A review by nathanjhunt
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

My 40th book finished in 2023.

I bought this in a second-hand bookstore in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I read it in Tam Coc, Vietnam and left it on my hotel in Halong Bay.

Overall, a very enjoyable and sad book. The perspective is insightful and unique having it from a child's POV.

I watched the film before I read the book, and I have to say, I think the film is better. The ending works much better in the film, and I personally thought the last chapter was unnecessary.
Would it really take a year for the soldiers to do a perimeter search of the fence to discover the clothes?


You also have to employ a little suspension of disbelief, as Bruno is either incredibly naive or dumb. Bruno should have been made younger.

This is not to say that I didn't enjoy it. I did very much, and it was easy to read.