Goethe Book Club: "The Reader"

The Goethe Book Club, hosted by Chris Walker, meets once a month to discuss works from contemporary German-speaking authors and explore experiences with the text.

Each selection can be read in its English translation or original German; the discussion will be in English. No registration required, simply pick up a copy from our Pop Up Library or from our partner The Raven Book Store. Copies can also be obtained online via most major retailers in hard copy or digital format.

This month’s book for discussion: Bernard Schlink’s The Reader (1995)

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. She enthralls him with her passion, but puzzles him with her odd silences. Then she inexplicably disappears.
When Michael next sees her, he is a young law student and Hanna is on trial for a hideous crime. But as he watches her refuse to defend herself, Michael gradually realizes that his former love may be guarding a secret she considers more shameful than murder.