The boy in the striped pyjamas by John Boyne

Book Summary

Set during World War II, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a haunting and powerful novel that explores the innocence of childhood amidst the horrors of the Holocaust. The story follows Bruno, an eight-year-old boy whose father is a high-ranking Nazi officer. When Bruno’s family moves to a house near a concentration camp, Bruno becomes curious about the strange sights and sounds beyond the fence.

There, he befriends Shmuel, a Jewish boy of the same age who is imprisoned in the camp. Despite the barriers of their circumstances—Bruno’s ignorance of the camp’s true nature and Shmuel’s suffering—their friendship grows.

The novel's heart-wrenching climax reveals the devastating consequences of prejudice, misunderstanding, and the innocent courage of a child.

About the Author:

John Boyne is an Irish author, best known for his historical fiction and literary novels.

• Born: April 30, 1971, in Dublin, Ireland

• Notable Works:

  • The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2006)

  • The Heart's Invisible Furies

  • The Absolutist and The Thief of Time

Boyne’s writing often explores themes of identity, history, and the complexities of human relationships. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas has been translated into over 50 languages and adapted into a film in 2008.

His works have received numerous awards, including the Irish Book Award and the WH Smith Literary Award.