Tuesday, December 22, 2009

The Reader - by Bernhard Schlink

This tale about a young  man's coming of age is surprisingly woven into a jarring Holocaust trial. Michael Berg meets Hannah by accident. He is 15, she is older. She is an unlikeable sexual teacher to a young boy grasping for attention he doesn't receive at home. The first half of the book follows their love affair and perfectly details a young boy's emotional hurricane as his mistress toys with his heart.
As Michael matures and begins law school he is seated in the audience of a Holocaust trail. The accussed? Hannah. Michael follows the trial to it's conclusion and his life is forever changed by the experience.
This was an Oprah pick which I didn't realize until I just googled it. It isn't one of her more sappy choices. The story is about remaining strong yet allowing forgiveness where none may be deserved.
This one could be a keeper so I'd suggest you buy it.