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A review by enoemo
Der Vorleser by Bernhard Schlink
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Comes with a solid amount of trigger warnings - please be aware of the pedophilia and grooming that happens in this book. I found it interesting and well written, but not much more than that. The thought process of the narrator is understandable and makes sense in light of the gaslighting and grooming he faced, but it lacked something for me personally. It raises some interesting points about the processing of the holocaust post-war, but then again, I do feel like there's other works of literature that do this in a more profound way with a more lasting impact.
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Antisemitism, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Child death, Chronic illness, Sexual content, Suicide, and Grief
Minor: Vomit