Set during World War II, this novel tells the story through the eyes of nine-year-old Bruno, the son of a Nazi commandant. When his family relocates near a concentration camp, a lonely Bruno befriends Shmuel, a Jewish boy imprisoned behind a wire fence. Unaware of the horrific reality of their situation, their secret friendship develops, leading to a devastating and unforgettable conclusion. John Boyne's fable explores themes of innocence, friendship, and the incomprehensible nature of human cruelty from a unique and poignant perspective.