82 pages • 2 hours read
John BoyneThe Boy at The Top of the Mountain
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2015A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Boy at The Top of the Mountain follows Pierrot Fischer, a young boy who, after the death of his parents, moves from Paris to live with his aunt, the head housekeeper at Hitler’s Austrian retreat. Seduced by power and indoctrinated into Nazi ideology, Pierrot’s innocence transforms into corruption and cruelty. Ultimately, he must confront the aftermath of his actions and seek redemption amidst the horrors of war. The book contains scenes of violence and abuse.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
John Boyne’s The Boy at the Top of the Mountain delivers a poignant narrative with strong character development and historical accuracy. Reviewers praise its compelling story and emotional depth, but some criticize the predictable plot and occasional lack of subtlety. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read that engages with complex themes effectively.
Who Should Read The Boy at The Top of the Mountain?
Readers who enjoy The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne or The Book Thief by Markus Zusak will find The Boy at the Top of the Mountain compelling. This novel suits those interested in historical fiction, World War II narratives, and deep emotional journeys of young characters grappling with moral dilemmas.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsLexile Level
970L