'Striped Pyjamas' author quizzed by pupils

Literature-loving students at a Lincoln school were given a rare opportunity to question an award-winning author.

John Boyne's moving Holocaust tale, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, was released in 2006 to critical acclaim and has currently sold more than five million copies worldwide.

But the Irish writer travelled to Lincoln Christ's Hospital School yesterday after Year 9 students sent letters urging him to visit.

Boyne warmed-up for his evening appearance at the Lincoln Book Festival by reading a short passage from his bestselling novel to a packed school hall before a 40–minute question and answer session.

"I get a lot of letters from schools and so many students have been reading the book – the difficult thing is answering them," said 38-year-old Boyne.

"I do a lot of school events because it's easier to answer questions face-to-face than by post. It's great when I go to a school where everyone has read the book."

The story focuses on nine-year-old Bruno and his experience of living near a concentration camp but Boyne said he was not scared to address big issues in a children's book.

Year 9 English teacher Michelle Cleaver said The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas had been well-received by students in class and they were delighted with Boyne's visit.

"It's been like a whirlwind having him here," she said.

"The children have been fantastic and really enthusiastic. They've already asked him to come back again."

For more on John Boyne's visit, see Saturday's Echo.