Nicki reviews: “All the Broken Places” / By John Boyne

“All the Broken Places” / By John Boyne

If you are one of those people who are still feeling knocked over by the emotionally devastating ending of John Boyne’s “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas”, it’s time to pick yourself up.  “All the Broken Places” is the long-awaited sequel.

The story is narrated by ninety-one-year-old Gretel, Bruno’s guilt ridden older sister, who is still haunted by her traumatic youth in Auschwitz. Gretel lives a private life in Mayfair, but when a small boy and his parents move into a neighbouring apartment, memories are triggered and emotions deeply buried begin to surface.  The boy is being abused by his domineering father, but to save him Gretel will be forced to reveal secrets she has spent a lifetime protecting.  Moving between her peripatetic past to the present day, John Boyne paints the landscape of Gretel’s scarred life, finally leading her to the possibility of atonement.

There’s no escaping the themes of this story. Grief. Guilt. Tragedy.  And poses the question : “When someone makes a mistake early on in their life, are they doomed for the rest of their life, or can they be forgiven?”

The atrocities of the Holocaust never to cease to astound and horrify, so although this isn’t the easiest of bedtime reading, “All the Broken Places” is compelling and well worth reading.

[Despite an ending, which could spark debate. Given this was penned during lock down perhaps a little craziness coming through can be overlooked?  No judgement from this corner John.]