Book Review of The Boy at the Top of the Mountain: A Literary Analysis

This report is a book review of 'The Boy at the Top of the Mountain' by John Boyne, which explores the themes of innocence, corruption, and moral responsibility in the context of Nazi Germany. The review analyzes the protagonist's journey, highlighting his transformation under the influence of Hitler and the impact of his actions on others. It references key incidents in the story, such as the protagonist's early life, his exposure to Nazi ideology, and his interactions with other characters. The review contrasts the protagonist's initial innocence with the moral dilemmas he faces and the eventual return to his core values. It emphasizes the importance of ethical practices and the need for responsible citizenship. The review also provides a critical analysis of the book, discussing the historical context and the author's message about the dangers of blind faith and the importance of maintaining humanity even in the face of adversity.

Running Head: BOOK REVIEW 0
The Boy at the Top of the Mountain
This novel can change your life if it is picked by you. The Boy at the Top of the Mountain is
a heart-changing novel, portraying the gradual corruption in the life of an innocent or

BOOK REVIEW 1
blameless child by Nazi ideology (John, 2015). John Boyne has used real-life historical
events and the figures to contrast the horrors of the Holocaust with high-level of innocence
and naturalness of his promoter to validate horrifying elements in the Morden era, the kills
could be allowed to exist. The author wants to convey by this story is to realize that in life if
we commit any kind of crime or sins we must accept the manner it has been done and realize
the guilt related, and move on the path of humanity as done by the child.
The various incidents can be cited in the context of the story of Pierrots’ life, during his early
phase of life who was an innocent child was on the path of tolerating and after fighting the
harsh situation of his drunken father, sudden death of his mother. Later, he was all equipped
with the impact of Hitler and that attempt of harassment to a young girl of the same age. He
also threatens Emma the maid at Adolf Hitler house stopping him to do the cause, which was
completely done under Hitler’s influence. The other characters were directly or indirectly
impacted on their lives (Womack, 2015).
Today’s era we are moving ahead to become a democratic world, people in are not just ruled
by one cruel protagonist from the book, Adolf Hitler but now people elect their own leader to
run the country. People are now more concerned about their task and allotment of the rights
and duties. They are not easily brainwashed as was done with the Pierrot in the story, rather
they apply their own smartness and intelligence. The humanity in the society still exists and
people are now much concerned about not harming others rather nurture them. The doing of
unethical is now no longer practised as when compared to the old scenario.
As per the story, the heart-changing incident brings out the old and innocent child and gain
connected to his friend, Anshel. The crux of the story which can bring the attention of the
readers is the downfall and the rise of the person he was at initial level, with the core values
of humanity and decency within brought him back to the path from where he started his
journey. We all as a group of responsible residents should serve the humankind and to the
needs of the underprivileged people of the society. The actions regarding the well-being of
the public are now in the practice. Moral values and ethical practices are injected at early
phase of the living.

BOOK REVIEW 2
Bibliography
John, B. (2015). The Boy at the Top of the Mountain. Random House Children's Books.
Womack, P. (2015, Oct 07). The Boy at the Top of the Mountain by John Boyne review – a
story of corruption in Hitler’s mountain retreat. Retrieved from
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/oct/07/the-boy-at-the-top-of-the-mountain-
review-john-boyne