The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

Origin
John Boyne's The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a novel about the friendship between nine year old German boy Bruno and Shmuel, another nine year old Jewish boy in a death camp. When Adolf Hitler visits Bruno's father and promotes him to Commandant and the family moves to the countryside. On the way to the new house Bruno sees a wire fence around a camp and decides to explore. When walking around the fence Bruno meets the young boy. Shmuel tells Bruno that he is in the camp with his father, grandfather and brother but separated from his mother. Through many meetings they become fast friends. Even though Bruno doesn't understand why Shmuel is in the camp he brings his new friend food daily, unless it's raining, because Shmuel gets thinner and thinner. Bruno's naiveté means he new realizes that Shmuel is in a Jewish death camp. When he gets lice Bruno gets his head shaved and looks a lot like Shmuel. Wanting to find Shmuel's mother he asks for some clothes, which he thinks are striped pyjamas. Sneaking in he follows Shmuel and the other men as they are led into a chamber where Bruno tells Shmuel they will be friends for life, unknowing that it was a gas chamber and both boys are killed.

Effects
Grants childhood wonder, poisonous will kill possessor over time

Collection
Due to the poisonous gas that leaks from the pages even when closed the novel is set on a podium with special glass. Do not lift the lid unless wearing protective gear and away from other people.