the boy in striped pyjmas...

Seldom does a ficticous book make u think about the importance of learning history and erstwhile events. The boy in the striped pyjamas is the story of a nine-year old german boy, whose father, a top ranking officer in the nazi German army is posted as a commandant of a concentration camp. The book manages to narrate the events as seen from the eyes of a previlaged child, who wonders about the sad and 'dirty' people who live close to his quarters, merely separated by a fence. The child, Bruno, initially apprehensive about the new arrangements soon starts to explore the area and befriends a child from across the fence. The basic insecurties faced by a small child are also beautifully described. Bruno also notices something strange about the place and is baffled that their head waiter also happens to be a doctor. He thinks that his father was furnished by the supreme authority' the fury' and belives that they could move out to their old house in Berlin if he apologies. The friendship between Bruno and the boy from the other side of the fence, Shmuel forms the backdrop of the story. The basic contrasts in their lives are constantly highlighted, as the story moves on. However, the book ends with a briilant and well thought out climax, which enhances the experience more. The book may not be a literary masterpiece but tells a great story of the darkest of times, all from the standpoint of a young child.