Our Score:★★★★★★★★✩✩
GENRE: Historical Fiction
Selected by Sandra - February 2009
SYNOPSIS:
Berlin 1942
When Bruno returns home from school one day, he discovers that his belongings are being packed in crates. His father has received a promotion and the family must move from their home to a new house far far away, where there is no one to play with and nothing to do. A tall fence running alongside stretches as far as the eye can see and cuts him off from the strange people he can see in the distance.
But Bruno longs to be an explorer and decides that there must be more to this desolate new place than meets the eye. While exploring his new environment, he meets another boy whose life and circumstances are very different to his own, and their meeting results in a friendship that has devastating consequences.
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)
THE DISCUSSION:
This book was a big hit with our members. When Sandra first handed over the book only one member had read it before and knew what it was about, the rest of us were totally in the dark. Obviously there is no picture clue on the front cover and no blurb. This added to our curiosity and we couldn't wait to start the book just to find out what it entailed.
After reading the book the general consensus was we loved the book. It didn't take us too long to piece the clues together to work out what the theme of the book was and to realise who Bruno's dad was working for. The novel is only very short so most of our members read it within a couple of days as they were gripped by it. No one predicted the ending and as the penny dropped to what was actually happening we all felt sorrow and shock towards the event taking place.
QUESTIONS: https://www.readinggroupguides.com/reviews/the-boy-in-the-striped-pajamas/guide
Link to discussion questions following the reading of the book.
REVIEW: (Contains spoilers)
Sandra's Thoughts:
I started to read this book with no idea what to expect, as there was no information on the back cover and no picture giving any clues. It is written in a simple manner reflecting the innocence and naivety of Bruno, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Gemma's Thoughts:
I wanted to love this book as much as The Book Thief but I found it was not as endearing. The characters lacked substance and warmth, the plot simplistic and the written style very basic. I appreciate this is categorised as children's/ YA literature but I expected more. The ending was shocking but I think it needed this in order to provide a more interesting read.
Emma's Thoughts:
Absolutely loved this book! It was an easy read that I just couldn't put down. Concentration camps through the innocent eyes of a child, who just wanted adventure and a friend to play with. I was thoroughly engrossed with my heart in my mouth at the end! I believe everyone should read this book.
THE SCORES:
Emma: 8
Gemma: 7
Maria: 8
Nic: 9
Pamela: 8
Sandra: 10
Average 8
Let us know what you thought about this book. We would love to read your reviews and hear what you would score it.
If you enjoyed reading this book why not try:
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer
My Enemy's Cradle by Sara Young
The Land of Decoration by Grace McCleen
Wonder by R.J. Palacia
Happy reading!