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Arlene's Reviews > The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
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The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is truly an amazing yet daunting novel that I will never forget. The author John Boyne did a masterful job of depicting the setting in such vivid detail and exposing the events in a manner that I felt a constant emotional pull as the story unfolded and impending doom lingered on the horizon.
I was recommended this novel a while back while reading The Book Thief, but after finishing that story and experiencing such deep sadness, I knew I couldn’t jump into another novel about the Holocaust for quite some time. I’m glad I waited because as with other works that cover this topic, distance and perspective is key. I feel the author did a grand job of juxtaposing two resounding themes in such a flawless manner; one being of the evil that was the Holocaust; against the second theme that of the innocence of a child.
I thought it was brilliant of Boyne to tell the story from the perspective of a nine year old German boy as you experience the events of this abominable and unthinkable time in history as a mere complicit bystander, which ultimately leaves you with a sense of hopelessness.
The story unfolds the day Bruno arrives home to discover his family is moving from Berlin to Auschwitz where his father will serve as a Commandant for the concentration camp. Bruno is forced to leave his three best friends for life and discovers that life in Auschwitz is lonely and desolate. All that changes the day he meets a boy his exact age and they begin to forge a friendship over the course of year. However, as much as he finds he and Schmuel have in common, living on opposite sides of the fence proves to have a devastating consequence to their friendship.
After completing this book, I did some research on the author and the novel and found that he not only received well deserved praise for this book, but also harsh criticism. As with any piece of literature, when words are committed to page and presented to an audience for their interpretation there will be varying degrees of acceptance and backlash. Couple that with such a sensitive topic and you’re bound to get a reaction. Well, my hats off to John Boyne for tackling a story through a unique perspective and presenting a poignant fable that as a reader I willingly suspended my reality and experienced the events in a way that exposed my emotions and feelings to such a raw level. Well done IMHO.
I was recommended this novel a while back while reading The Book Thief, but after finishing that story and experiencing such deep sadness, I knew I couldn’t jump into another novel about the Holocaust for quite some time. I’m glad I waited because as with other works that cover this topic, distance and perspective is key. I feel the author did a grand job of juxtaposing two resounding themes in such a flawless manner; one being of the evil that was the Holocaust; against the second theme that of the innocence of a child.
I thought it was brilliant of Boyne to tell the story from the perspective of a nine year old German boy as you experience the events of this abominable and unthinkable time in history as a mere complicit bystander, which ultimately leaves you with a sense of hopelessness.
The story unfolds the day Bruno arrives home to discover his family is moving from Berlin to Auschwitz where his father will serve as a Commandant for the concentration camp. Bruno is forced to leave his three best friends for life and discovers that life in Auschwitz is lonely and desolate. All that changes the day he meets a boy his exact age and they begin to forge a friendship over the course of year. However, as much as he finds he and Schmuel have in common, living on opposite sides of the fence proves to have a devastating consequence to their friendship.
After completing this book, I did some research on the author and the novel and found that he not only received well deserved praise for this book, but also harsh criticism. As with any piece of literature, when words are committed to page and presented to an audience for their interpretation there will be varying degrees of acceptance and backlash. Couple that with such a sensitive topic and you’re bound to get a reaction. Well, my hats off to John Boyne for tackling a story through a unique perspective and presenting a poignant fable that as a reader I willingly suspended my reality and experienced the events in a way that exposed my emotions and feelings to such a raw level. Well done IMHO.
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December 1, 2010
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December 1, 2010
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December 1, 2010
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Comments Showing 1-50 of 68 (68 new)
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Kristy
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Dec 01, 2010 10:23AM
the movie was really good too!!! Tear jerker!!
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I haven't read the book, but Hanneybean and I watched the movie version. We cried and cried and I don't know if I could ever read the book. Too, too powerful and emotional for me.Good review.
I was unfortunately told the outcome of the book and my morbid curiosity got the best of me. Soooo dame sad! I need to see the movie but I wouldn't be a true nerd if I didn't read the book first. Awesome yet sad story!!
Great review Arlene! I really need to read this soon. But I say that about all the books I haven't read that lately *sighs*
I actually saw the movie, but haven't read the book yet. I always pass it in the library. I just can't bring myself to pick it up which is strange because I love (in a morbid sort of way) Holocaust novels.
