'The Reader' by Bernhard Schlink is a haunting and thought-provoking novel set in postwar Germany. The story follows Michael, a young boy who forms a passionate relationship with an older woman named Hanna. Their relationship takes a drastic turn when Hanna is revealed to have a dark secret from her past, leading to a trial related to Germany's Nazi history. The narrative delves into themes of love, shame, morality, and coming to terms with the aftermath of the Holocaust, all portrayed through Schlink's beautiful and compelling writing style.
The book explores the complexities of relationships, morality, and the legacy of the Nazi era through the lens of Michael and Hanna's unconventional love story. Schlink masterfully weaves together the personal struggles of the characters with the larger historical context, creating a novel that is both introspective and impactful. As the plot unfolds, the reader is taken on a journey of self-discovery, reflection, and moral questioning, making 'The Reader' a poignant and unforgettable read.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The Reader includes sensitive themes such as sexual relationships with minors, Holocaust atrocities, and moral complexities surrounding guilt and redemption.
Has Romance?
The romance between Michael and Hanna is central to the narrative, characterized by its complexity and moral ambiguity.
From The Publisher:
Hailed for its coiled eroticism and the moral claims it makes upon the reader, this mesmerizing novel is a story of love and secrets, horror and compassion, unfolding against the haunted landscape of postwar Germany.
When he falls ill on his way home from school, fifteen-year-old Michael Berg is rescued by Hanna, a woman twice his age. In time she becomes his lover-then she inexplicably disappears. When Michael next sees her, he is a young law student, and she is on trial for a hideous crime. As he watches her refuse to defend her innocence, Michael gradually realizes that Hanna may be guarding a secret she considers more shameful than murder.
Ratings (20)
Incredible (2) | |
Loved It (7) | |
Liked It (4) | |
It Was OK (4) | |
Did Not Like (3) |
Reader Stats (28):
Read It (20) | |
Want To Read (7) | |
Not Interested (1) |
1 comment(s)
I have conflicting feelings for this book. In one hand it's really good written. Draws you in into two very troubled people and weaves into an odd but compelling story. However the fact they meet when he's only fifteen and they start an affair. She is twice his age and they later meet again and continue the affair. It's just leaves a very sour feeling in my stomach. It's wrong in so many levels. For that alone I don't want to give it more than 2 stars, however the story overall is too compelling to give it less then 3 stars. Age gap would be fine, if he had been over 18.
What can you read after
The Reader?
About the Author:
Bernhard Schlink is the author of the internationally bestselling novel The Reader. He is a former judge and teaches public law and legal philosophy at Humboldt University of Berlin and at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City.
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