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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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  • 4 out of 5 stars
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Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Dysfunctional

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.

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30 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

Not for everyone

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.

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25 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

The Reader, whew

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.

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13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Incredible.

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.

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13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

The listener

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.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

WONDERFUL

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.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

G?nial!!!!!!!!

C'est mon premier audiobook et il g?nial.
La notion de culpabilit? partag?e et personne y est tr?s bien d?velopp?e.
C'est livre qui vous touche.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Intriguing and controversial

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.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars

Left Me Cold

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.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars

A Downer

I read books for pleasure or inspiration or knowledge of history or people. This was none of those. The writing, per se, was fine, even better than that probably, but there was a dull grey sky hanging over it all.

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2 people found this helpful