Answer:
"The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" by John Boyne is a poignant novel set during World War II, focusing on the unlikely friendship between two boys across a barbed wire fence. Bruno, the eight-year-old son of a Nazi commandant, relocates with his family to a house near a concentration camp, which he initially mistakes for a farm. Curious and lonely, Bruno explores the area and meets Shmuel, a Jewish boy of the same age, imprisoned in the camp and wearing striped "pajamas."
Despite the fence that separates them, Bruno and Shmuel form a deep bond, sharing their lives, hopes, and sorrows. Bruno's innocence and naivety prevent him from understanding the true nature of Shmuel's plight, while Shmuel provides a glimpse into the horrors of the Holocaust. Their friendship grows in secret, leading to a tragic conclusion when Bruno disguises himself in striped clothing to help Shmuel find his missing father. The boys are rounded up and led to a gas chamber, where they die holding hands.
The story is a powerful exploration of innocence, friendship, and the devastating impact of prejudice and war. It underscores the tragic consequences of hatred and the innocence lost in the face of unimaginable cruelty.
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