"The Reader," written by Bernhard Schlink, follows the complex relationship between a young boy named Michael Berg and an older woman, Hanna Schmitz. Their affair begins when Michael is just fifteen and is deeply affected by their passionate yet secretive connection. Hanna introduces him to the world of literature, reading various works to him, which not only deepens their bond but also shapes Michael's outlook on life. However, Hanna's sudden disappearance leaves Michael heartbroken and confused, marking a pivotal moment in his adolescence.
Years later, Michael, now a law student, encounters Hanna again during a war crimes trial, where he learns of her past as a guard at a concentration camp. This revelation complicates his feelings towards her; he grapples with the intersection of personal love and moral judgement. The story delves into themes of guilt, shame, and the struggle to reconcile personal history with collective memory. Michael's understanding of Hanna evolves, revealing the complexities of human relationships influenced by historical trauma.
