The Reader by Bernhard Schlink
"The Reader" is a poignant narrative centered around a young German boy's complex relationship with an older woman, who later turns out to be a former Auschwitz guard. Their relationship begins with her teaching him to read, but takes a drastic turn when she disappears, only to reemerge on trial for war crimes. The novel explores themes of guilt, shame, and redemption, as the boy, now a law student, grapples with his feelings for a woman he once loved, but whose past actions he cannot reconcile with.
The 479th greatest book of all time
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This book is on the following lists:
- 14th on Big Read (German) (Germany)
- 247th on The 500 best books of all time from Culture Café users (Culture Café)
- The Bigger Read List (English PEN)
- 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die (The Book)
- Best Foreign Work of Fiction Chosen by Francophone Writers (French literary magazine Transfuge)