The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

A devastating tale of friendship in a Nazi death camp. A book that will shake your whole world. Berlin, 1942. Bruno gets home from school one day to find his things being packed into crates. His father has been promoted, and the family must move to a new house far away. When they arrive at their new home, Bruno is baffled by its isolation, and by the razor-wire fence which stretches all around it. Surely there must be more to this desolate place than meets the eye? And who is the boy across the fence, wearing striped pyjamas? Innocence, evil and a friendship that crosses all boundaries: a story so powerful it hurts.

“A small wonder of a book.” The Guardian

“Quite impossible to put down, this is the rare kind of book that doesn’t leave your head for days.” The Bookseller

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Recent reviews

  • loved it

    This is quite a sad story but still an amazing one. There is a very unexpected and shocking ending and it captures what life was like in world war 2 for an eight year old boy with a German commander for a Dad. I would recommend it for older children and prepare to get very upset!(although it is worth it as it is a unique and heart stopping, emotional story. John Boyne is an amazing author!!!

    1 March 2017

  • This is quite a sad story but still an amazing one. There is a very unexpected and shocking ending and it captures what life was like in world war 2 for an eight year old boy with a German commander for a Dad. I would recommend it for older children and prepare to get very upset!(although it is worth it as it is a unique and heart stopping, emotional story. John Boyne is an amazing author!!!

    10 October 2014

  • loved it

    a sad but amazing storyyy

    8 March 2014

  • loved it

    Very good book with a hidden ending that keeps you on the edge of your seat

    7 March 2014

  • I was crying my eyes out at the end. It makes you realise the horrors of war.

    7 March 2014

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  • Awards

    John Boyne has won several awards for Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, including two Irish Book Awards and the Bisto Children’s Book Award.

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