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Post by claire on Aug 28, 2007 6:02:40 GMT
Anyone who has read this book will feel compelled to talk about it. It is one that keeps coming back, one you just can't forget and definitly one to read again.
Fionn get the ball rolling
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Post by fionnuala on Sept 2, 2007 2:36:49 GMT
I do feel totally compelled Claire! It is such an unbelievably moving book which is written in such a way that it makes the hairs stand on the back of your neck! The fact that there are no stories of actual horror or brutality but that you're just given a hint as to what is going on through the eyes of an unsuspecting child makes the reality all the more stark I think!
I also think that it's a revelation the way that Father is such a kind man to his children and that he was so generous to their maid, paying for her mother's medical treatment etc but on the other hand he is a brute that is capable of God only knows within the confines of 'Out-with'. (Just out of interest does anyone know if that is a direct translation in German). The fact that Mother and grandmother are opposed to what he does is also an interesting point and makes you stop and think that maybe you shouldn't tar everyone with the the same brush!
I thought that John Boyne was brilliant at illustrating the friendship between Schmuel and Bruno as two children who don't really understand what is going on or why they are where they are and how their lives are shaped by the adults around them. Father's actions affect them both!
The ending of this book blew me away! I must have read it about six times I was so astounded! It was brilliantly done though and again had the affect of making the hackles rise! It is done in such a way that you don't realise what is happening until it has actually happened and the shock value is well and truly absorbed. I think that Father learnt a valuable lesson in the end and that the boys were probably too happy just to be together to comprehend what was happening.
I am going to get my twelve year old son to read this book as he started doing a bit about The Holocaust in history - I think that it should become part of the cirriculum in every school as it would make history so much more interesting and better understood!
BRILLIANT!!! I think that John Boyne should tackle the Irsih Famine and the plight of the native Americans next!!!!
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Post by Susanne O'Leary on Sept 2, 2007 7:56:38 GMT
Is this a new book? I thought it was 'The Boy in the Striped pyjamas'. Has he started stripping in part 2?
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Post by fionnuala on Sept 2, 2007 11:43:11 GMT
Well, we all know what claire is like when we're tired don't we!!!!! She must have had another sneaky mad visit to Dublin and not told anyone!
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Post by claire on Sept 2, 2007 13:35:32 GMT
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Post by fionnuala on Sept 2, 2007 16:07:42 GMT
Ha Ha! You're very funny missus!
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Post by claire on Sept 3, 2007 6:55:46 GMT
I hadn't even noticed that mistake and didn't know what was going on. At least you couldn't see my embarrassed face!
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Post by claire on Sept 3, 2007 7:08:11 GMT
As for the book itself, I still think about it. I read it last summer, picked it up for my son thought it would be something he would be interested in. I stared to read it and just could not put it down. I loved Bruno, a very real character, could see some things in him like my boys and how he 'hated' his sister. I remember them moving house and him sitting in the train, first class and watching the people cramming into other compartments and him wanting to tel them that there was room where he was. I was shocked in a way that they were all on the same train going to the same place. I think with knowing the history you just didn't need the details. It only took a few words for you to feel the impact.
I have to get my hands on this book again, I think this time I'll get the english version. The ending still haunts me, the two boys going to the chambers together. And then the father looking for his son and finding the clothes.
This is a book that will be around forever and this is a history we should never forget
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Post by fionnuala on Sept 3, 2007 17:22:25 GMT
If you want the English version of the book I'll send it to you Claire! (Even though you did edit my last post ye cheeky minx!!!)
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Post by claire on Sept 5, 2007 7:48:16 GMT
I want to buy it and keep it, thank you anyway
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Post by fionnuala on Sept 5, 2007 19:33:55 GMT
No probs - I know what you mean - its the sort of book that you'd like to keep for years to come Claire!
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Post by megan on Oct 12, 2007 21:10:13 GMT
I was lucky enough to hear John Boyne speak in Dublin last night - what an inspiration!
He had no intention of ever writing a children's book but then one night he got a picture in his head of two boys, one on either side of a fence. The next day, a Wednesday, he began writing and by that evening he had written 15,000 words. He knew he couldn't stop so he wrote all of the night, the next day and night, right through until Friday lunchtime (which was his birthday - what a present!). By then he had finished the first draft of the book. He said the story literally flowed through him and he was simply writing it down on the keyboard. I believe him as I got the feeling when I read this book - it was not 'thought up' by any human mind. It is as if this story existed in the universe and he was the lucky one given the job of writing it down. Since then his career has changed utterly and his books have been translated into 32 languages. He was fascinating to listen to and so honest. A great guy.
Irish Pen hosted this event. I'd really recommend their monthly meetings in Dublin (for any of you who can attend). Roddy Doyle will be speaking on Dec 13th. I'll be attending that one too.
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Post by Shirley on Oct 15, 2007 11:57:02 GMT
I just read this book this weekend in Brussels - amazing! Wow, what an ending!
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Post by fionnuala on Oct 21, 2007 14:46:39 GMT
You're so lucky Megan I would love to have heard him speak - I remember him being interviewed as part of the Seoige and O'Shea 'Do the Write Thing' series and was very impressed with what he said then! I think Roddy Doyle would be very exciting to listen to as well!
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Post by megan on Oct 22, 2007 8:30:08 GMT
Roddy Doyle is wonderful to listen to. He is honest and humble but at the same time really believes in his own work. He doesn't have an agent and does all negotiating himself with publishers.
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Post by fionnuala on Oct 22, 2007 18:40:42 GMT
Oh to have that talent and success! Look at all the films that have been based on his books - make sure you tell us about his talk!
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Post by claire on Oct 23, 2007 6:27:01 GMT
I love the film The Commitments. Have it on dvd here. Haven t read all of his books, don't know why
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