Featured Reading Guide
John Boyne
Russia, 1915: Sixteen year old farmer s son Georgy Jachmenev steps in front of an assassin’s bullet intended for a senior member of the Russian Imperial Family and is instantly proclaimed a hero. Rewarded with the position of bodyguard to Alexei Romanov, the only son of Tsar Nicholas II, the course of his life is changed for ever. Privy to the secrets of Nicholas and Alexandra, the machinations of Rasputin and the events which will lead to the final collapse of the autocracy, Georgy is both a witness and participant in a drama that will echo down the century. Sixty-five years later, visiting…
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John Boyne was born in Ireland in 1971 and is the author of six novels. The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas won two Irish Book Awards, was shortlisted for the British Book Award and has recently been made into a Miramax feature film. His novels are published in over 30 languages. He lives in Dublin.
topAbout the Book
Russia, 1915: Sixteen year old farmer s son Georgy Jachmenev steps in front of an assassin’s bullet intended for a senior member of the Russian Imperial Family and is instantly proclaimed a hero. Rewarded with the position of bodyguard to Alexei Romanov, the only son of Tsar Nicholas II, the course of his life is changed for ever. Privy to the secrets of Nicholas and Alexandra, the machinations of Rasputin and the events which will lead to the final collapse of the autocracy, Georgy is both a witness and participant in a drama that will echo down the century. Sixty-five years later, visiting his wife Zoya as she lies in a London hospital, memories of the life they have lived together flood his mind. And with them, the consequences of the brutal fate of the Romanovs which has hung like a shroud over every aspect of their marriage
topStarting Points for Discussion
- Georgy and Zoya have a troubled relationship over 60 years together; do you think he reacts well to his wife’s many difficulties or could he be a better husband at times?
- The presentation of the Russian Imperial family differs somewhat from their traditional presentation in history. Are you surprised by the strength of their family towards each other?
- Georgy has to quickly adapt to his new circumstances once he in installed in the Winter Palace in St Petersburg. How do you think he copes with his new role and responsibilities?
- The novel works forward in time for one half and backwards in time for another half. How well does this unusual structure work for the book?
- How well is the portrait of a Russian emigre in London during the Blitz presented? Do you feel sympathy for Georgy and Zoya when their accents make them figures of suspicion?
Other Books by John Boyne
Mutiny On The Bounty
Pickpocket John Jacob Turnstile is on his way to be detained at His Majesty s…
The Boy in the Striped Py…
The story of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is very difficult to describe. …
Suggested Further Reading
NON-FICTION
- Nicholas & Alexandra ~ Robert Massie
FICTION
- Restoration ~ Rose Tremain
- Wolf Hall ~ Hilary Mantel
- Human Traces ~ Sebastian Faulks
- One Morning Like A Bird ~ Andrew Miller