The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas: a fable

John Boyne (author)

David Fickling Books, UK: 2006; 216pp

ISBN: 038560940X

Genres: allegory, historical fiction, realistic fiction

Issues: abuse, ethics, friendship, racism, tolerance, war

Bruno, aged nine, loves his German home. When his father the Commandante moves his family with him to his new job, Bruno is very unhappy and is sure that the Fury is punishing them for some reason. Out-With is a lonely place; a tall fence topped with barbed wire surrounds the neighbouring houses, as if Bruno isn't welcome.

His father tells him that the neighbours, who all seem to wear blue and white striped pyjamas day and night, aren't real people at all. When Bruno finds a boy on the other side of the fence called Shmuel, who is really quite like him and even shares the same birthday, he becomes even more confused. Especially when it is obvious that Shmuel hates the Commandante's soldiers.

This remarkable book, tragically poetic in its writing and imagery, provides a unique perspective on a period of history infamous for demonstrating the very worst side of human nature. Bruno's naiveté, his innocent friendliness and constant questions show the reader the terrible things that happen when people neglect to think deeply about their actions. Boyne's most remarkable achievement, however, is that he has created a beautiful piece of writing about an horrific time, without providing graphic details or descriptions. He touches so lightly on this dreadful period of history that only readers who are already familiar with the details of the Holocaust will truly understand the narrative and be moved by the pathos of the situation.

Adults should be warned that although the language and vocabulary make this technically readable by children under thirteen, this is not a book for younger readers. It could easily be studied by senior students in conjunction with their history studies. A truly remarkable, deeply moving novel that should be shared and discussed, rather than read alone.

Highly recommended.