I have a love hate relationship with this book. The language, the voice, the contrast of Bruno’s innocence against the reality of the times -all amazing. Another part of me, however, is upset because as a young adult book, if the reader isn’t aware of the horror of Hitler’s reign, it is really glossed over. The innuendo is there, as when on page 148 Pavel, the waiter suffers the rage of Lieutenant Kotler, Boyne simply writes, “What happened then was unexpected and extremely unpleasant… and not even Father stepped in to stop him doing what he did next , even though none of them could watch.”

The current generation of young adults is far removed from the memories of that era – their great grandparents era – and they don’t study the Holocaust until high school. I guess I question how a preteen or early teen would interpret the story. Or at what level they would grasp it. Does this make sense? I actually laid awake thinking about it. The book has definitely had an impact on me! (I must confess – I did finish it already…)

I too am enthralled by the voice in this story so far – and I expected Father to be more distant in his relationship with the boy. I was trembling for Bruno when he went into the office to see his Dad. Mother’s attitude through the packing and the move gave me the impression that Father was not all that caring.

Gloria, I can see where this would be disturbing knowing the horrors of the that time and place. I am finding however, the author giving us a glimpse of there being innocents among the population.

Even though the story so far is sprinkled with some wit – it is a depressing read.