The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - John Boyne > Reviews > Is innocence really bliss?

Author's product rating:   

Would you listen to it again?	Maybe
Story	Outstanding
Characters	Good
Listenability	Pretty compelling but not addictive

Advantages:	extremely thought provoking
Disadvantages:	being an adult

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

*I noticed that this book has been categorized incorrectly by CIAO and placed in the section of children's books. Although, the story is seen through the eyes of a child, its purpose and meaning would only be of significance to adults.*

It's going to prove to be quite difficult to review this book, as it's a book that is best read without first being given any clues to the actual story. It's a simple story with a simple message, that will haunt your mind for sometime after.

The books cover is plain and simple, perfectly mirroring the story. The phrase "don't judge a book by a cover" is given complete credibility on this instance. Perhaps not modestly enough, on the books sleeve it states:

"The story of the Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is very difficult to describe. Usually we give some clues about the book on the cover, but in this case we think it would spoil the reading of the book. We think it is important that you start to read without knowing what its about"

I have to admit it was the air of mystery, that persuaded me to purchase the book. Curiosity got the better of me, and I found myself parting with £4.99 and preparing to engross myself in the book completely.

For fear of giving too much away, and spoiling the tale for future readers, I really am quite limited in what I can say.

The story is written in third person, and upon beginning the book you find yourself embarking on a journey with a nine year old boy called Bruno. Bruno's an innocent and endearing character who is easy to warm to. His nine year old mind is filled with curiosity and questions. In his innocent mind, his biggest problems are his older sister who he refers to as a "hopeless case" and his new shoes that pinch his feet too tightly. You are brought to Bruno's level quite easily from the simple language the writer uses and from Bruno's inquisitive nine year old thoughts.

Bruno is a well mannered and polite child who receives discipline from his strict father, however, he reminds you as a reader, of what it was like to be a child with an eagerness to explore and stumble upon adventure.

Part way through the book, Bruno comes across a fence. The fence is very symbolic on a higher level as well as being significant, (as what could usually be referred to) as an everyday object. The fence presents the division between people, and makes you question that division and ask if its necessary. With your adult knowledge, you realise there will always be a fence; and you'll even question yourself into thinking if you would ever be brave enough to cross the fence.

That is about as much as I can reveal about the story itself, without presenting any spoilers for people who may want to read the book. My review is far from finished though, as this is not a story that's easily forgettable.

At just over 200 pages long, and with the simple language used, I managed to finish the book in half a day. I wouldn't really describe the book as gripping; I may appear to contradict myself seeing as I read it in one sitting. What I'm trying to say, is that it's not a book that has you eager to turn the next page, it's a book that is digested momentarily, if that makes any sense.

Whilst reading the book, I found myself developing a maternal protection for Bruno, and at points wanted to jump into the book and give him a hug and offer my "wisdom" (no jokes please). The story itself is not depressing; it's mood is lightened when its seen through the eyes of a nine year old. The story is humorous at points; due to Bruno's ignorance. He thinks he's rather smart, and proudly claims that he knows Poland is in Denmark. I was amused at the fact he picks up new phrases and then uses them all the time (which I remember doing as a kid to make me sound clever) "We can chalk it up to experience" is one of his favourites and he seems to throw in this sentence when ever possible to offer advice to his mother. Bruno is easy relate to and resurfaces the innocence inside you, that was once lost.

After getting perhaps a quarter of a way through the book, I got a little cocky and believed I saw the ending already. The next few pages proved me wrong. It's a book that develops slowly, and whilst reading it presents clues to the situation Bruno is ignorantly in. Whilst you are slowly discovering the situation Bruno's in, and he's blissfully unaware, it frustrates you and you wish somebody would steal the knowledge that you already have.

The story portrays the value of innocence in a corrupt world. There are a number of messages posed in the book and it concludes with a rather chilling ending. If you're into books with a "and they all lived happily ever after" ending, this is one for you to miss. If you enjoy a read that runs questions and thoughts through your head; pick it up.

This is definitely a book I would recommend; it's powerful and haunting, yet simple. It leaves you feeling rather uneasy once finished, and unsure of which direction to convey your emotions in. It leaves you unsettled and full of reasoning, that can't be reasoned.

It has potential on being a modern day classic; and it's a book that should be read.