Header banner
Revain logoHome Page
Matt Charlton photo
Germany, Berlin
1 Level
742 Review
15 Karma

Review on πŸ‘• John Boyne Boys' Striped Pajamas for Boys' Clothing by Matt Charlton

Revainrating 5 out of 5

A breathtaking tale of Nazi oppression told from a young boy's perspective

The year is 1943 and Bruno, a nine-year-old boy, is living in Berlin with his parents and older sister Gretel when the Fury comes over for dinner and the family has to move out-with. Bruno is unhappy with this until he meets Shmuel, a boy his age sitting behind a wire fence wearing striped pajamas. The two boys soon become good friends and see each other almost daily until Bruno explores the fence. It is a short novel but filled with dread from the start as the reader knows a reality that Bruno does not. Bruno's innocence reflects the innocence of the German people and others who cannot comprehend the horrors of evil until it is too late. Written as a simple story narrated by a young boy, adults and school children alike will appreciate it and appreciate its lessons.

Pros
  • The ending is heartbreaking. Absolutely not expected.
Cons
  • Minimizes the atrocities committed during the Holocaust.