Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Bookish Wisdom earns from qualifying purchases. This doesn't change our picks or your price.
TL;DR: Nine-year-old Bruno, son of a Nazi commandant, moves with his family from Berlin to a house near a strange fenced camp. Exploring, he befriends Shmuel, a Jewish boy his own age on the other side of the fence. Their secret friendship leads to a devastating ending.
Table of Contents
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas at a Glance
| Author | John Boyne |
| First published | 2006 |
| Type | Novel |
| Best for | readers who want a short, haunting fable about innocence and the Holocaust |
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a novel by Irish author John Boyne, published in 2006. It became a bestseller and a 2008 film, though historians have criticized its inaccuracies. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Includes the Holocaust and the death of children.
Main Characters
- Bruno: A curious nine-year-old German boy.
- Shmuel: A Jewish boy imprisoned in the camp.
- Father: Bruno's father, the camp's commandant.
- Gretel: Bruno's older sister.
- Lieutenant Kotler: A cruel young soldier.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
The move
Bruno lives in a big house in Berlin. When his father, a Nazi officer, is promoted, the family moves to a bleak house in the countryside, which Bruno calls “Out-With.” From his window, he sees a fence and people in striped pajamas.
Meeting Shmuel
Bored and lonely, Bruno explores and follows the fence until he meets Shmuel, a thin boy sitting on the other side. They discover they share the same birthday. They meet almost every day and become friends, though Bruno does not understand where Shmuel is.
Betrayal
Shmuel is brought to the house to polish glasses. Bruno gives him food. When Lieutenant Kotler catches them, Bruno denies knowing Shmuel out of fear. Shmuel is beaten. Bruno feels terrible and apologizes, and they remain friends.
The plan
Bruno's mother wants to return to Berlin. Before leaving, Bruno decides to help Shmuel find his missing father. Shmuel brings him a set of striped pajamas. Bruno crawls under the fence.
The ending
Inside, Bruno is shocked by the camp. The boys are caught up in a group marched into a gas chamber. Holding hands, they die. Bruno's family searches for him. His father finally realizes what happened and is broken by grief.
5 Key Takeaways
- Innocence does not protect us from history.
- Prejudice is taught.
- Friendship can cross barriers.
- Silence and complicity have terrible consequences.
- Fiction can make history personal, but must be read carefully.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Fences divide people, but friendship can cross them.
- Children see people, not labels.
- Cruelty harms everyone it touches.
Who Should Read The Boy in the Striped Pajamas?
Read The Boy in the Striped Pajamas if you want a short, emotional fable. Pair it with historical works for accuracy. It suits readers aged 12 and up.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas:
- How much does Bruno really understand?
- Why do historians criticize the book?
- What does the fence symbolize?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
It depends on how you read it. As a fable, it is moving and easy to discuss. As history, it is unreliable. The Auschwitz Memorial and many educators warn that it contains major inaccuracies, such as a nine-year-old prisoner sitting unguarded at the fence. Read it alongside true accounts like Anne Frank's diary.
Check price of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas on Amazon
What to Read Next
- The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank: a true account of hiding
- Number the Stars by Lois Lowry: Danish families rescue Jewish friends
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: a girl in Nazi Germany
Related: 15 Books Like The Boy in the Striped Pajamas You’ll Love · What Age Is The Boy in the Striped Pajamas Appropriate For? A Parent’s Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Boy in the Striped Pajamas about?
A Nazi commandant's son befriends a Jewish boy in a concentration camp.
What is “Out-With”?
Bruno's mispronunciation of Auschwitz.
How does it end?
Bruno and Shmuel die together in a gas chamber.
Is it historically accurate?
No. Historians say it has many inaccuracies.
Who is Shmuel?
A Jewish boy in the camp who becomes Bruno's friend.
What age is it for?
About 12 and up.
Is there a film?
Yes, a 2008 film.
How long is it?
About 220 pages.
Is there a sequel?
Yes, All the Broken Places, published in 2022.
Who are the main characters in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas?
The main characters are Bruno, Shmuel, Father, Gretel and Lieutenant Kotler. Bruno: A curious nine-year-old German boy. Shmuel: A Jewish boy imprisoned in the camp. Father: Bruno's father, the camp's commandant.
Is The Boy in the Striped Pajamas worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who want a short, haunting fable about innocence and the Holocaust. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.