@ Kim, be warned... it's not a feel good book.. at all.@ Morgan, I share your sentiment about Holocaust books. I loved The Book Thief
and my first graphic novel was The Complete Maus, which was awesome. But they leave me so sad. I don't get it, but I do love them. I still need to bring myself to read Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl.
I still need to read Anne Frank too. I'm reading Annexed at the moment, which is the fictionalized account of the boy she was in love with.
Okay, I will need to add that to my TBR. Does it make sense without having read Anne Frank? Or you can read either one first?
It makes plenty sense to me. I'm sure there are a few things I am missing that would make the story more enjoyable to someone who has read Anne Frank, but it is nothing obvious.
Sounds good Morgan. Thanks for the rec.Thanks Nic!
I read the book and saw the movie! I liked the movie. I am taking a Holocaust class that specifically delves into literature and the arts so I thought this review was well-written
Thank you Lucy. I've yet to see the movie, but have heard great things about it. Wow, your class sounds intense. Is The Book Thief on your reading list? Another pretty powerful book that's about the Holocaust.
I actually have that on my to read list but never got the chance to read it yet. I hear it is supposed to be pretty good though. Yes I've only been in class one day so it isn't quite intense just yet since we haven't had lectures but my professor so far seems to be an amazing person. Could I add you to my Friend list? Hope to hear from you soon! :)
I hope you get the chance to read it soon. I'm not sure if all of the editions are the same, but I remember the one I read had artwork that was tied into the story, made it even more powerful. Well an amazing professor is a good indicator you're going to really enjoy the class. I hope you do. :)
Thanks for the friend-vite. I look forward to chatting about other books with you.
Great! Nice meeting you Arlene!
Same here Lucy. Good luck with your class. :)
I absolutely loved this book. My jaw literally dropped at the end and I was SO sad it was over. I made my honey and mom watch the movie with me :-).
So great to hear Amanda! Can you believe I haven't see the movie yet? I'm nervous about that one. :/
Arlene wrote: "So great to hear Amanda! Can you believe I haven't see the movie yet? I'm nervous about that one. :/"They did well with the movie. I'm not always happy with "book movies" but it was good. No need to be nervous!
Oh that's good to hear. I'm just... I don't know... to see the final scenes play out, I think I'd come undone. It was all so horrific really, but I guess my imagination is more vivid than a movie could ever be. I'll watch it... some day. :)
I really like your review, it is reasonable and you really did understand the writers point of view..
Thank you Niharika. :) I actually waited a couple of days after reading the book and did some research on Boyne to see what sort of reaction his novel had with the public before writing my review. Not very common for me, as my reviews (I'll be the first to admit) tend to be more reactions rather than plot analysis, but with this novel I wanted to take a different approach. It's a topic I never studied in depth at school, so I feel like I have much to learn about this time in history.
Arlene, I read this book after THE BOOK THIEF and I felt the same thing as You.... I really agree with your review :) ... I want To ask You One thing: Is there any BOOk like this One but not about the Holocaust??? Thank You! :•]
@ Jamie. Yes! I think I have a good recommendation for you. Here's a link to my review:http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I agree with Arlene's review of the book, 'The Boy in the Striped Pajamas', because the point of view given is in the form of a 9 year old boy who was unknown to the horrors of the concentration camps. Even if Bruno couldn't pronounce 'Auschwitz' and instead called it 'Out-With', there is a reason for this, and it is because the author wanted to add universality to this story. Because of this, the book isn't only limited to one concentration camp, it's for all of the concentration camps in which were all horrifying, and vile. This book brought out the true, raw feelings in me when i read the ending, especially seeing the demise of Bruno, who had nothing to do with this, but yet still had to suffer the big consequences. Bruno was truly innocent, as he grew up in such a setting where he never thought such things could be possible, even if they were occurring right in front of him. He was held behind, blinded with lies told by people around him, he didn't get to see the truth, not until he held on to Samuel's hand, and perished forever.
I agree with you and found this book amazing and found it a tear jerker. Most of the time we learn about the Holocaust from the perspective of the allies and the victims of the concentration camps, so I like reading and learning from the perspective of a German boy. As you read you see that Bruno is oblivious to what is going on around him. He doesn't realize that the man he called the Fury was Adolfo Hitler. He thinks that what Bruno doesn't understand what is happening beyond the fence where is new friend is, but discovers what is going on after he goes in with shmuel one day after weeks of preparing and collecting items. At end of the book he discovers what is happening, when it is to late for him to do anything to save himself and everyone around him.
