Reviews

The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

bookishraereads's review against another edition

5.0

RTC

jloucks's review against another edition

4.0

Complex post WWII story told with both intelligence and emotion. Straightforward style. Wonderful self-analysis. I loved this book.

poodlemama99's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

gimmethatbook's review against another edition

5.0

This story of a woman who affects the life of a 15 year old boy was handled with taste and class. I sort of guessed what her crime was, but never figured out the reason why. I will be reading this one again, to take in the writer's delicate way with words.

artemisavalon's review against another edition

4.0

I first saw the movie years ago, and re-watched it a few times after. I never read the book up until now. The book is really good, though I have to admit that all the details on the justice system could have been kept out of the story. The court hearing and all its separate sessions were interesting enough without all the added information.

scorched's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective medium-paced

2.0

aprilbloom's review against another edition

4.0

I have nothing else to add. There are plenty of reviews expounding virtues of this book. They don’t lie.

chayanroyc's review against another edition

5.0

This book is powerful, there are snippets of Michael's observations about life interspersed between the pages, almost each and every chapter has them. There are so many issues packed in one book. Especially the part where Michael compares his relationship with Hanna with the fate of the German mindset posy war.These passages make you think,observe and reflect upon your own life, about the people you love, and about the prejudices you face towards someone or something. Many of his thoughts overlap with yours. I still insist that the book should have received its due, and I hope it does in the future. For those who liked the film, and those who found it incomplete, I would heartily recommend this book. You will be captured by its sheer and simple writing style. Here are some quotes to help you:

“ I'm not frightened. I'm not frightened of anything. The more I suffer, the more I love. Danger will only increase my love. It will sharpen it, forgive its vice. I will be the only angel you need. You will leave life even more beautiful than you entered it. Heaven will take you back and look at you and say: Only one thing can make a soul complete and that thing is love.

“ Why? Why does what was beautiful suddenly shatter in hindsight because it concealed dark truths? Why does the memory of years of happy marriage turn to gall when our partner is revealed to have had a lover all those years? Because such a situation makes it impossible to be happy? But we were happy! Sometimes the memory of happiness cannot stay true because it ended unhappily. Because happiness is only real if it lasts forever? Because things always end painfully if they contained pain, conscious or unconscious, all along? But what is unconscious, unrecognized pain?

And many more, do read this and find out more.

candidlycolereads84's review against another edition

5.0

I cried at the beginning of the last chapter! The book was amazing! Effortless and genius from start to finish.

lisamoony's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0