The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

Author: Bernhard Schlink

Genre: Historical Fiction, Classics, German Literature, Romance

Synopsis:

Hailed for its coiled eroticism and the moral claims it makes upon the reader, 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, fifteen-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.

Format: Paperback, 218 pages

Awards: Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Fiction (1997), Exclusive Books Boeke Prize for (1999), Prix des libraires du Québec for Lauréats hors Québec (1997), Prix Laure Bataillon for None (1997), Premio Grinzane Cavour for Narrativa Straniera (1997), Ελληνο-γερμανικό Βραβείο Μετάφρασης for Ιάκωβος Κοπερτί (2000), Dublin Literary Award for Shortlist (1999)

Goodreads Rating: 3.78

*This book is pre-loved, but has been carefully looked through to ensure it is not missing any pages and is in good condition. All visible flaws have been documented in the product photos.