“I suppose you wish you’d won the war.” I raised an eyebrow. “Oh, Mr. Darcy-Witt,” I said, as if I were explaining something obvious to a child. “No one wins a war.”
― John Boyne, All the Broken Places
Have you been looking for a powerful historical novel that focuses on how the past shapes the present? ‘All the Broken Places’ by John Boyne might be the book for you.
This sequel to The Boy in the Striped Pajamas follows an elderly woman, Gretel, as she faces the guilt and secrets she’s carried since childhood. As the daughter of a Nazi commandant, her story is one of silence, regret, and long-buried truths.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the plot, the major themes, and what makes this novel stand out. Whether or not you’ve read the first book, I’ll help you decide if this one belongs on your shelf.
As someone who has read both books, I can promise that this story is powerful, emotional, and deeply human.
Plot Summary
“I felt as if I might laugh out loud. It was an extraordinary way to refer to six years of war, countless millions of deaths, and all the broken places that had been left behind.”
― John Boyne, All the Broken Places
All the Broken Places follows Gretel Fernsby, a 91-year-old woman living in London. She is the sister of Bruno from ‘The Boy in the Striped Pajamas’ and the daughter of a Nazi commandant. For most of her life, she has kept her past a secret.
Gretel has tried to move on. She lives quietly and avoids anything that might force her to face what happened during the war.
But no matter how much time passes, the past continues to follow her. The story shifts between the present day and memories of her younger years. After her father’s execution, Gretel and her mother fled Germany.
They lived in France and started fresh under new names. Still, the guilt and fear never fully left her. When a new family moves into her building, Gretel becomes close to their young son, Henry.
Over time, she begins to notice troubling signs at home. What she sees reminds her of the abuse and silence she once witnessed.
This experience pushes her to look back on her own life. It brings up questions she has long avoided—about what she knew, what she ignored, and what she might do differently now.
The novel expresses themes of guilt, silence, and moral responsibility. It shows how the effects of war and past choices can last a lifetime. But it also touches on redemption and the possibility of change.
Through Gretel’s story, the book asks powerful questions. Can someone make peace with the past?
Is it ever too late to do the right thing? The answers aren’t easy, but the story makes you think about them long after it ends.
What Genre Does All the BrokenPlaces focus On?
All the Broken Places is mainly a historical fiction novel. It also includes strong elements of psychological drama.
The book is often considered part of Holocaust literature. But it focuses more on the years after the war than on the events themselves. This type of story uses fiction to focus on real history. It helps readers understand hard truths through the lives of fictional characters.
What makes this book different is its focus. It tells the story of someone connected to those who caused harm—not the victims. The story follows two timelines. One takes place in the past. The other shows the present.
It takes a deep look into the characters’ thoughts and emotions. The book asks tough questions. It does not offer simple answers. The writing is poetic and emotional. It draws strength from the weight of real history.
Ratings and Reviews
“And they would surely find some way of suggesting that you were as guilty as any of us. No matter how young you were.”
― John Boyne, All The Broken Places
GoodReads Review
All the Broken Places‘ holds 4.49/5 stars with the rating of 78,823. Readers on Goodreads have shared strong praise for All the Broken Places.
“A moving story about grief, guilt, and complicity.” – Maureen
“Boyne’s style continues to be hypnotic and sharp. He delivers a Holocaust story with brutal precision and bold prose.” – Canadian Jen
Perhaps you have read The Boy in the Striped Pajamas and were heartsick after reading it”. This book, All the Broken Places, is such a marvelous follow-up to it by the talented author, John Boyne.” Marialyce
Amazon Review
All the Broken Places holds the rating of 4.6/5 stars with the rating of 28,788. While the novel has been widely praised, some readers shared more critical views.
