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The Reader  By  cover art

The Reader

By: Bernhard Schlink, Carol Janeway - translator
Narrated by: Campbell Scott
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Publisher's summary

Hailed for its coiled eroticism and the moral claims it makes upon the listener, 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, 15-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.

©2008 Bernhard Schlink (P)2008 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"A formally beautiful, disturbing and finally morally devastating novel." ( Los Angeles Times)
"Moving, suggestive and ultimately hopeful. . . . [ The Reader] leaps national boundaries and speaks straight to the heart." ( The New York Times Book Review)
"Arresting, philosophically elegant, morally complex. . . . Mr. Schlink tells his story with marvelous directness and simplicity." ( The New York Times)
"Haunting. . . . What Schlink does best, what makes this novel most memorable, are the small moments of highly charged eroticism." ( Francine Prose, Elle)

What listeners say about The Reader

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
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It hits you in the feels. Hard.

A moving story, and a larger metaphore. The Reader asks questions of how those not witness to the holocaust reconcile relationships with individuals and a society that did.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great experience

Amazing story and an exceptional narration by Campbell. For a long time, everything I will hear will seem bland .

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

One of the best books I've read in months

Any additional comments?

A thoughtful, brilliantly written, powerful story. True to life, mesmerizing- it utterly draws you in.

What begins as a coming of age sexual adventure, turns into a story both rich and complex, endearing and tragic.

I cannot recommend it enough.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great, quick listen

I had seen the movie first, but no real surprises here. The movie adaptation was actually quite close to the book. Very interesting story, and the narration was great.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Completely Undone

Just finished, I'm incapable of doing this book's review justice ,the story's too good, it's too soon, must reflect post Audible listen. Melancholy anyone ? No, ignore last statement . I think you'll thank me if you only 🎶 listen while a tale is well told.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Love and Death

A sensitive story about a mismatched-couple whose relationship changes their lives. Heartbreaking love story amid the death camps of Germany.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful Story.

This was a remarkable story about love and loss and regret. It had me feeling a range of emotions.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

A Moral Discourse

Okay already...a movie...an 'important' theme...got it. However, there is nothing exceptional about the writing. I'm glad it wasn't stretched out into a 15 hour audiobook. You could do worse...but you could also do better.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

I liked it

I enjoyed listening to this book - the story between a younger man and older woman was compelling - the fact that "the Kid" never really let go was sad - I never expected the story to go in the direction it did - I'm looking forward to seeing the movie now.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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good book

I thought this book was very well written and loved the way he described the relationship.

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