57 of 64 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A powerful story - not a history lesson, December 28, 2008
This review is from: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (Paperback)
When I first started reading, I didn't find the simplistic writing style appealing and thought I would be glad to finish the book so I could move on to another more challenging. It wasn't long before I became engrossed in viewing the situation through the eyes and voice of the 9 yr old boy, Bruno. I did not critique what I was reading from the perspective of what a 'real' 9 yr old living in that era should or should not have known about Nazi Germany.
I decided to write this because I was disappointed by the comments of a couple of the other reviewers who were upset that the book did not include historical accuracy. I never thought I was purchasing a history book, and therefore did not expect to receive a history lesson. To me the message of the story is broader than the era it is set in. This is the tale of an unlikely friendship between two 9 yr old boys. That friendship is allowed to grow because of their innocence, and because they do not judge one another by their stations in life. It's a very powerful, moving fable. I loved it for exactly what it is.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing, December 8, 2008
A Kid's Review
This review is from: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (Paperback)
As a twelve year old I found this book to be amazing , very breathtaking , and is a must read for all children interested in these terrible time . I found my self stuck to this book and could not put it down , I will with out a doubt recommend this for anybody who is thinking about reading this book !! I LOVE IT !!!!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stunning piece of fiction, March 10, 2009
This review is from: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (Paperback)
By now you probably know the premise of this book: set in WWII Germany, a nine year old boy whose father is a commandant in the Nazi party moves with his family to Auschwitz, where his father has been put in charge of the infamous concentration camp.
There aren't too many new ways to tell this story, but author John Boyne found a unique perspective here. Everything about this story is from the viewpoint of Bruno, the nine year old German boy. While it is fairly easy for you, the reader, to put together the puzzle pieces, we have the advantage of knowing history and knowing what atrocities occured at Auschwitz. Bruno, of course, does not fully understand and this is his story.
This novel is simply stunning in it's simplicity and power. I never saw the ending coming and it just blew me away. After I turned the last page, I set the book down in my lap and just sat there amazed for a good fifteen minutes. Two weeks later, I'm still thinking about this book. I can't get over how powerful it is and I'm recommending it to everyone I know.
It's not necessarily a child's book, despite the youthful narrator. I'd say it might qualify as a young adult's book since they are certainly old enough to understand the powerful ending.
Certainly, all adults should read this one. Then it's up to you to decide what age is appropriate for your children to read it.
Do NOT miss this book!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
