Book 19 - The Boy in Striped Pajamas

The Boy in Striped Pajamas
by John Boyne

When I first cracked this book open, I thought to myself "how did I miss this one in elementary school?" Then, I realized it was published in 2006.

Definitely a quick read, and a mildly interesting story. I'll hand it to the author on one point: I thought it would be predictable...and I didn't see the ending coming. But the ending really didn't add much to the book. While a big jaw dropper, it did not change his father's perspective on what he was doing. Heartless, really (or maybe just bad writing).

However, that was the extent to the merit of this book. Bruno, the main character, is 9 years old, but acts much younger. His sister, 12, is similar. The characters are not well developed, except for Bruno's naivety on the whole subject of WWII and the concentration camp where he lives outside the fences. Bruno had no intellectual growth during the whole book. He never corrected his pronunciations of Auschwitz = "Out-With" and the Fuhrer = "the Fury," which surprised me. I kept hoping by the end that he would figure at least something out...

Granted, this is the first historical fiction book I have read from a non-Jewish perspective. It could have been much better.

The author stated that he wrote this book in 2 1/2 days. I think he should have taken more time to carefully plan out the plot, give the characters depth, and add some emotions to the writing. Even for a young adult book, this does not make the cut.

I NEVER say this, but go watch the movie instead.