The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a historical fiction based on the Holocaust. The book is written from the POV of a 9-year old boy.

Bruno lives in Berlin with his parents and an older sister, in an enormous house. One day he comes home to his maid packing all his things. His mother tells him that the family will be moving because of his father’s job. When they arrive, Bruno is devastated to have come to a desolate place. He has no idea of what this place is and is not sure why it has a strange name, Out-With. He doesn’t like the fact that he left all his friends and his big house to come to this deserted place with small house. When he looks out the window, he doesn’t see the lively streets as of Berlin but instead a huge fence, separating a cluster of huts and strange looking people. He feels lonely.

Having no friends to play with, Bruno starts exploring his surroundings. That is when he meets his new friend Shmuel. He is delighted to find company. However, Bruno cannot understand why Shmuel needs to be on the other side of fence.

How did it make me feel?

First of all, I think I was not at all prepared for this book. The fact that it is  9-year old’s POV, makes this book an immense success. Bruno immediately pulls you into his world. All the little things that he doesn’t understand and has his own interpretations for, just breaks your heart. For example, calling Führer as Fury, Auschwitz as Out-With, trying to make sense of his boundaries around his father, etc. Everything drips with innocence and is absolutely heart-wrenching.

Through out my reading, I had goosebumps and my heart leaped out of my chest. I cannot tell you much without giving anything away, but trust me when I say, you NEED to read this book! Especially, if you love historical fiction like me, don’t miss out on this one!

I have fallen in love with John Boyne. Read my review of another book of his that I’ve read and loved, here.

I highly recommend The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Get your copy on Amazon. If you use my link to buy, I may get a small commission at NO additional cost to you! It will help me keep my blog running! 🙂 Thank you for your support!