Educational, Charming and Horrific (Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - John Boyne)

Member Name: Squiddly450

Product:	Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - John Boyne
Date:	26/01/09 (21 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Told from a child's point of view, so pefect for educating children about the Holocaust

Disadvantages: None for me

I only came accross this book as my nurse had seen the film advertised but couldn't find anywhere to watch it. I saw it in Smith's at the train station and thought I would get it for her and then I could read it on my way home. It only took about three hours to read and tht is one of the reasons I would say it is particularly suitable for 12-15year olds.

The story is so deeply tragic, yet told so well you are drawn in and can identify so well with Bruno, the main character. The reason I feel you can identify with him is that we are all (well, most of us if we are honest) self centered to some degree, feeling that we have hardships imposed upon us, yet we cannot imagine the suffering of others less fortunate.

The charm of the story is in his unfaltering awe of his father and the total respect the Nazi community seemed to have for Hitler. Bruno just doesn't understand what he is seeing and doesn't even understand the words used, such as Outwith and Fury.

It is enormously important that we do not forget the Holocaust, I learnt about it at school, and I hope that my children will too. This book will thoroughly engage children as it is told from the viewpoint of a child, and most children will identify with having a "superior" older sibling and being made to sit upstairs if their parents have visitors etc.

My nurse read the book, then watched the film which she said was a total disappointment.

Honestly, one of the most charming, moving books I have read for a long long time.

Summary: A brilliant book that would be a perfect starting point for lessons about the Holocaust