Review - The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
Read by Michael Maloney
Publisher: Random House Listening Library 2006
4 CDs 4 hours 58 minutes



I am a true bibliophile, a real lover of the printed word. For me, audio books have always seemed to bastardize the reading experience and e-readers just a plain abomination. But in the interest of serving my public better I decided to give audio books a try. For how could I recommend such and such audio book to my patrons if I myself have never had the experience? (I said much the same thing a few years ago when I ventured to read a romance book and have yet to read another one since.)

Unlike my harlequin adventures, my audio book journey has been a surprising success. I decided to start with a young adult novel, the thought being that if the experience was truly unpleasant, then at least it would be brief. I also chose a book that I had been meaning to read anyways, and just had never had the time nor inclination. At just under 5 hours, this book took me about three trips to work and back (I have a long commute). The book was read by Michael Maloney who has a gentle British accent and gives life to the many characters of the novel.

While the story is of a real event (The Holocaust) it is a fable because it is a fictionalized account of the war from the perspective of a nine-year-old German boy, Bruno. Until the end the book is narrated exclusively by Bruno and we see how a child may have viewed the war. While this perspective is unique, it is hard at times to believe. For all that we now know about the Holocaust it is hard at times to truly believe in Bruno's naivety. He refers to the concentration camp that his father is transferred to oversee as "Out-With" and the man with a funny mustache who promotes his father as "The Fury". But if you are able to suspend disbelief, the story really is a touching tale of two boys, one outside the fence and one trapped inside, and how they become not only friends, but the each other's comfort in the desolate camp. The ending is tragically moving and I think is one of the better endings to a novel that I have read in a very long time.

I would recommend this book for ages 12 and up. The writing is very simplistic and easy to understand, but the themes covered by the book are perhaps better left for a more mature audience. Though I think this would make a great book to read to children a little younger as an introduction into the subject.