Set during the WW II the book came out in 2006 and apparently was also made into a film. It tells the story of eight-year-old Bruno, son of a 'commandant' in Hitler's regime. When his family moves from Berlin to Auschwitz Bruno's world falls apart. Involved in his own life Bruno has no idea what 'Out-With' actually is. He is however intrigued by the tall wire fence that surrounds his new home and the people in identical striped pajamas, who live across it and who he can see from his window. The friendless Bruno finally befriends another boy from across the fence. Their friendship grows till one day the boy invites him to explore his world. That's when the book takes a horrific and sad turn.The book is written from the perspective of Bruno and you can't but smile at his innocence. He leaves you to deduce who The Fury (Fuhrer) is and what Out-With is. He has no idea what 'Jews' are or even of his own father's role.
He offers no cruel descriptions of soldier atrocities nor gory tales of Gas chambers. Yet the horror and desperation of the War comes across palpably through the rare instances he witnesses or is part of. And the end is heart-rending.
Phew... that was some book... right up there with my favourites like 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time'. And now I'm moving onto something really light and fluffy... The Twilight Series... definitely teenage stuff, pretty juvenile but what the heck.. I need a break.
Talking of my juvenile side .. what's up with pottermore.com ? Come 23rd June and JK Rowling has an announcement to make. Here's hoping she comes out with some more HP books.