Yea I really liked the book. It was very well written. I think as you said it was very smart of him to write it from the perspective of a nine year old kid. This caused him to distort facts but he got some of the gruesome effective parts across. I think it wouldn't have been as thrilling if it was two grown adults. Bruno has to suffer through tradey the whole book. For instance in chapter one he has to leave his bestfriends to move for his dads job.He is then dissapointed by the new house they move into in chapter two. Its just an ongoing battle for him until he meets shmuel. How do you think shmuel helped him get through some of the rough times he faced in new house.
Robby wrote: "I agree with Arlene's review of the book, 'The Boy in the Striped Pajamas', because the point of view given is in the form of a 9 year old boy who was unknown to the horrors of the concentration ca..."Well said Robby. The perspective really made this book amazing.
Elena wrote: "I agree with you and found this book amazing and found it a tear jerker. Most of the time we learn about the Holocaust from the perspective of the allies and the victims of the concentration camps,..."Agreed. This book was amazing. I've yet to see the movie. Don't know if I can handle it quite yet. The book was beautifully written though. Thank you for commenting Elena.
Chris wrote: "Yea I really liked the book. It was very well written. I think as you said it was very smart of him to write it from the perspective of a nine year old kid. This caused him to distort facts but he ..."I think Shmuel was simply a friend he could connect with and enjoyed his company. Friendship was obviously very important to Bruno and it was evident that the move saddened him, so when he connected with Shmuel, it was a strong bond. I enjoyed reading your comments Chris. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Boyd wrote: "Over one million Jewish children were killed and this book and this book belittles it by focusing on one dead German kid? Where are your tears for the over 1,000,000 children that were Jewish? Read..."Boyd, what I think you failed to realize is that this novel is not intended to "belittle" the atrocities the true victims of the Holocaust experienced, but rather provide an alternate perspective of this horrific time in history through a different lens. It gives the reader an alternate angle (that of an innocent child) of what occurred during the Holocaust. There was no minimalization of what the victims went through by any stretch of the imagination. Your conclusion is absolutely absurd.
You might find it ironic that it was my Jewish mother in law that has studied Jewish history longer than you've been alive, recommended this book to me. She was moved by this story as were other people in my family that I sit with at Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Hanukah every year. They appreciated the fable for what it was worth. Because you missed that, does not give you the right to cast judgment on others that grasped the intended message.
Lastly, to insinuate that I would cry over one German dead kid and not over a million Jewish children is ignorant and simply not true. First, I did not state that in my review. Secondly, you made a statement without knowing me, my background and my feelings about this subject... Simply reading my five paragraph review and assuming you can cast judgment on me is not only disrespectful but also shallow and ignorant on your part.
Unfortunately, where I was looking forward to reading The Diary of Anne Frank (another recommendation by my mother in law), it's now tainted with by your careless post.
Boyd wrote: "You have edited these comments to take out the blunder you made. You are untrustworthy and devious. I refuse to participate in a conversation with a person who is going to delete what I say if sh..."
I encourage you to post any edited comments you have a record of. Please, do so, that way you can see I don't change facts. I will correct a typo or grammatical oversight on my part but I won't change what I say. Post it... Please... so you can take the time to see and realize that when you say
I'm devious and untrustworthy that's just another example of the ignorant comments you make. Maybe taking the time to think before you react will be a valuable lesson.
Your post was directed to me because you reacted to my review, so I have every right to respond. If you had a reaction to the book, you should have just posted your own review.
I'm glad you've decided to not respond. I get no joy interacting with people that make flippant and careless comments. Annoying.....
Lastly I find it funny Boyd that you call me devious and untrustworthy and you delete your original post... Classic!!!!
Saw the film last night on TV. Powerful film. Contrast between Bruno innocence and the experience of a death camp is the point of the story. I think critics of the book miss this point.
Michael wrote: "Saw the film last night on TV. Powerful film. Contrast between Bruno innocence and the experience of a death camp is the point of the story. I think critics of the book miss this point."I should really watch the movie. I've heard such great things about it. So glad you found it amazing.
Thanks for sharing your insight. :)
Oh, how I cried during the book thief.... I'm reading this novel now and it's really quite capturing :) I'll have to get the tissues ready later.....
