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.

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 🙏🏼

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.

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

Excellent book

What did you love best about The Boy in the Striped Pajamas?

The humanity of Bruno and his mother. The way Bruno is trying to think for himself when all around him are howling with the wolves.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Shmuel. Even after Bruno betrays him, he forgives him. He could have hated him, I mean Bruno had his freedom and was the son of a nazi but Bruno, bruises and all, forgives him.

Have you listened to any of Michael Maloney’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to any before but I enjoyed this and hopefully will find more books with this narration in the future.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes and I think perhaps I did.

Any additional comments?

This books is fantastic because it presents a horrible subject in a bit of a white washed way for children yet they understand a horrific thing is happening. A child listening to this would have the knowledge hindsight that the character of Bruno does not have but also sees it from his eyes. I am Jewish and so I understand the need to present accurate holocaust portrayals but when children are involved, we have to teach it in spurts and make them think. Bruno is trying to understand why things are happening and sees that what he is being told is not right. Bruno does not howl with the wolves as his father and sister do but he also loves his father. It is a moral dilemma set in horrific background and that adds to it. Bruno can either do what he think is is right or he can follow the crowd. With more people like Bruno you might not have had a place like Auschwitz to begin with.

It is a book that is not just a story. Not just a "the holocaust was bad". The kids of today know that already. This was book that should make them think "Would I have been Bruno and followed my heart, head and conviction....found courage in the face of horror or would I have been Lieutenant Kotler or Herr Liszt?"

Books like this should make us examine those questions and hopefully, within ourselves, find our own Bruno

Innocent Yet Dark

Nuisance period for one, the darkest lifetime for another. Small gesture for one, warm fulfilling meal for another. Fences between people from two different spaces; yet of the same world. Friendships that is natural yet somewhat unlikely. Great adventure for one; same fate for both.
Provoking, touching, brutal, innocence, all in this amazing story.