Title: The Reader
Author: Bernhard Schlink
What I think so far: After reading The Book Thief, I have really been into German War novels, but the ones that aren’t too difficult and a bit chick flick-y, hence why I decided to take on The Reader. Unlike some German war novels, The Reader has a really interesting plot and narrative structure, with a clear beginning, middle and end based around 15 year old Michael’s intimate affair with the 35 year old mysterious Hanna, which blooms due to unexpected terms. Schlink successfully keeps the reader left in the dark with one of the main issues surrounding their taboo relationship, which becomes immensely obvious as the novel proceeds: Hanna is illiterate. The Reader deals with the controversial topic of illiteracy in post-war Germany, where everyone is full of hatred and anger at the previous events. But is Hanna to blame? Did she really know what she was doing, or is illiteracy completely unrelated to those unforgivable actions? This book kept me completely hooked until the last page, which shocked me and made me question many issues proposed throughout, along with being intriguing and a fairly easy read.
Would I recommend?: Definitely so; for those wanting to read something a bit more factual while still being an easy going book, this would be a great choice. It’s intellectually stimulating while still keeping you hanging on every word.
Rating: 9/10
Words by Holly Cockburn