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The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a 2006 historical fiction novel by Irish author John Boyne.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a 2006 historical fiction novel by Irish author John Boyne. It follows Bruno, the young son of a Nazi commandant, and his friendship with a Jewish boy imprisoned at Auschwitz. The novel was adapted into a 2008 film of the same name.

Plot

The novel tells the story of Bruno, whose family moves near Auschwitz because his father is a Nazi commandant. Bruno befriends Shmuel, a boy on the other side of the camp fence, and the story builds toward a tragic ending.

Publication and reception

Published in 2006, the novel became a commercial success and reached number one on The New York Times Best Seller list in 2008. It has been translated into more than 58 languages and is among the best-selling books of all time.

Film adaptation

A film adaptation, also titled The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, was released in 2008. It was written and directed by Mark Herman and was released as The Boy in the Striped Pajamas in North America.

Themes and criticism

The novel is commonly discussed in relation to innocence, friendship, prejudice, and the Holocaust. It has also drawn criticism from some scholars for its portrayal of historical details.

In Canada

The novel is widely used in Canadian schools and literary discussions about World War II, Holocaust representation, and historical fiction.

Key facts

  • The novel was published in 2006 by Irish novelist John Boyne.
  • Its plot centres on the friendship between Bruno and Shmuel, a Jewish boy held in Auschwitz.
  • The book became an international bestseller and sold more than 11 million copies worldwide by 2022.
  • It was adapted into a feature film in 2008 directed by Mark Herman.
  • The story has also been adapted for stage and other performance forms.
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Canadian context

The novel is widely used in Canadian schools and literary discussions about World War II, Holocaust representation, and historical fiction.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas about?
It is about Bruno, a German boy whose father works at Auschwitz, and Bruno’s friendship with Shmuel, a Jewish prisoner.
Who wrote The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas?
It was written by Irish novelist John Boyne.
When was The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas published?
It was published in 2006.
Was The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas made into a film?
Yes. A film adaptation directed by Mark Herman was released in 2008.
Is The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas based on a true story?
No. It is a work of historical fiction, not a factual account.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boy_in_the_Striped_Pyjamas
    Supports: Publication date, plot, bestseller status, translations, and adaptations
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boy_in_the_Striped_Pyjamas_(film)
    Supports: 2008 film adaptation, director, release details, and premise
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Boy-in-the-Striped-Pyjamas-novel-by-Boyne
    Supports: Novel authorship, Holocaust setting, and friendship premise
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Boyne
    Supports: Author identity and relation to the novel