The
Reader
In
a generation struggling to come to grips with what the generation
before them has done, The Reader is the story of love,
betrayal, war, and reading aloud.
The Reader is a quick read, while at the same time being
very emotionally engaging and involving.
Written by a German Law professor and judge Bernhard
Schlink, The Reader was published in Germany in
1995 and in the United States in 1997.
It deals with the difficulties of subsequent generations to
comprehend the Holocaust; specifically, whether its origin and
magnitude can be understood solely by being related through written
and oral media.
About
The Story
When fifteen year
old Michael Berg is struck down by hepatitis, he is helped home by
Frau Schmitz, a stranger from a nearby neighbourhood. When he
recovers, he visits her with flowers to thank her for assisting
him.
He is fascinated by her, and on their third encounter, Michael and
Hanna, who is more than twice his age, begin having an affair.
Michael is swept up by his infatuation with Hanna, but can't help
noticing certain oddities in her behaviour. There relationship
becomes more connected when Michael begins to read to Hanna aloud,
which becomes part of their daily ritual.
As their relationship continues, he becomes more involved in his
school life and the social elements it provides. Hanna seems more
like hard work, but when she unexpectedly leaves the city, Michael
is devastated. No girl can properly be to him what Hanna
was.
Who Is
This Book For?
People with an
interest in the far reaching ramifications of war, particularly the
second world war. Or just people who appreciate really well
written, sensitive, and beautiful reading material. Either
way, I'd recommend it to just about anyone. In fact, this so
happens to be my good friend Lucyinthesky's
favourite book.
This book is rich with such themes should the reader wish to delve
into them; from the nature of the initial relationship between
Michael and Hanna to the deeper thoughts about what the impact of
the war was on the generations after the Nazis, and how their lives
were affected. And because the writing is so beautiful and subtle,
none of these issues are rammed down your throat and no judgement
is called for.
Film
Adaptation
A
film based on the novel is in production, slated for release on
December 12, 2008. The film is directed by Stephen
Daldry with Ralph Fiennes in the lead
role.
Production began in Germany in September 2007. Actress Nicole
Kidman was originally attached to a lead role, but she left it due
to pregnancy. Kate Winslet, who was originally
offered the role but turned it down due to a scheduling conflict,
has been chosen to replace her.
The emotions that fifteen year old main character Michael Berg experience are varied, three-dimensional, and capture the heart of his story. The pacing of the story, which ends up spanning a probably close to twenty five years, is perfectly done for such a small book.
Reference / Image
Credits:Illiterarty
,Biographie
des Autors , Fantastic
Fiction , Wikimedia
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