“A darkly compelling novel about a woman forced to confront the sins of her past. . . . This is a powerful page-turner, a novel that tackles complex issues while keeping its reader utterly gripped. Gretel’s ‘final story is an essential one.” —Minneapolis Star-Tribune
“A complex portrait. . . . In Gretel, Boyne has created a magnificently dyspeptic protagonist whose self-assurance, sharp tongue, and wry humor are at odds with her private agony.” —Financial Times
“Gripping and well-honed. . . . Consummately constructed, humming with tension. . . . A defense of literature’s need to shine a light on the darkest aspects of human nature, and it does so with a novelist’s skill, precision, and power.” —The Guardian
What Makes All the Broken Places Stand Out?
What sets this book apart is its point of view. Instead of focusing on the victims of the Holocaust, it follows someone who stood close to the people who caused harm.
This creates an uncomfortable but important perspective. It challenges readers to think about silence, guilt, and responsibility.
The story asks hard questions. What does it mean to witness terrible things and do nothing? Can someone who stayed silent ever truly find redemption?
By telling the story from this angle, the book pushes readers to reflect on the weight of inaction—and how the past continues to shape the present.
Who Should Read All the Broken Places?
This book is best suited for adults and mature teens aged 16 and up. It deals with serious topics that require emotional readiness and thoughtful reading.
The story includes references to the Holocaust, domestic violence, and deep moral questions. Some parts can be emotionally intense or disturbing. Content warnings include suicide, abuse, and moral distress.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction with emotional depth will likely connect with this book. It may appeal to those who liked stories such as ‘The Book Thief,’ ‘All the Light We Cannot See,’ or ‘The Reader.’
If you’re drawn to books that focus on the moral weight of history, especially around World War II, this novel offers a powerful and thought-provoking experience.
Book Recommendations if You Liked All the Broken Places
If you connect with this novel, here are similar books worth focusing on:
- “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah – Another powerful WWII novel focusing on moral choices and their consequences.
- “The German House” by Annette Hess follows a young German woman working as a translator during the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials.
- “The Invisible Bridge” by Julie Orringer – A sweeping novel about a Hungarian Jewish student whose life is upended by WWII.
- “Those Who Save Us” by Jenna Blum focuses on the story of a German woman during WWII and her American daughter’s later investigation into her mother’s past.
- “A Woman in Berlin” by Anonymous – A memoir of a woman in Berlin during the Russian occupation at the end of WWII.
Conclusion
All the Broken Places is a powerful story about guilt, memory, and the hope for redemption. John Boyne invites readers to view history through a more complicated, personal lens—one that doesn’t offer easy answers.
The book shows how the effects of war and genocide don’t end when the fighting stops. They continue across generations.
It asks hard questions about silence, responsibility, and whether someone who stood by can ever be forgiven—or forgive themselves.
The story is emotionally intense. Some parts are difficult to read. But it offers a thoughtful and meaningful experience that stays with you.
For readers looking for a historical novel that focuses on moral struggle and lasting impact, this is a strong and unforgettable choice. It’s a book that will leave you thinking long after the final page.
About the Author
John Boyne is an Irish novelist born in Dublin in 1971. He has published 13 novels for adults and 6 novels for younger readers.
His most famous work remains “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” (2006), which was adapted into a successful film.
Boyne is known for tackling difficult historical subjects with sensitivity and emotional depth. His writing often focuses on moral complexity and the human impact of historical events.
Other notable books by John Boyne include
- The Heart’s Invisible Furies
- A Ladder to the Sky
- The Absolutist
- A History of Loneliness
Frequently Asked Questions
Is All the Broken Places a sequel?
Yes, it is a sequel to ‘The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.’ The story follows Gretel, Bruno’s sister, now an elderly woman. It focuses on her life after the war and how she copes with her family’s dark past.
Do I need to read ‘The Boy in the Striped Pajamas’ first?
No, it’s not required. ‘All the Broken Places’ can be read on its own. However, reading the first book gives more context and emotional depth, especially regarding Gretel’s past and the legacy she struggles with in this story.
How historically accurate is All the Broken Places?
The characters are fictional, but the historical background is grounded in real events. Boyne based the setting and time period on true history. His research adds authenticity to the novel, especially in its portrayal of post-war Europe and moral aftermath.
