The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

The Reader

Bernhard Schlink with Carol Brown Janeway (Translator)

224 pages • first pub 1995 (editions)

fiction historical literary dark mysterious reflective slow-paced

Description

Hailed for its coiled eroticism and the moral claims it makes upon the reader, this mesmerizing novel is a story of love and secrets, horror and compassion, unfolding against the haunted landscape of postwar Germany.When he falls ill on his way ho...

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Community Reviews Summary of 9,656 reviews

Moods

reflective 72%
dark 56%
emotional 55%
sad 42%
challenging 33%
tense 22%
mysterious 16%
informative 15%
adventurous 3%
inspiring 3%
hopeful 1%

Pace

medium 53%
slow 26%
fast 20%

Plot- or character-driven?

Character: 59% | A mix: 33% | Plot: 6% | N/A: 1%

Strong character development?

Yes: 46% | It's complicated: 32% | No: 19% | N/A: 1%

Loveable characters?

No: 47% | It's complicated: 41% | Yes: 9%

Diverse cast of characters?

No: 81% | It's complicated: 7% | Yes: 5% | N/A: 4%

Flaws of characters a main focus?

Yes: 82% | It's complicated: 12% | No: 3% | N/A: 1%

Average rating

3.63

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Content Warnings

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