The Boy at the Top of the Mountain

The Boy at the Top of the Mountain by John Boyne

Peirrot first loses his father to post-traumatic syndrome from WWI and then a few months later, his mother to tuberculosis. At 7 years old, he is sent to live in an orphanage, but must leave behind his dog and best friend, Anschel.

When his Aunt Beatrix finds out that Peirrot has lost both of his parents, she sends for him and he is sent to live with her at the top of an Austrian mountain where is aunt is a servant. It doesn't take long for Peirrot to find out that the "Master" of this huge home on the hilltop is none other than Hitler.

Peirrot is an innocent and good natured young boy who is trying to figure out who he is and where he belongs. During his time in Hitler's vacation home, he comes to see the power of the uniform and begins to yearn for the power and prestige that goes along with it. Not wanting to see the consequences of some of his actions, he wants only to find a place where he can belong and feel needed.

This book is found in our intermediate section. I'm not quite sure how I feel about this book, it was well written, but a little depressing. At a  young age, when life should be carefree, Peirrot is forced to make decisions that will affect him for a lifetime. It has some violence in it and the subject matter could be a little disconcerting to a younger audience, I would suggest the reader be at least early teens.