Comments on: The Tiger’s Choice: Talking About the Boy

By: Rachael

Rachael — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 12:26:28 +0000

I’m pretty sure that the book says that Lt Kotler was sent away because he didn’t notify the authorities of his father’s opposition to the nazis and him moving to Switzerland. Also his father was an academic which was required to be reported at the time. It doesn’t mention anything of him or his parents being Jewish.

Rachael

By: Samantha

Samantha — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:10:38 +0000

I agree with Corinne.
In the book it is hinted that Mother was having an affair with Lt. Kotler,
things like when they go into a room together and Kotler locks the door hint this.
Kisses

By: Jackie

Jackie — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:47:40 +0000

Looks like the movie added quite a bit more than the book revealed. I saw in a criticism that the guards should have seen that Bruno had long hair? In the book, the point was that he had head lice and his head was shaved so he looked like the other boys.

By: Janet

Janet — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 01:58:38 +0000

I think you’re right, Leila, and of course the friendship between Kotler and Bruno’s mther didn’t help that situation at all.

By: Leila

Leila — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:07:42 +0000

actually, im pretty sure that Lt. Kotler was sent away because Father found out that his parents are Jewish. they never saw him again after that.

By: Janet Brown

Janet Brown — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:48:35 +0000

Thanks Corinne! And you’re right–more knowledgeable is much closer to what I meant than more mature–although Bruno seems to be immature as well as unknowledgeable to me.
I’m really eager to know what Evan’s thoughts are on the book–he doesn’t have to answer the questions if he doesn’t feel like it–just what he thought about it and when it made him want to continue reading it. And of course what he thought of the end! At this point no need to worry about hiding the final scenes.

By: Corinne

Corinne — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:58:13 +0000

Janet -

I thought this book was fabulous and “made” my 11 year old read it. Here are some of my answers to your questions:

I read the book the same way you did! Once I started it, there was no way I could put it down until I had finished it.

Yes – I think the portrayal of Bruno is realistic. He is 9 year old boy that has led a sheltered life and has an over-bearing older sister. I don’t know if 9 year olds today are more mature (I don’t think they have as many responsibilities as kids did years ago) but I wonder if they are more knowledgeable in terms of the world around them due to television, computers, the internet, the ease of travel etc.

I think that Bruno’s father was uncomfortable with the close relationship developing between Lt. Kotler and his wife (Bruno’s mother) and therefore arranged to have Lt. Kolter transfered.

Yes – I think Shmuel intended for Bruno to return home. I don’t think either boy had any idea what would happen or the risks they were taking when Bruno crawled under the fence.

I will try and get Evan’s answers to your questions in the next day or so.