Why did john boyne write the holocaust into The Boy in Striped Pajamas?

John Boyne has stated that he wrote *The Boy in Striped Pajamas* to make the Holocaust accessible to young readers. He felt that the subject was often presented in a way that was too complex and difficult for children to understand, and he wanted to create a story that would engage them emotionally and make them think about the horrors of the Holocaust in a meaningful way.

The novel's simplicity and the use of a child's perspective are key elements in achieving this goal. Bruno, the protagonist, is a nine-year-old boy who is unaware of the true nature of the concentration camp next to his family's home. His innocence and naivety allow readers to experience the tragedy through a child's eyes, making it more relatable and impactful.

However, the novel has also been criticized for simplifying the Holocaust and potentially misrepresenting its complexities. Some argue that the story is overly sentimental and does not accurately reflect the reality of life in a concentration camp.

Despite the criticisms, *The Boy in Striped Pajamas* has been a popular and successful novel, selling millions of copies worldwide. It has sparked important conversations about the Holocaust and its lasting impact, and it continues to be used as a tool for educating children about this critical historical event.

It's important to remember that *The Boy in Striped Pajamas* is a fictional story, and not a historical account. It's crucial to supplement the novel with further research and learning about the Holocaust from reliable sources.