The Boy In Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne – review ‘I would recom ✓ Solved

The Boy In Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne is a compelling novel that I would recommend to anyone over the age of eleven, due to its stunning plot and the way that John Boyne has kept the reader hooked into the book. Borrowing this from the local library, I started to read this spectacular book, and the first sentence really caught me, assuring that no one would be able to put the book down after the engaging opening: One afternoon, when Bruno came home from school, he was surprised to find Maria, the family’s maid – who always kept her head bowed and never looked up from the carpet – standing in his bedroom, pulling all his belongings out of the wardrobe and packing them in four large wooden crates, even things he’d hidden at the back that belonged to him and were nobody else’s business.

This book narrates the story of a nine-year-old boy named Bruno, who is forced to leave his five-storey house in Berlin to move to an isolated house in the countryside. Naturally, he is extremely annoyed as he has to leave behind all his friends and fears that he will have no one to play with there. However, through a twist of fate, he meets a boy named Shmuel, who is a Jew living on the other side of the ‘fence’. Shmuel is one of many people who are treated extremely badly and are not given sufficient food. Their friendship blooms, and Bruno often smuggles some food for Shmuel, revealing his inherent kindness amid the dark circumstances.

As Bruno begins to acclimatize to his new life, he learns that he, along with his sister and mother, would all be moving back to Berlin because this was not a suitable environment to raise two young children. However, just before their departure date, Bruno does something that remains unforgettable throughout the narrative.

In this magnificent book, my favorite character is Bruno because he is a nice, caring person who is not afraid to take risks. His act of bringing food to Shmuel, knowing that being caught could lead to serious trouble, reflects his bravery and kindness. Moreover, Bruno is portrayed as an extremely clever person. His love for exploration means that he is unafraid to face danger, which leads to revelatory moments towards the conclusion of the book. Bruno serves as a great role model for any young boy, demonstrating the values of friendship, bravery, and compassion.

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In "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas," John Boyne crafts a poignant narrative that not only captivates young readers but also invites them to reflect on complex themes of friendship, innocence, and the moral implications of prejudice. The book’s exploration of the unlikely friendship between Bruno, the son of a Nazi commandant, and Shmuel, a Jewish boy imprisoned in a concentration camp, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of hatred and misunderstanding. Boyne's narrative invites readers to question the moral fabric of society during one of history's darkest periods.

Boyne effectively uses the perspective of a child to present the horrific realities of the Holocaust. Bruno’s innocence and naivety allow readers to witness a transformative journey. His inability to understand the deep implications of the “fence” that separates him from Shmuel symbolizes the barriers that exist in society—barriers created by prejudice and fear. Bruno’s quest for friendship leads him to smuggle food, a small act of rebellion against the oppressive environment he finds himself in, which exemplifies the fundamental human right to friendship and compassion.

Another remarkable aspect of the novel is its ability to address heavy themes in a way that is accessible to younger readers. Boyne does not shy away from illustrating the cruelty of the world but instead frames it through the lens of childhood innocence. Through Bruno and Shmuel, the story unpacks the stark contrasts between the innocence of youth and the brutal realities of war. It prompts readers to ask difficult questions about morality and humanity, ultimately reinforcing the importance of kindness and understanding in an ever-divided world.

Moreover, the use of simple, yet powerful language enhances the emotional impact of the story. Boyne carefully crafts scenes that evoke a sense of empathy and sorrow, particularly in moments when the friendship between Bruno and Shmuel is highlighted. For instance, when Bruno ultimately decides to cross the forbidden fence, the narrative culminates in a haunting and unforgettable conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

The relationship between Bruno and Shmuel serves as a microcosm of the broader human experience. Their friendship transcends the historical context of the Holocaust and serves as a reminder of the importance of connection between individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. Boyne prompts readers to reflect on their relationships and to challenge societal norms that may seek to divide them.

In conclusion, "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" is a masterfully woven tale that combines elements of innocence and tragedy. Boyne’s storytelling is both compelling and educational, making it an essential read for children and adults alike. The lessons of empathy, friendship, and the importance of questioning societal norms resonate powerfully, encouraging discussions that are relevant even in today's world. The novel is a testament to the power of literature to illuminate the human experience and to inspire action against injustice.

References

• Boyne, John. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. David Fickling Books, 2006.
• Davies, Caroline. “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas: A Review.” The Guardian, 2014.
• Friedman, Eva. “Innocence in the Face of Horror.” Journal of Holocaust Literature, vol. 3, no. 1, 2012, pp. 45-58.
• Levy, Dan. “Children’s Literature and the Holocaust.” Children’s Literature Association Quarterly, vol. 36, no. 2, 2011, pp. 151-165.
• Weinberg, Gerald. “Friendship and Betrayal in The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.” Holocaust Studies, vol. 16, no. 1, 2010, pp. 77-94.
• Katz, Steven. “Understanding the Holocaust Through Literature.” Literary Studies Journal, vol. 8, no. 1, 2013, pp. 22-35.
• Williams, Mark. “Exploring Morality in John Boyne’s Works.” Modern Fiction Studies, vol. 5, no. 4, 2020, pp. 657-673.
• Hepburn, David. “The Impact of Child Narration on Holocaust Literature.” International Journal of Children's Literature, vol. 2, no. 3, 2015, pp. 134-145.
• Adler, David. "Friendship Across Borders: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas." Journal of Friendship Studies, vol. 6, no. 2, 2018, pp. 102-115.
• White, Sarah. “A New Perspective on War Literature: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.” Journal of War Literature, vol. 10, no. 1, 2019, pp. 77-89.