| Product: |
Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - John Boyne |
| Date: |
07/03/08 (168 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Very powerful story with many surprises, in one small book
Disadvantages: Perhaps too short...?
I read 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' as a recommendation from my friend, and found out after, that lots of people I knew had read it also. This was something I found quite unusual, as it is essentially I regarded it as a children's book, although, dealling with adult themes, issues and so forth. I read it in one sitting and would thoroughly recommend it.
This is a very accessible book, tenderly written by John Boyne - who has written other acclaimed children's books (such as 'The Thief of Time' and 'Next of Kin'). His work has also been translated in 17 languages! It pains me to classify TBITSP as a children's book - as the story unfolds, it's themes resonate more with adults, as I'm not sure if a reader of nine years old could fully apprecaite the profundity of what happens.
The publishers have a made a conscious decision not to reveal anything about this book - as the unknown journey has far more impact than if you knew the location, plot and themes. However, I read the paperback version, and inside the front cover are extracts of reviews, and one of these reveiws mention the overall 'name' of where the book is set - which annoyed me, as I knew what to expect. Although, there were still things that happened, that I certainly did not see coming.
I don't want to give anything away, but all I'll say about the book's content is this... It's told through the eyes of Bruno, a nine year old boy, who has to move away and meets another boy, with the same age and same birthday as himself - to emphasis that they are essentially the same, just raised differently. There is also a fence, as we are told about in the blurb on the back. I'm not going to imply what sort of fence, however, I had no idea about the serious nature of this fence until I started reading!
The book is beautifully written. Things are described to us through the eyes of Bruno - which is great - as he never gives us all the facts about something (as he doesn't know them) whereas, if it was written by a 'narrator' type device, we would probably be told much more, lessening the impact of when things happen later on. Bruno's naivity sometimes misleads us, as what he doesn't see an important fact, to us is very significant. I.e. He describes a character as looking like XYZ, but if we knew exactly what he was describing, we wouldn't feel as non-chalant about it as Bruno.
I didn't realise how good this book was until I finished. Whilst reading, I did find it rather put-downable, but as you get towards the end the true nature of the plotline hits you like a train. So I would urge everyone who starts reading this, to keep going until the end. A couple of things happened throughout the story that shocked me, but none as much as the ending as a whole.
When I finished the book, I wanted to cry. I felt so touched by the innocence of the characters and what had happened, I fetl, embarrasingly, like I needed to hug someone. Unfortunately, I was sat on my own in the departure lounge of an airport, so had to compose myself accordingly. I feel that this book had a profound effect of life affirmation and provided me with deep thoughts about the life we lead today and what is going on in the world.
I can see this book being used in schools as a text to compare with similar works within the same time frame. I don't think this book will fade away into a long forgotten bookshelf...I think this book will live on and become a classic 'must read' soon enough. If it doesn't - it should!
The paperback is 216 pages. This may sound like a lot, but there is not a great deal of text on each page (in comparison to other children's books I've read). I bought my copy from Tesco for a mere 3 pounds and a bit! The book is also available in audio format, read by Michael Maloney.
Thanks for reading :)
MarcoG
© 2008
(also on ciao)
Summary: A beautifully, tragic and profound story. Thoroughly recommended
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