The Reader

A young man's lover vanishes, reappearing on trial for a crime, hiding a secret more damning than murder.

3.8/5 Goodreads · 236,882 ratings

218 pages

$17.00Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

In postwar Germany, young Michael Berg's life changes when Hanna, an enigmatic older woman, rescues him. Their passionate affair ends abruptly when she vanishes. Years later, as a law student, Michael is shocked to find Hanna on trial for a horrific crime. As she remains silent in court, Michael suspects Hanna harbors a secret more damning than the charges against her. What truth is she hiding, and how will it reshape Michael's understanding of love and morality?

From the publisher

INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER - 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. “A formally beautiful, disturbing and finally morally devastating novel.” –Los Angeles Times When he falls ill on his way home from school, fifteen-year-old Michael Berg is rescued by Hanna, a woman twice his age. In time she becomes his lover–then she inexplicably disappears. When Michael next sees her, he is a young law student, and she is on trial for a hideous crime. As he watches her refuse to defend her innocence, Michael gradually realizes that Hanna may be guarding a secret she considers more shameful than murder.

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