Steph wrote: "Oh, how I cried during the book thief.... I'm reading this novel now and it's really quite capturing :) I'll have to get the tissues ready later....."I hope you like the book Steph. The Book Thief was amazing and so was this book IMHO.
Honestly I have not read the book but I have seen the movie. I dont really want to read the book because I am scared to. I recently turned a teenager and yes its kinda pathetic that im scared. Recently the movie was on the t.v and my mom was tired and wanted to go to bed so she left me with my younger sister to watch the end. We were at the part were the little german boy goes under the fence to the camp to help the other little Jewish boy to find his dad. Well im pretty sure you know whats happens next. My little sister was crying the whole night and I couldn't sleep for days. (spoiler fyi) In the end the two little boys get forced into the gas chanber and die. I honestly did not learn that in school so my parents had to explain all of that to me. So i dont recommend this to little kids at all. But is the book ok to read? look at my profile and look at my books and tell me if i would like it or not or will it be to intense?
Vic wrote: "Honestly I have not read the book but I have seen the movie. I dont really want to read the book because I am scared to. I recently turned a teenager and yes its kinda pathetic that im scared. Rece..."Sounds like the book parallel's the book a bit closely. It's very sad and if the movie upset you, then likely the book will have the same effect.
Looks like you like dystopic novels. Have you tried The Maze Runner, Legend or The Hunger Games? Those are a few I'd recommend. Happy reading!
Excellent review! It full on expresses on my feelings toward the book!
Excellent review! It full on expresses on my feelings toward the book!
Rst123 wrote: "Excellent review! It full on expresses on my feelings toward the book!"Thank you. :)
I would like to thank you actually. For taking the time to write something kind and respectful. I am not sure if you are aware but there are other users that are stating their ideas in very explicit. When I read your comment, I was very happy to see that someone cares to take the time and point out the good and not criticize someone's work. Thank you so much! Keep up the good work!
One thing I do wish to scream into everyone's faces: A fable is a morality tale with talking animals. No humans.Hence, no fable here. 'tis just not.
Lina wrote: "One thing I do wish to scream into everyone's faces: A fable is a morality tale with talking animals. No humans.Hence, no fable here. 'tis just not."
Lina, many words in the English language carry multiple meanings and fable is one of them. A simple look-up search will tell you that fable can carry the following meanings:
fable [fey-buh l] /ˈfeɪ bəl/ noun
1. a short tale to teach a moral lesson, often with animals or inanimate objects as characters; apologue:
the fable of the tortoise and the hare; Aesop's fables.
2. a story not founded on fact:
This biography is largely a self-laudatory fable.
3. a story about supernatural or extraordinary persons or incidents; legend:
the fables of gods and heroes.
4. legends or myths collectively:
the heroes of Greek fable.
5. an untruth; falsehood:
This boast of a cure is a medical fable.
6. the plot of an epic, a dramatic poem, or a play.
7. idle talk:
old wives' fables.
I highlight #2 as it pertains to what I was referencing in my review, so no need to shout at anyone.
Rst123 wrote: "I would like to thank you actually. For taking the time to write something kind and respectful. I am not sure if you are aware but there are other users that are stating their ideas in very explici..."Thank you Rst123. I appreciate your comments. It always amazes me to see that people on this forum feel they have the right to criticize and disrespect those who didn't interpret a story in the same way as they did. Everyone has different perceptions and opinions. No need to be hurtful towards those that don't share the same view. Again, thank you for your thoughtfulness. :)
That's the best thing about reading a good book isn't it? The feels! You should watch the movie too...if you haven't yet
Arlene wrote: "Lina, many words in the English language carry multiple meanings and fable is one of them."I am German; the only use for the word "fable" I know is "a morality tale with talking animals". The distinction between "fiction" and "fable" is quite strict.
Of course, the book is still rubbish and John Boyne is an idiot. I just get irritated when people use "fable" as a synonym for "fiction". The word Boyne wanted was "fairytale", I believe: Something ridiculously unrealistic.
If there's a professional student of the English lanuage here who could explain to me why "fable" is used instead of "fiction", I'd appreciate it. Until then, I will continue to apply the word as I learned it. Mainly because "fable" makes a cutesy fairytale out of the historical background of this story.
But I should stop writing now, or I'm going to rant for the next three hours about this book.
