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
Shmuel
Shmuel
Shmuel is a Jewish boy from Cracow, Poland, who shares the same birthday as Bruno. He lives on the other side of the fence at Auschwitz and becomes friends with Bruno. Shmuel speaks German, which allows him to communicate with Bruno, and unlike Bruno, he is aware of the harsh realities of life in the concentration camp.
Bruno’s Father (Ralf)
Bruno’s Father (Ralf)
Bruno’s father, Ralf, is a commandant in Hitler’s army and is chosen to lead Auschwitz. He is stern and respected by Bruno, but also caring towards his family. His role in the novel is complex as he is both a loving father and a perpetrator of atrocities during the war.
Lieutenant Kotler
Lieutenant Kotler
Lieutenant Kotler is a 19-year-old soldier serving as Bruno’s father’s assistant. He is depicted as cruel and represents the ideal Aryan soldier. His actions reflect his lack of empathy and enjoyment of sadism, making him an antagonist in the story.
Pavel
Pavel
Pavel is a Jewish man and former doctor who serves in Bruno’s house at Auschwitz. He tends to Bruno’s injuries at one point, revealing his past profession, which Bruno struggles to understand given Pavel’s current situation as a prisoner.
216
Novel • Fiction
Poland • 1940s
2006
YA
12-17 years
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