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Ukraine, Kiev
1 Level
699 Review
74 Karma

Review on πŸ‘• John Boyne Boys' Striped Pajamas for Boys' Clothing by Andres Mayes

Revainrating 5 out of 5

I don't think 9-year-old Bruno was portrayed as too naive.

You can't compare the naivety of a nine-year-old in 1945 to today's seemingly mundane nine-year-olds, who are confronted with adult language, content and objects on television, social media and heartless adults who don't care much about children, who delight in innocence. Childhood. But are most nine-year-olds that peaceful these days? Most nine-year-olds are naturally naΓ―ve, even when they have to study adult stuff. Most children become confused and anxious, undemanding, understanding, and worldly. You can see it in her eyes. It takes time for them to really grasp the ugliness of some of the realities of their lives, be it domestic violence or war. Many children are easily fooled. Furthermore, when it comes to their parents' actions, their denial is incredibly strong and seems necessary to them in order to survive. They may "know" it at some level, but somehow they don't want or can't process it quickly. Some of you probably know this from your own childhood. No? OK I know. In each case, the author tells a story. He gets his point across even if you think his 9 year old character is too naive.

Pros
  • The novel has been translated into more than 30 languages and has received international acclaim, making it a truly universal story that appeals to readers from different cultures and generations.
Cons
  • Can't really understand the history of WWII