4 stars for The Reader by Bernhard Schlink.
The Reader is a tragic story of a whole life lived. It is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel that explores the complexities of human relationships, guilt, and redemption.
Set in post-war Germany, The Reader begins with the unusual relationship, one of unequal experience and power, between a young German man 15-year old Michael Berg and an older woman 36-year old Hanna Schmitz, who harbours a dark secret. The story later turns into a philosophical enquiry into the effects of the Holocaust on a generation whose parents are perceived as at best complicit, at worst perpetrators. Central to the story is the question: what is to be done with the knowledge and the guilt of the Holocaust?
Through Michael's narrative that spans over the years, the author masterfully weaves together themes of love and moral responsibility, raising important questions about the nature of humanity and the consequences of our actions.
A haunting and unforgettable read. This is a story that will linger in your mind long after you finish the book.
