Remember that not long ago, I told you that I hadn’t been much of a reader lately?
Well, I still spend a lot more time walking or surfing the Internet than I do reading. But I do carry a book in my rucksack and will read a few pages while on the bus or the métro.
The other day, I had forgotten the book I was currently reading (still haven’t finished it) and stopped by this bookshop to buy a small book.
Village Voice, in the Latin Quarter
I browsed around, didn’t know what to buy. It had to be a small book as I don’t want to carry heavy books around. So I picked this novel by Bernhard Schlink which I didn’t know anything about, only attracted by its size and the photo of Kate Winslett on the cover. Can you think of a more shallow way of choosing a book? 
Well, I can’t, but it turned out to be the sort of book that I couldn’t put down, although it took me quite a while to read.
The Reader, by Bernhard Schlink
I only realised that Bernhard Schlink was a German writer and that I could easily have bought a translation of the novel in French. But it doesn’t matter. I like reading in English, if only because I am a fast reader and books will last longer when I read in English.
So I started reading, knowing absolutely nothing about the book. I got totally sucked in and was led from one surprise to the next till the end of the story.
In case you haven’t heard anything about it, which is unlikely, I don’t want to mention anything that might be a spoiler.
I’ll just copy a short paragraph.
At first I wanted to write our story in order to be free of it. But the memories wouldn’t come back for that. Then I realized our story was slipping away from me and I wanted to recapture it by writing, but that didn’t coax up the memories either. For the last few years I’ve left our story alone. I’ve made peace with it. And it came back, detail by detail and in such a fully rounded fashion, with its own direction and its own sense of completion that it no longer makes me sad. What a sad story, I thought for so long. Not that I now think it was happy. But I think it is true, and thus the question of whether it is sad or happy nas no meaning whatever.
A must read.
Sounds like it is a pull you in book…I heard the movie was good…
Comment by Beverly — April 11, 2009 @ 11:32 pm |
The movie got rave reviews, but I will probably like the book better. I always do. Thanks for telling us about it, Claude!
Comment by kenju — April 12, 2009 @ 2:42 am |
Ok – that is going on the book pile for the holiday (only time I get to really digest a book properly)
Comment by Peggy — April 12, 2009 @ 7:35 am |
Sounds wonderful, Claude, thank you!
Comment by Sara — April 12, 2009 @ 4:34 pm |
I saw the movie and thought it was outstanding. I wanted to read the book, put my name on a waiting list at the library, that was in DECEMBER. Just got a call from the library – they have the book for me! (Floridians are great readers)
I’m leaving Florida on April 21 so there is no time for reading.
I’ll try to get my hands on a copy when I get settled up north.
Comment by mildred garfield — April 12, 2009 @ 5:33 pm |
I just added it to my reading list.
Happy Easter, Claude!!!!!!!
Comment by Kay Dennison — April 12, 2009 @ 5:48 pm |
I haven’t read it – You have convinced me – by the way – your reasons sound just fine to me
I have ordered the book from our library – I am only number 30 on the waiting list wo there are still a few people waiting to read the book.
Thanks for the recommendation.
Comment by endment — April 12, 2009 @ 10:20 pm |
Just finished it…another quotation that sticks in my mind is “You can chase someone away by setting them in a niche.”
I wish he had gone over to greet her at the swimming pool…but then he would not have been his father’s son…and it would be another story altogether.
Comment by Sara — April 13, 2009 @ 9:42 pm |
I read the book before I saw the movie. Though I’ve enjoyed both, I feel that the movie has lessened the internal conflicts and even blurred the issues somewhat. It’s visually appealing, but it’s the book that speaks much clearly.
Comment by Arti — April 14, 2009 @ 3:14 pm |
I’m on the waiting list for it at the library, but I’ve seen the movie. I found the movie quite moving and meaningful in a sad way.
Comment by vdebolt — April 14, 2009 @ 11:17 pm |
LOVED the movie…now i must read the book! thanks
Comment by M.E. — April 15, 2009 @ 1:27 am |
I enjoyed the movie but as others have noted, books are generally so much better.
Comment by joared — April 22, 2009 @ 10:23 am |
I loved the movie and must now get the book.
Comment by Darlene — May 4, 2009 @ 12:41 am |