The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne (2006, Hardcover)

This wonderful book tells the story of Bruno whose father is made commandant of the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland. The entire story is told consistently through the eyes of 9-year old Bruno. This includes the visit from "The Fury" which leads to his father's appointment and the sudden move of the family to Poland. Bruno's consistently naive understanding of what is happening in the ever-changing world following the move is both touching and horrific. While Bruno cannot seem to make sense of what has happened (he thinks his new home is called "Out-With" because the old commandant was fired quickly and told "Out with you!"), adult readers will read between the lines of Bruno's perceptions to note the terror and cruelty of the Holocaust. The pivotal relationship in the story is a friendship Bruno strikes with camp inmate 9-year old Shmuel. There evolving relationship and the incredible climax of this book are just part of a truly beautiful exploration of incredible inhumanity viewed through the eyes of a child.

Terrific fable. Every person should read it. I bought it for myself (age 68) and then sent it to my 12-year-old granddaughter. It should be required reading in all schools.

I ordered this book on a friday...didn't expect it for a week so decided to us it at Christmas rather than a birthday the following friday. Surprise! it arrived 3 days later. Excellent!

Reviewed by Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

What an incredible story! John Boyne has created innocent, naïve Bruno and given him a powerful story to tell. This moving book should be required reading for everyone.

Set in the 1940's in Berlin, Germany, the story centers around a nine-year-old German boy named Bruno. His family leaves Berlin to move to the country because his father has been reassigned by the "Fury." Bruno's youth and innocence has protected him from the harsh realities of Hilter and his reign of terror.

Life in the country is dull and boring for Bruno. He doesn't understand his new home, "Out-With." He's left his friends behind and doesn't like the smaller house he's forced to live in with his parents and his sister. Missing the hustle and bustle of the city, Bruno begins to explore his new surroundings. Beyond the fence near his house, he sees people, but is confused by their strange striped pajamas and their sad demeanor.

Bruno's loneliness is somewhat relieved when he becomes friends with a boy on the other side of the fence. They meet daily and exchange comments about their daily lives, but neither fully understands the circumstances of the other.

Boyne presents a story about the Holocaust like none other before. He brings tragedy to life through the eyes of innocent children. Readers of all ages will be spellbound until the last page and beyond.