When 15-year-old Michael Berg discovers an older woman willing to become his lover, he thinks he’s the student. Yet, intimacy with Hanna comes with one condition–he’s got to read to her first.

Michael never thought much about this odd form of foreplay until years later when Hanna’s on trial as a Nazi war criminal. Michael, who is now a law student, watches as the other guards do their best to shift their blame onto Hanna. But, she couldn’t be to blame, he realizes Hanna couldn’t read nor write.

Yet, Hanna takes the fall for the other defendants. She’s sentenced to life. Their roles reverse and Michael is now the teacher. In the time before talking books, he records chapters and sends them to her.

“The Reader” appears a short, quick read, but the content within is thought-provoking and intense. The author’s language literally transports you to postwar Germany.

My one regret is this book is not bound as a classic should be.  “The Reader” will not stand up to more than a couple of readings, at least in this particular iteration.

Reviewed by Rebecca Kyle.

Note:  This title is also available in another paperback edition that may be of sturdier quality—ISBN 0375707972 (Vintage Books, 1999).