The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

By: John Boyne

Narrated by: Michael Maloney

Length: 4 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

The story of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is very difficult to describe. Usually we give some information about the audiobook, but in this case we think that would spoil the listening. We think it's important that you start to listen without knowing what it is about.

If you do start to listen, you will go on a journey with a nine-year-old boy named Bruno. (Though this isn't a story for nine-year-olds.) And sooner or later, you will arrive with Bruno at the fence.

Fences like this exist all over the world. We hope that you never have to encounter such a fence.

©2006 John Boyne (P)2006 Random House Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic reviews

"His combination of strong characterization and simple, honest narrative make this powerful and memorable tale a unique addition to Holocaust literature." (School Library Journal

Brilliant

I had already seen the movie which was very good but the book gets into so much more detail of the characters feelings how it was back then. I highly recommend this book and the narration is perfectly done

Very moving and thoughtful

Brilliant and well written! It touches on the painful road of such beautiful individuals, that endured such horror. As a parent of 5 children all under 13 years. It brought me to tears, to feel what a wonderful friendship had developed with the two boys. It’s a conversation we will have for a life time.

Overall, a great story for readers of all ages

I enjoy John Boyne‘s writing style, as is also evidenced in his book The House of Special Purpose. Set aside his way with words, what you have here is a story of total innocence that leads a nine-year-old boy to revelations that many never realize in a lifetime. It is not a deep dive into the Holocaust, because it only touches on the fringes of the atrocities, but rather a story of friendship and curiosity that leads a little boy to discover if the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Bravo, John Boyne, for an original point of view that lends itself to a perfect introduction to the Holocaust. I understand the criticisms, but let's remember, this is a book that was written for children.

Michael Maloney’s performance is very good, although I felt that his portrayal of Gretel was a little too extreme. While it did evoke an eye roll here and there, it didn’t detract from the material. I slowed the speed to .95x for an improved listening experience.

Riveting

Yes it can happen again. We must keep this in the forefront. Never forget. The story is great. Michael does an amazing job reading and keeping it moving. This is for all ages. Prejudice is not going away.

Captivating

I watched the movie three times which is a rarity for my. I had to get the book to read what was missing in the movie. It did not disappoint. It truly touched my heart as if I were there experiencing people’s feelings. It is a lesson everyone should learn from. The publisher and reader brought the characters to life.

Absolutely a must read

My son and I red this book and we enjoyed it. It’s a softer version of the holocaust perfect for children learning the history. Plus there’s a movie after you finish reading 🙏🏼

Powerful

The innocence of this child speaks to the naïveté of so many people who don’t believe that other human beings are capable of horrific atrocities. Having this situation viewed through this child’s eyes was very powerful.

I put off reading this because I thought it would be too painful

it was at once more harrowing, more devastating, and more beautiful than I could have imagined. The guilessness of the main character lulls you along, so that the ending, when it comes, is even more piercing. Read it

The idea of this innocence in the face of such horror is so perfect. It really makes a statement about how wrong this all was.

This was a good book. I really felt moved and reminded about how horrible and right under everyone’s nose this was.

Compelling Fable

unique perspective of the main character, impactful conclusion, found some of the elements hard to accept, but as the author said at the end, we have the benefit of hindsight.