Annemarie's Reviews> The Reader

The Reader by Bernhard Schlink
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bookshelves: read-in-german

The biggest problem I had with this book was the fact that it made me feel...nothing.
I didn't feel connected to the characters or to any part of the plot. This is quite a bummer, as it deals with a pretty heavy topic.
I feel like the author intended to write the story this way though, because the writing style in general has a certain type of "coldness" to it, and the true feelings of a character are never really explored. Some people might not be bothered by this, but I personally simply prefer feeling close and connected to the characters of a story.

This doesn't make the entire book bad though. It certainly was interesting, andBernhard Schlinkis skillful with how he uses words. He describes mundane activities in a wonderful and fascinating way, and this makes me understand 100% why so many schools choose this novel as part of their required reading material.
I also appreciated how he always got straight to the point, instead of writing unnecessary details to prolong the plot points we all already know are coming.
I also couldn't help but feel disgusted at the things taking place in the first part of the book, and I wish the problematic aspects were explored further, instead of just brushing upon the issue later on.

Overall, this was a good book to read inbetween, but nothing life changing or special.
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Reading Progress

September 14, 2018 – Started Reading
September 14, 2018 – Shelved
September 16, 2018 – Shelved as: read-in-german
September 16, 2018 – Finished Reading

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message 1: by [deleted user] (new)

Excellent review, Anne!


Annemarie J.K. wrote: "Excellent review, Anne!"

Thank you very much!


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