80 pages • 2 hours read
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
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Book Brief
216
Novel • Fiction
Poland • 1940s
2006
YA
12-17 years
Super Short Summary
Set during World War II, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne tells the story of Bruno, a young German boy who moves with his family to Auschwitz, where his father is the camp's commander. Bruno befriends Shmuel, a Polish Jewish boy on the other side of the camp's fence. Despite their friendship, Bruno remains unaware of the true nature of the camp and his father's role in it. Includes themes of extreme violence and historical trauma.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Emotional
Dark
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
868,262 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne offers a moving story about an unlikely friendship during a dark historical period. While praised for its emotional depth and narrative simplicity, some critics argue that the novel's historical inaccuracies and simplistic portrayal of complex events may undermine its educational value. Suitable for both young and adult readers.
Who Should Read The Boy in the Striped Pajamas?
Readers who appreciate The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne are typically drawn to historical fiction with a focus on World War II and deep emotional narratives. Similar fans would enjoy The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak for their compelling and poignant perspectives on the Holocaust.
868,262 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
216
Novel • Fiction
Poland • 1940s
2006
YA
12-17 years
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