tamaralgage1's review against another edition
5.0
This was NOT what I was expecting from the title. My assumption would be a discussion of literature, etc. Once again, I did not read any descriptions or reviews prior to starting the book. Someone had indicated this was their favorite book … EVER … High praise. When I consulted by spreadsheet of TBR books, I found this book had already been recommended to me twice. So it became the next up. As I progressed through the first 1/3 of the book, I thought why is this called 'The Reader' since I could have found any number of more suitable names. Then the shoe drop figuratively speaking and I understood the all too perfect title.
I don't want to give away the story. But I am reminded of a resent book I read that talked about shame. A very powerful emotion that control our actions beyond reason. The book is set in a post WW II German. I have read many books regarding events of this time period. But nothing like this … I won't say this is a must read. Quite frankly there is more to learn than some people are willing to absorb. But it is a good book and worth the time.
I don't want to give away the story. But I am reminded of a resent book I read that talked about shame. A very powerful emotion that control our actions beyond reason. The book is set in a post WW II German. I have read many books regarding events of this time period. But nothing like this … I won't say this is a must read. Quite frankly there is more to learn than some people are willing to absorb. But it is a good book and worth the time.
hcchilders's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
NOT for the faint of heart. Those who gave a negative review might need to revisit the subject matter in a different headspace. At first, I almost couldn't get past the first section. I am so glad that I kept reading.
The plot of the first section is nauseating. The character development and the writing made the entire thing worth it. I think this is a beautiful book about deep trauma and second-generation guilt after the Holocaust. Incredible writing, too!
The plot of the first section is nauseating. The character development and the writing made the entire thing worth it. I think this is a beautiful book about deep trauma and second-generation guilt after the Holocaust. Incredible writing, too!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Religious bigotry, Xenophobia, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, and Sexual content
jo_reads_letters's review against another edition
4.0
Dieses Buch ist eine der vielen Lektüren aus dem Deutschunterricht, mit dem großen Unterschied, dass ich sie freiwillig innerhalb kürzester Zeit gelesen habe.
Natürlich ist die Romanze illegal. Doch die Veränderung der Handlung baut darauf auf, um die Situation zu unterstreichen.
Der Schreibstil ist wahrscheinlich mit der Grund, warum ich gebunden, gar gefesselt, war an dieses Buch.
So viel kann ich nun aussagen: Es wird mich verfolgen.
Natürlich ist die Romanze illegal. Doch die Veränderung der Handlung baut darauf auf, um die Situation zu unterstreichen.
Der Schreibstil ist wahrscheinlich mit der Grund, warum ich gebunden, gar gefesselt, war an dieses Buch.
So viel kann ich nun aussagen: Es wird mich verfolgen.
johannemalin's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
flobeulah's review against another edition
2.0
I love to read about the holocaust
It’s one of those subjects that even though we have so so so many books on it, it feels like there could still be more.
But from all the books I've read this one was the only one who make you wander about what was in the guards.
And somehow you start to empathize with them a little and to think of them as humans.
It’s one of those subjects that even though we have so so so many books on it, it feels like there could still be more.
But from all the books I've read this one was the only one who make you wander about what was in the guards.
And somehow you start to empathize with them a little and to think of them as humans.
hannixo's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
leo122's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kaiser_merengues's review against another edition
5.0
Just re-read, still an interesting read about humanity and compassion.
jayra's review against another edition
4.0
3.5/5
I have watched the movie for 3-4 times because I could not understand that I proceed with the book. I have read carefully not to miss out any detail because this book requires deep thinking and understanding. Some might thought this book is dull or maybe annoying because honestly this book is fully infused with guilt, dominance and betrayal.
I would prefer the movie even if I had trouble understand it first, kudos to Kate Winslet who is the perfect Hanna.
But give the book a try to digest.
I have watched the movie for 3-4 times because I could not understand that I proceed with the book. I have read carefully not to miss out any detail because this book requires deep thinking and understanding. Some might thought this book is dull or maybe annoying because honestly this book is fully infused with guilt, dominance and betrayal.
I would prefer the movie even if I had trouble understand it first, kudos to Kate Winslet who is the perfect Hanna.
But give the book a try to digest.
cec7le's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0