Tonya M. (heyteacher-tpm) reviewed on 9/19/2010 + 35 more book reviews

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I was absorbed from the first line. The repetitive thoughts in Bruno's mind and the way that he doesn't know what's happening around him, but sticks to the strict guidelines of his very regulated family life makes you feel his childlike innocence, confusion and endless optimism. The son of a powerful soldier, Bruno seems to be very unaware of the conflict surrounding him, even as his family is moved to "the country" and he is given a tutor who succeeds in indoctrinating Bruno's older sister. Bruno lives in his own simple world of wishing to be an explorer and to tell any more of what his explorations bring him would rob you of the joy of reading the book and discovering Bruno's life along with him.

It is a stirring story, sad yet not depressing and full of emotional heft. I don't know that I would recommend it to a young child, but I think any teenager could benefit from reading it.

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