John Boyne’s book “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” is a historical fiction novel which delves into the Holocaust through the naive eyes of nine-year old Bruno. The story starts when Bruno’s family moves from Berlin to an isolated house near Auschwitz, which he accidentally refers to as “Out-With”. Him and his family’s move marks the starting of Bruno’s adventure into a world which he cannot completely understand yet. 

In the book, Bruno’s curiosity and boredom eventually leads him to explore his new setting, which is when he discovers a boy named Shmuel, who is on the other side of a fence which is separating the two. Despite the multiple differences in their lives (one living in a concentration camp and the other in comfort), the two boys create an unlikely bond, and eventually become closer and closer to each other. Boyne divinely displays their differences and similarities, relating to their innocence and having barely any knowledge about the dark realities of war, which highlights themes of friendship, and the impact of prejudice.

This story is filled with dark humour and symbolism, which is showcased in Bruno’s misunderstanding of phrases regarding his father’s role in the Nazi reign. This viewpoint does not only call up sensitivity, but also brings critique of adults’ lack of concern during one of history’s darkest periods.

The book builds up to a gut-ripping climax that leaves readers thinking about kids’ innocence and the nature of humanity. Boyne’s skill to convey incredibly heavy topics through a child’s perspective adds so much more to this novel. It is a captivating read that stays with audiences of all ages, making it a much needed addition to literature about the Holocaust, and is a very strong reminder about the outcomes of hatred and war.