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"The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" is a Holocaust novel John Boyne wrote about a dream that he had about two boys sitting on opposite sides of the wire fence. This novel falls under historical fiction.

Setting- This takes place during World War II. Bruno's family moved from their beautiful house in Berlin to the commandant's house outside of concentration camp Auschwitz. However, as pronounced by the young perspective "Out-With." This setting is very important because of the real-life events that took place at Auschwitz. The smallest details make the biggest impact on the way you perceive the book.

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This book is told by the perspective of Bruno. Bruno is the son of the commander of Auschwitz or as pronounced in the book "Out-with." He is very innocent to realness of the war and therefore is very naive. Bruno is very curious and adventurous, he wants to be an explorer. He meets his friend Shmuel on one of his adventurous. One last thing about Bruno is he is empathetic. He puts other people's happiness before his and is just along for the ride.

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Shmuel is the boy in the striped pajamas. He is the friend that Bruno meets when he goes on an adventure to the fence. Bruno and Shmuel share many similarities despite being in completely different situations. Shmuel is timid, and forgiving.

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The book begins introducing us to Bruno and he comes into his room to find their maid Maria packing all of his things. She tells him how they are moving and Bruno really hates that idea. He whines to his mom and she says that they don't have a choice because father's job is very important. Bruno loved their house, it was five stories tall. There was always room to explore new nooks and crannies. He also loved his life there, his three best friends, and his grandparents were there. He was not about to leave all of that behind. But he had to go, he had no choice.
They moved and instantly Bruno hated the new place. It was out in the middle of nowhere and it was only three stories tall. There was no where to explore and no one to play with. One day Bruno finally found something that interested him. A window. In his room. When he looked out of it he was taken by complete surprise. There was a whole city out there. Surrounded by this really tall barbed wire fence. It looked more like a bunch of farmers out there, they lived in huts as far as the eye could see. It was strange because they were all wearing the same clothes. Blue striped pajamas. Bruno was in complete awe. There were so many people, but they all looked so sad. All of these people that he could go play with, but none of them are playing.
Bruno has an older sister named Gretel who is often described as a "hopeless case." They were having a conversation about how much they hate the house when Gretel looks out the window too. They both had so many questions.
Bruno decided that he had only one choice, and that was to talk to his father about it. He heard his booming voice and saw that he was talking to five men all dressed up in uniform. They seemed to be very respectful of his father and did everything as he told them. When they were done speaking, his father went into his office. Bruno knocked, then knocked again and he was  let into the office with a booming "Enter." His father was pleased to see his son Bruno, and asked how he was liking the new place. Bruno was very honest and said that he absolutely didn't like it one bit. They had quite the conversation following his remarks. Before Bruno left the office he had one more question. "Who are those people out there?... The people I see from my window?" His father replied that "they aren't people at all, at least thats how we understand them." And the meeting was over.
Living at this new house, Bruno was overwhelmed with boredom, he needed to find something active to get his energy out. It's not like he could just go and play outside with his three best friends (who he missed very dearly.) Bruno found some rope and put out by a tree, but was missing a tyre! We now get to truly meet Lieutenant Kotler. He is a young and (charming according to Gretel's behavior) soldier. However, Bruno doesn't like him at all because he calls him "little man." Bruno interrupted him and Gretel flirting with each other to ask if Kotler knew where he could find a spare tyre. Now we meet Pavel, the guy who comes over every afternoon to help peel vegetables. Kotler yells at Pavel to get over here and orders him to find a spare tyre and carry it wherever Bruno tells him to. The way Kotler was being so rude to Pavel made Bruno feel ashamed. However, Pavel did as he was told and Bruno went along with it.
Later that afternoon, Bruno fell off of his tyre swing, hitting his head, bruising, and scraping his legs and knees. Pavel sees the accident happen and rushes out to help him. Pavel cleans him up and wraps his wounds. Bruno says how he has to go to the hospital, and Pavel says how that is not necessary because he is a doctor. "No, you're a waiter." "Yes, I am." They talked for a few more minutes, but before any important information was shared mother came home. She sent Bruno to his room, Bruno's leg still hurt quite a lot." As he was walking away he heard his mother say, "If commandant asks, we'll say that I cleaned him up." It confused Bruno why she would take credit for something she didn't do.
Bruno's father hired him and Gretel a tutor to come to their house each day and teach them. They weren't going to school, so this is how they were going to get their education. He didn't like it, and school made him very bored. However, through his history classes he remembered that he loves to explore.
One day, he sneakily left the house. He looked up from below at his bedroom window and began his adventure. He walked for hours and miles, and when he turned around his house was faded from view. He was just about to give up when he saw a speck in the distance that intrigued him. As he moved closer that speck became a dot. That dot became a blob. That blob, a figure. That figure, a boy! A boy just sitting criss cross applesauce on the other side of the fence; waiting to be found. "Hello" said Bruno. "Hello." said the boy.
The first thing Bruno notice was his skin color, almost like grey. He was very skinny, and he had large caramel colored eyes. They were sunken and when he looked up at Bruno, all Bruno could see was the saddest kid he's ever seen in his life.
They talk for a few seconds, and then Bruno sits down on his side of the fence. They learn each other's names. "I'm Shmuel." the boy said. Bruno had never heard a name like that in his life, it was the strangest thing. The boys come to learn that they are the same age and have the same birthday! This coincidence excites them. They learn where each other are from. Shmuel says that he has lots of friends on his side, well, but they aren't very nice. After talking some more Bruno asks why there are so many people on Shmuel's side of the fence.
Shmuel explains it to him in as much detail as he understands. For he too is only nine years old. Shmuel explains how one day his mom made him wear an armband. Then another day, they had to leave and live with another family in a new place. Bruno was excited because he too was told that they couldn't live in their house anymore. Another thing in common! Anyways, then Shmuel shares how the soldiers made them and a bunch of people all pile in a train car. It was very crowded and it smelled bad, and it was horrible. Shmuel almost looked like he was about to cry. Bruno was confused because the train he had to ride in was very comfortable, and the one Shmuel was on didn't even have doors.
Before Bruno left, they were talking about how they should find a way to play sometime. Bruno shows how he could just crawl under the fence where it wasn't attached properly. Shmuel tells him that that would be a bad idea, and Bruno honors that.
