Sunday, March 10, 2013

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

Wow. I had not watched the film because I am very good at avoiding things that I think will upset me, so being asked to read the book made my heart sink if I'm honest!
I put it off for as long as possible, then when I started, of course I couldn't put it down. I loved reading this book. I loved the way I realised gradually what was going on, even though the subject matter was challenging and as horrific as I had expected. 
The way Bruno's innocence - ignorance led the story I found very clever and terribly sad. I couldn't bring myself to read the last chapter for ages, because I knew what was going to happen. I found myself wishing there had been more about the father's suffering, I really wanted to know what happened next - although of course what isn't written is far more powerful. That's what I found so clever about this book, I will definitely be looking for more by this author. 
I have learned that I need to challenge myself and read material that I don't really like the sound of, or that I think will make me uncomfortable. I will probably watch the film now too, though I completely expect to cry my face off!!!!

Maxine Anderson
Gladstone Primary School
Peterborough

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