Charlotte Gray - did you finish it?

[melbob]

I couldn't finish it, I struggled through when Levade died of pneumonia but when the little boys went to the camp and into the "shower" I just oculdn't bear it. It gave me nightmares

I read it again this week actually: fabulous book.

On a similar theme ds1 bought \link{http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/038560940X/qid=1144954735/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_2_1/026-6724133-9973231\Boy in the striped pyjamas} last week and I read it first to check it out, particularly as the blurb on the actual book gave very little away, but we had our suspicions from the cover.

I found the book to be gut-wrenchingly horrific. I wouldn't be happy for ds1 to read it until he's older: So I fobbed him off with some Horowitz and Caroline Lawrence!

Melbob - I read all of CG but agree the story of the 2 brothers was the most distressing thing I think I've ever read. Had me in tears over and over again. There was a thread on here a few months ago where there was some debate about the ending. I thought the last scene echoed the scene with the boys in the gas chamber (& therefore pessimistic) but others thought that was reading too much into it & it was meant to be a happy ending.

If you've already read that scene with the boys, you've read the worst bit IMO.

Yes I really enjoyed the book too, if that can be considered an appropriate phrase. Of course the part with the Jewish boys, and the letter from their "mother" hits harder now I have two boys of my own.

What is worse is the film, actually watching those little boys.

Yes I did, but it was a long time ago and I instantly forget books (except Birdsong.)

However the film's nothing like the book, is it - she doesn't rush back to her hunky Frenchman. (although I would if I were her!)

ok maybe I'll finish it but honestly the only thing that ahs upset me more is the Film Breaking the Waves