Bruno decides to keep his friend a secret from his family.
After that day, Bruno would go to the fence every afternoon after his lessons. Him and Shmuel talked about many things like what they wanted to be when they grew up. The really enjoyed each other's company and started becoming good friends.
Lieutenant Kotler joined Bruno's family that night. There were some intense conversations but the climax was when Pavel entered the room. He was very shaky, despite carrying things to the table. When Pavel went to pour wine for Kotler, he lost his grip of the bottle and it went crashing down spilling into Kotler's lap. This made Kotler extremely angry and no one could stop him from doing what he did next. What he did made every body turn away and speechless, and it made Bruno cry. Bruno went to sleep that night remembering how gentle Pavel had always been, and he disliked Lieutenant Kotler even more now.
One day Bruno overheard Lieutenant Kotler bring in another person, but he wasn't sure who it was. Bruno was heading to the living room to read his book when Kotler stopped him and teased him for a few minutes until Bruno's mom called him somewhere else. Bruno was very angry and stormed into the kitchen when he got a huge surprise! It was Shmuel!
Lieutenant Kotler brought Shmuel to the house to polish glasses. Of course, he didn't know that they had already met. Bruno had never seen Shmuel anywhere other than the fence, and he noticed how different their hands were! Bruno's were very healthy and you couldn't see the veins. Shmuel's were extremely long and skinny and the veins were very noticeable.
As Shmuel was trying to polish glasses, Bruno insisted that he share some chicken with him. Shmuel was very scared and hesitant because if "he" comes back Shmuel would be in trouble. Bruno kept pushing Shmuel to just eat, because he looked so hungry. Shmuel finally gave in and shoved the chicken in his mouth and swallowed it within twenty seconds. He was very thankful that Bruno shared it with him.
When Lieutenant Kotler came back, he heard them chatting and got angry. For he did not allow Shmuel to speak. Lieutenant Kotler then automatically recognized he had eaten and assumed he stole from the fridge. Shmuel got scared and told on Bruno for sharing. He even said how they were friends. However, when Kotler questioned Bruno he too became afraid, for he remembered what he did to Pavel. Bruno denied ever seeing Shmuel in his life. He instantly felt guilty. Kotler told Shmuel that he will show him what they do with the boys that steal.
When Bruno went back to the fence, Shmuel was not there. For a few days, Bruno still went back, and Shmuel was not there. Until the fourth day when Shmuel finally was back, but with a black eye. He didn't want to talk about what happened. Bruno felt very sorry for denying their friendship and apologized deeply. Shmuel, being so forgiving, saw how truly sorry he was and accepted his apology. He then reached his arm under the fence, and they shook hands. It was the first time they touched.
Bruno and Gretel had been infected with lice at their new house. Gretel had to wear this nasty shampoo, but their father decided just to shave Bruno's head. He looked awfully strange. However, him and Gretel had an important conversation.
Bruno asked Gretel what was up with everything at Out-With. At first Gretel was annoyed because he couldn't pronounce it correctly, but she didn't want to argue.  Bruno asked why we didn't like the people on the other side of the fence. This is when Bruno learned more and more of the truth. He learned about how they are the Jews and he and Gretel are..."the opposites"(not jews.)
When Bruno went to see Shmuel, Shmuel was quite amused with Bruno's new look. He laughed and said that they look nearly the same, only Bruno is fatter.
Bruno overheard talk about moving back to Berlin, but father staying at Out-With. Father called him and Gretel into his office to discuss whether or not they wanted to go back. Bruno honestly did not want to leave Shmuel, and it made him very sad. However, Gretel really didn't want to stay and by the end of the talk it had been decided that were to leave on Thursday.
It took a few days again before Shmuel showed up at the fence again. Bruno got very worried that he wouldn't see his friend again before he had to leave. When suddenly a speck became a dot that became a figure that became Shmuel sitting at the fence. He explained that something happened, his papa went missing. Bruno shares how he will be moving. The two boys were sorrowed by the news. They both say how they wish they'd gotten play just once since they've known each other for over a year. Bruno couldn't remember his old best friends now, Shmuel made him happier than they ever did. Bruno added how he would've liked to see more of his side of the fence just once. After Shmuel tells him he wouldn't like it, Bruno says that would've just wanted to see it. "Why don't you then?" said Shmuel, lifting up that part of the fence that wasn't properly attached and a boy could fit under. "I don't think I'd be allowed." Bruno said doubtfully. After only a little bit of persuading Bruno and Shmuel started to come up with a plan.
They remembered how with Bruno's head shaved, he looks like Shmuel only fatter. If Bruno were to have a pair of striped pajamas, they would look nearly the same. They thought this was a wonderful idea because then Bruno could do some exploring and help Shmuel find his papa! So they made it a plan. They would meet at the same time tomorrow and Shmuel would have pajamas for Bruno, and they would be on the same side of the fence.
The next day it rained and rained for most of the day, but stopped just in time for Bruno to head down to Shmuel. When he reached the fence, Shmuel was not sitting, but standing up ready for action! "You still want to help me find Papa?" Shmuel said. "Of course, I wouldn't let you down." Bruno replied. Shmuel handed the pajamas under the fence and Bruno changed into his disguise. When they turned around again, they were both amazed at how similar they looked, this plan was perfect. Bruno had to roll under the fence and got very muddy, but it was okay because they were on the same side! They each wanted to hug each other but neither did.
After only being on Shmuel's side of the fence for a few minutes Bruno wanted to turn around and go home, all he saw were sad, sad people who were terribly skinny and there were angry soldiers. Bruno decided he didn't like it at all, but Shmuel reminded him that he promised to help him find Papa. Bruno wasn't up for breaking promises. They searched for evidence of Papa for an hour and a half but found nothing.
Just as Bruno was about to go back, it began to pour rain again. All of a sudden there were loud whistles and many soldiers came and made everybody gather. They were pushing them along and Bruno was very confused and a bit scared. Shmuel said that sometimes they make people go on marches, though he never saw the people after, so he didn't know how long they'd be marching. As Bruno knew he was going to get sick out in the rain, he needed to leave Shmuel but he felt them being pushed up a set of steps and the rain stopped because they were crowding in a long building.
They thought it was nice that they had somewhere to wait out the storm for a few minutes. Bruno apologized for not finding Shmuel's father, Shmuel said it was alright. He also apologized for not getting to play, but when they went to Berlin that's all they would do. Then Bruno grabbed Shmuel's hand and squeezed it tightly telling Shmuel that he is his best friend for life. Suddenly there was a large gasp from the crowd because the door slammed. The room got very dark and Bruno couldn't understand the sense in all of this but despite all of the chaos he was still holding Shmuel's hand. Nothing could persuade him to let it go.

