely moving and it really shocked me. It left me with tears in my eyes but I didn't really know whom I was crying for. I was left questioning my emotions and I often think about the book now even though I read it several weeks ago. I felt like I got the most possible from the book and I strongly recommend you give it a go. I think it is suitable for teenagers and older. My mam read it and found the writing style slightly repetitive so she didn't enjoy the book as much as I did. I agree that it was slightly repetitive but I don't think it got in the way of the storyline.

Rrp £10.99 (hardback)
It's available cheaper from Amazon (I don't know if The Book People still have it in stock)

Thanks for reading! bluejules x

Summary: A compelling read