"The Painted Bird" is a novel by Jerzy Kosinski, published in 1965. It tells the harrowing story of a young boy who is sent to live with a foster family in an unnamed Eastern European country during World War II. The boy experiences extreme isolation and brutality as he encounters various villagers, each representing different aspects of human nature. The narrative is known for its stark and graphic depictions of violence and suffering. As the boy navigates a world filled with prejudice and cruelty, he struggles to maintain his identity and humanity amidst the chaos of war and the horrors of the Holocaust.