The End.

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One conflict was wen Bruno fell off of his makeshift tyre swing. He swung too high and scraped his leg and hit his head. This is person vs nature. The 'waiter' Pavel saw the accident happen and he rushed out to help. He cleaned Bruno up and told him how he is a doctor. "No you're not, you're a waitress." Bruno replied. Pavel was beginning to speak when Bruno's mom walked in, and had Bruno go to his room. Though his leg was in lots of pain, he did as he was told. "If commandant asks, we'll say that I cleaned him up." The mom said. This confused Bruno, why would she take credit for something she didn't do?

The second thing is person vs person. When Pavel came into the dining room to fill wine glasses and spilled all over Lieutenant Kotler. Kotler got extremely angry and beat Pavel to death. This even scarred all of the people who were there to witness it.

The last conflict I'm going to share is the ending. The ending that leaves you speechless. Bruno sneaks into the camp to be with Shmuel. Just when Bruno is going to head back home, they get stuck in a march. Shmuel says how he doesn't know long it will be, because he doesn't ever see the people after they go on a march. All of a sudden they get crammed into a building and there is a gasp through the crowd as the doors slam shut. That is the end of the book. I think this conflict is person vs society.  The society (the soldiers) are forcing these people into this room where they are unaware of what is going to happen to them.

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I think the theme for "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" is the importance of friendship. This shown so often through the boys' dedication to each other and their child-like innocence.
The first example is when Shmuel didn't show up at the fence for a few days, but Bruno consistently went back "just in case". When Shmuel finally was there waiting on the fourth day, Bruno knew his friend didn't forget about him.
The next time is the ending when Bruno snuck into the camp to help find Shmuel's dad. Bruno tells Shmuel how Shmuel is his best friend and they are so innocently holding hands when the tragic ending occurs.

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I give this book 5 out of 5 stars because it was such an emotional and compelling story. I like how it shows the war from the perspective of a nine year old. It shows how much love is in someone's heart when they don't fully know the world around them.

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This book appears in my reading log on
January 3, 2019
& January 16, 2019