My Impressions
My first impressions of the Boy in the Striped Pyjamas were unclear. I was unsure of the plot of the book as I didn't really know a lot about the Second World War and the connection between striped pyjamas and war. I really enjoyed the opening chapters because it captured my mind and led me on to the path that the book was about to take me on. I wasn't really excited initially because I thought it was just going to be a regular novel with the typical happy ending. Obviously, my mindset changed as I read further into the novel.
As I read on further into the novel and the storyline became more apparent, my impressions changed and my interest increased as the storyline became a little bit more interesting. I had new ideas on where the book was going and several thoughts on a possible ending. I became enthralled with the relationship between Shmuel and Bruno and also Father's determination to please Hitler. I found it difficult to put the book down because I was enjoying it so much. I started to appreciate how smart the author was in the way that she portrays her characters especially Bruno.
My impression at the end of the book: The book seemed to end very suddenly. I didn't expect Bruno and Shmuel to die. Once the book was over I had to have a think about the image in my head of the horrible sight of the bodies lying in the gas chambers. I felt devastated and shocked. The book was great and one that I will be recommending to others to read. It gave me a good insight on what life was like in the days of World War 2 and at these concentration camps that were spread over Poland.
My Rating of the Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is:
Guardian Quote (front cover): "a moment in history that can't be told enough times".
The Oxford times: "a memorable and moving story".
