What can I even say about this read? Such a powerful short story told from the view of a 9 year old privileged German boy living next to a Holocaust camp.

The way this book was presented is what blew me away. It was told with so much childish purity against the ugly events happening around our main character. Bruno is so innocent and ignorant that he doesn't understand anything that is happening around him. Perhaps he has a tiny inkling of the danger and brutality but he doesn't dwell on it for long. But for the reader, it is the saddest and cruelest event in history.

The theme for this book really knocked you over the head as the book progresses and if you didn't catch it though out, it slapped you in the face at the end. I was not expecting it to end the way it did. And again, the complete innocence that was carried out right to the end is what boggles me completely.

While Bruno was born with privilege, he was never unkind but rather the opposite. He treated everyone with equal respect and kindness, as proven when he befriended Shmuel and he seem to have a solid moral understanding of what is right and was is wrong. He may have been brainwashed with what he was taught, but he never lost his moral compass. He had his faults of being spoiled, but it was a fascinating way to see things through his eyes.

Overall, I found this book to be unexpected. I can see why it's so popular and do wish that I got a chance to read this in school to have a proper breakdown of everything in English class. (Yes, I actually liked the breakdown and analysis of books in English) I'm glad I picked this book up and gave it a read.