• The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

  • By: John Boyne
  • Narrated by: Michael Maloney
  • Length: 4 hrs and 57 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (2,998 ratings)

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The Boy in the Striped Pajamas  By  cover art

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

By: John Boyne
Narrated by: Michael Maloney
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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

What listeners say about The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Story
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Educational Must Read

Excellent story of one of the most evil times in our history. A must read for people learning about the history of WWII, in a way a 9 year old could relate.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Listened to the entire book, saw movie all one day

If you could sum up The Boy in the Striped Pajamas in three words, what would they be?

Somber, adorable, powerful

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bruno. It was an adorable way to teach a lesson.

What does Michael Maloney bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Inflection, emotion, to the words.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Surprise and sadness, but in a good way.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

pretty good

I didn't like the ending that much it was very sad and depressing but it was a great book

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Stunning!

I don't often leave reviews but this story grabbed my heart and just wouldn't let go. I did the ugly cry at the end. I will not forget the experience of listening to this book. Don't read reviews that give away the end...just listen to this important and powerful story.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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wow.

Just wow. A MUST LISTEN. Really, this was fabulous. Disturbing. Amazing. Just Wow! John Boyne has done it again.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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One of the Most Tragic Stories I Have Ever Read

Definitely something one cannot read in one sitting. A breather is necessary, especially when getting to the end. Even the movie was hard to watch. Bruno's innocence is beyond adorable and frustrating. It's like you want to explain to him the bases of what happening around him, but you also do not want to ruin or tarnish that innocence.

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A Must Read/Listen!!!

Brilliantly written from a child’s perspective. This book can be used as a gateway to start the conversation of the Holocaust. It can also be used as a means to teach children about all the other atrocities that have happened and continue to happen all over the world. Wish there was more evidence at the end for the father to know for sure what he was responsible for, and also a way for him to repent not just for his son’s death but also for the many lives he took. Loved the audio book! Very engaging too!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Powerful

The story of ww2 from the eyes of two boys. This story was powerful and dark. The ending left me heart broken and disturbed but the irony of the situation for the parents was nuts. If you get a chance to listen to this classic, do it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Best book I've read in years

Besides crying like a baby, I walked away from this book really thinking. It left me wanting educate my own children on the Holocaust. Not only the horrific things that happened, but how regular people like us stayed complacent and let it happen. I usually don't read books like this, I'm more of an urban fantasy or mystery fan. So now I'm greatful that when my inlaw recommended it, I listened. What an incredible story. I highly recommend

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  • dy
  • 10-27-23

Sensitive Great Read

The perspective is honest and assumptions make this book endearing. A subject we need to not forget.

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