What is chapter 1 about?

In chapter 1, Bruno returns home to discover the maid packing his personal belongings into boxes. Bruno is initially confused and learns from his mother that his family will be leaving Berlin because of his father's "important" job. However, the narrator does not elaborate on Bruno's father's occupation, leaving the reader to infer what he does for a living. Bruno's mother is hesitant to disclose much of the information about the family's move and seems to dismiss her son's incessant questions. Bruno is clearly upset about the upcoming move and voices his displeasure at having to leave his three best friends. In the first chapter, Boyne introduces several significant characters throughout the novel and reveals Bruno's thoughts about leaving Berlin. By using limited narration, several important pieces of information are purposely left out; this allows the reader to view the events from Bruno's innocent perspective.

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