“We’re not supposed to be friends, you and me. We’re meant to be enemies. Did you know that?”
Chapter 1: Bruno’s Discovery
Nine-year-old Bruno returns home from school to find his family’s maid, Maria, packing his belongings. His father, a high-ranking Nazi officer, has been promoted, forcing the family to leave their luxurious Berlin home for a desolate place Bruno calls “Out-With.” Bruno is upset about leaving his friends and familiar surroundings.
Chapter 2: The New House
Bruno arrives at the new house, which is smaller and colder than his Berlin home. From his window, he sees a tall fence and people in striped pajamas. His parents forbid him from exploring, but Bruno, curious and lonely, wonders about the people beyond the fence.
Chapter 3: The Fury and the Beautiful Woman
Bruno recalls a visit from “the Fury” (his mispronunciation of “the Führer,” Adolf Hitler) and a woman he calls “the beautiful blonde woman” (likely Eva Braun). His father’s new assignment becomes clearer—he is the commandant of Auschwitz concentration camp.
Chapter 4: Exploring and Meeting Shmuel
Bruno, bored and restless, disobeys his parents and sneaks out. He walks along the fence until he meets Shmuel, a Jewish boy sitting on the other side. They strike up a conversation, and Bruno is puzzled by Shmuel’s thin appearance and striped pajamas.
Chapter 5: Friendship Across the Fence
Bruno and Shmuel continue meeting daily. Bruno brings food, and they talk about their lives. Shmuel explains that he was taken from his home, while Bruno remains oblivious to the horrors of the camp. Their friendship grows despite the fence separating them.
Chapter 6: Lieutenant Kotler’s Cruelty
Bruno witnesses the cruelty of Lieutenant Kotler, a young Nazi officer who beats a Jewish servant in his home. Bruno’s sister, Gretel, becomes increasingly indoctrinated by Nazi propaganda, while Bruno remains confused about the hatred toward Jews.
Chapter 7: Shmuel in the House
Shmuel is brought to Bruno’s house to polish glasses. Bruno gives him food, but when Kotler catches Shmuel eating, he accuses him of stealing. Terrified, Shmuel says Bruno gave it to him, but Bruno denies it out of fear. He later feels deep guilt.
Chapter 8: Bruno’s Grandmother’s Disapproval
Bruno remembers his grandmother, who strongly opposed his father’s Nazi involvement. She criticized the regime before dying, leaving Bruno with conflicted feelings about his family’s role in the war.
Chapter 9: Plans to Return to Berlin
Bruno’s mother, disturbed by the reality of the camp, argues with his father about leaving. Bruno is excited at the prospect of returning to Berlin but also saddened at the thought of leaving Shmuel.
Chapter 10: The Final Plan
Before leaving, Bruno decides to help Shmuel find his missing father. He digs under the fence, puts on striped pajamas, and enters the camp. The boys search but are swept up in a group of prisoners being taken to the gas chamber.
Chapter 11: The Tragic Ending
Bruno and Shmuel hold hands as they are led into the gas chamber. Bruno’s family searches for him frantically, but it is too late. The story ends with the devastating realization of what has happened.
Key Ideas
- The innocence of childhood contrasted with the brutality of war.
- The dangers of blind obedience to authority.
- The power of friendship across unimaginable divides.
- The tragic consequences of ignorance and prejudice.
- The Holocaust’s impact on both victims and bystanders.
Notable Adaptations
| Year | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (Film) | Directed by Mark Herman, starring Asa Butterfield and Jack Scanlon. |
Who should read this book?
- Readers interested in historical fiction about the Holocaust.
- Young adults exploring themes of innocence and moral responsibility.
- Educators teaching about WWII and its human impact.