The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
By John Boyne
Random House Children’s Books
October 2007
240pp
The Short of It:
A short, powerful book that leaves you speechless.
The Rest of It:
If you’ve ever come across a copy of this book, then you know from the book’s jacket, that nothing is shared about the story. No blurb. No comment, other than you need to experience this for yourself.
Since I agree with this statement, I am not going to give you any of the story here, which makes for a very strange book review, but what I will say is that what started off as innocent enough, ended with such a punch to my gut that it actually left me speechless. I spent several moments sitting in the same position, letting the ending sink in. I could not move.
This is a children’s book and could easily be read by a child between the ages of 10-12 but the themes are very mature and although there is nothing graphic within its pages, the reader can read between the lines and get the gist of it.
Although this is a very unconventional review, this is an important book and should be read by as many people as possible.
Source: This copy was checked out from the library.
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