The Reader

When I was finished this book I felt empty. I couldn't decide if I liked it or not, however, it continues to pop into my thoughts and haunt me, and that is a sure sign that the book affected me.
Being a second generation holocaust survivor from both of my parents, I was raised with the holocaust in my veins, always learning and feeling the emotion of what my parents, their families and friends went through, one horror story after the other. I never took the time to understand what the second generation German people went through, a completely different perspective.
This dysfunctional "kid" (as he is referred to in the book), who even as an adult could not come to terms with his relationship with Hannah, was full of unresolved feelings and emotion too. Hannah herself could not admit and own up to what she had done. Also dysfunctional. A very dramatic book, which more than once, sent chills through me.
I am not sure if I would recommend this book to everyone. It is different. I can't quite put my finger on why. The narrator was fine, nothing special, but not a hindrance either.
What I will say is for a 4 hour book it certainly packs a punch. Will definitely see the movie.

I had no idea that this book was already in theaters. I can't imagine how it will be on the big screen, but as for the book, the writer and the reader, all I can say is that I could not put the book down. How courageous this book is! I cannot say that it answers the questions posed, but I very rarely have heard or read the questions asked. I read a lot, I totally recommend this book. Warning, it is heavy.

My audio library is 900 books. This is the first time I have felt so compelled to comment that I can't not do so. The author's detailed examination of one human's obligations to another is cast upon backgrounds large and small, each easily identifiable thanks to meticulous thought and writing. This is also the first book I have listened to a second time and will do so again and again. It is not for everyone, only those who are up for thinking and whose natural curiosity is drawn toward human dynamics. Thank you, Berhnard Schlink, for taking the time and making the effort to develop your talent for our benefit.

Though I purchased the book at the same time the movie was in theaters, I profoundly enjoyed listening to it. I was surprised by the ending and felt a sense of loss for one of the main characters. I would recommnend this book to anyone.

The Yahoo group for Audible users highly praised this book, and since it was short and inexpensive, I bought it and listened to it right away. I was not as impressed as some. It's a tenderly told coming-of-age story about some very damaged individuals in Germany, in the decades following WW2. Campbell Scott reads beautifully, without resorting to any dialects, which is refreshing, and the narrative is plaintive but fulfilling. In many ways an autopsy of a society, the novel excuses no one and gives a rare glimpse into the souls of a hapless persons in circumstances beyond their control and understanding.

I really enjoyed the story and the characters came to life because of the fine writing of Bernhard Schlink.

A very realistic and emotional story, and just the perfect length. Excellent plot.

Very anxious to listen to his other books.

I was eager to listen/read this after seeing an interview with kate winslet. She spoke of the book with such high praise. I was intrigued by the characters and held in suspense until the very end.

I liked this book very much. I listened to it, at first with a bit of distance, then it drew me into the story. By the end I was twisted and conflicted just as the author wanted me to be.

I wonder if something was lost in translation from the German in this book. I just couldn't get too involved with these characters. It was written coldly and left me bored most of the time. I have studied German history extensively and normally the real stories of the holocaust get me so upset that I wonder why I read this or watched that.

This one left me thinking, well, so what? The seduction of a 15 year old boy affected his entire life. That's not unusual. The context of the German holocaust was the difference here.

It was just so unemotionally written that I didn't relate to anyone and I was glad when it was over.

This was a great listen. I couldn't stop. I was turning the pages in my head and drawing the scenes with every word. It was great!!!