Frank H. (perryfran) reviewed on 5/13/2023 + 1223 more book reviews

This was a very hard-hitting and thought-provoking novel that raises questions regarding the atrocities committed by the Nazis during the Holocaust and whether subsequent generations should be held responsible. The protagonist of the novel is Michael Berg who fell ill on his way home from school when he was fifteen. He is rescued and taken home by Hanna Schmitz, a streetcar conductor in her thirties. But when Michael returns a week later to thank her, he and Hanna fall into a passionate love affair. Hanna also wants Michael to read to her which he does for several weeks. Then Hanna mysteriously disappears leaving Michael devastated. Later when Michael is in law school he attends a trial for a hideous Nazi war crime and finds that Hanna is one of the defendants. Hanna was a guard for the SS and served at Auschwitz and she is reluctant to adequately defend herself. As Michael watches the trial he realizes that she is hiding something she considers more humiliating than murder. Hanna is sentenced to prison and Michael must try to reconcile the terrible crimes she is accused of with his love for her.

This was a rather short novel that I was able to read in one afternoon. But it was also a very heart-wrenching and spellbinding story full of love and secrets, horror and compassion. Hanna was someone you feel sorry for even though she has undoubtedly committed some horrendous crimes. The novel really raises some hard issues regarding the responsibilities of blame for the Holocaust. Schlink raises the question of rather subsequent generations should share in this blame. A really thought-provoking read.

Edit: I rewatched the movie after finishing the book. I originally saw it not long after it was released in 2008. Kate Winslet won an Oscar for her performance but I feel the book really explained the details and events much better.

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