Wow. I think this might just be the only book I've read in one sitting. I just couldn't put it down.This story is told through the eyes of 9 year old Bruno, who as a result of his father's "important" work promotion is moved along with his mother and sister Gretel to "Out With". There from his new bedroom window, past the gardens and sitting bench, he spots a village of sorts dotted with single story buildings and a sand-like ground surrounding by an impossibly high fence topped with barbed wire. Bruno has been told to stay away from this place, although he can't understand why.After a considerable amount of time, Bruno decides to secretly explore around this fence and inadvertantly stumbles upon a small boy sitting cross-legged on the opposite side looking very skinny and sad. He learns that the boy's name is Shmuel, and he is 9 years old as well and coincidentally shares the same birthday. They begin to talk.Through the course of the novel, the boys continue to meet and talk. A strong friendship is formed. A friendship that ends in such a shocking way.The writing of this book was beautiful. I loved the author's use of insinuation, when dealing with any of the books most disturbing situations and historical facts. I found by writing in this manner, the point was ironically that much clearer. Things that are too horrible to speak aloud.This is another great novel about the Holocaust that everyone should take the time to read.
