Saturday, January 12, 2013
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
I have never read the book before or seen the film but I had heard from different people that it was very sad. I started reading it the day after Boxing Day and I could not put it down. It was interesting to see the world through Bruno's eyes and to see the friendship he developed with Shmuel. A very sad ending but a well written book.
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The only way I can seem to post is by commenting on someone else's post so here goes....
I re-read the book having read it several years ago when it first came out. Having read many novels set in the Holocaust, this was the first told by a child's point of view. I can't remember my reaction the first time round but imagine it was similar to this time as I had forgotten most of the plot, including the 'shock' at the end.
The innocence and naivity of Bruno contrasts severly with the evil and terror that surrounds him. I found this really powerful and whilst the book did not bring me to tears this time, it did stay with me for a long while afterwards. There are many inferences and layers in the book that I don't think children would appreciate, but It's such an important topic for them to be aware of. The several layers of the books mean that it could be read and re-read again.
I think this book should be compulsory reading in secondary schools!
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