The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas written by John Boyne is a fictional tale of the times in parts of Poland occupied by Germany when Hitler was the dictator. The majority of plot is located in Auschwitz(Southern part of Poland). Author John Boyen has done 20 years of research on the holocaust.
Through the eyes of two children I have many takeaways from this. It’s a perfect mix of innocence, curiosity and maturity. There are very indirect depictions of how people lived in terror every minute, the apprehension whether they wound live the next moment. While reading it becomes obvious to see the differences in the life style of different sections of society considered then. One has a lavish lifestyle yet complains about how things are unfair. Whereas one lives in complete dirt, no proper food, water, clothes or any basic amenities yet has hope to live. One get things easily and another struggles to live every moment.
As I started to read, I knew that definitely the ending would not be pleasant but I was so not ready for what happened at the end. I expected exactly the opposite. At first it took me sometime to make sense of what exactly happened at the end but when I understood it, my heart sunk.
About the characters; two kids Bruno and Shmuel who are separated by a fence. Bruno is a curious kid and seems extremely logical. Samuel is sad, skinny and kind of mature person.
Bruno’s parents are quite the traditional ones who leaves no effort to teach their children manners.
Gretel is Bruno’s sister who remains irritated majority of the time but also seems to be intelligent. She is just the portrayal of conventional girl.
Its very heart wrenching. Though described on a very superficial level, author has made every effort forming paths for us(readers) to enlighten ourselves about how the situation was. Definitely worth reading.
Simplify things 