The Reader

by: Bernhard Schlink

Published by: Vintage International division of Random House

Reviewed by Dawn M. Ekinia

Michael Berg, a young man in his mid teens, falls ill one day–and he is found by an elegant woman. This lady, twice his age, takes him into her home and possesses his mind, body and soul. Hanna is a mysterious woman, which entices Michael into a world of passion, healing and curiosity. He patiently waits for Hanna to return from work to relive the beauty of their affair, despite how puzzled he is by her quiet personality.

Michael’s sudden confidence in how he carries himself is noticed by family and friends. It is through Hanna that Michael is allowed to relish in the love and compassion of a simple lady that shows him what love can bring.

One day, while waiting for Hanna’s return from work, he learns that she has mysteriously disappeared. Solemn and heartbroken, Michael tries feverishly to find his lovely lady’s whereabouts–but to no avail. The one person who gave his life true meaning, joy and self-worth, has left him without a reason or cause.

As the years pass and Michael moves on with his life, he never once lets the image of Hanna leave his heart. Now a law student, while working with a group for one of his classes, Michael is suddenly presented with Hanna once again in his life. She is on trial for a murder that she refuses to admit she committed. Michael reaches out to Hanna for any absolution to why she won’t speak the truth. Michael questions Hanna’s actions and beings to put the pieces together of the secret she is hiding. He goes on his own quest to seek answers to her mysterious past.

But is Hanna’s need to guard her shame worth being blamed for murder?

I was mesmerized by the storyline of The Reader. It was filled with curiosity and intrigue as you watch a young man’s life transform from one of innocence to adulthood. I found myself turning page after page to learn Hanna’s secret. What would cause a woman to risk her freedom due to a past she chooses to hide?

Armchair Interviews says: Well-done fiction that pulls you in and holds you tight.