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The Reader

The Reader book cover
TR
Fiction Historical Fiction Classics Romance

by Bernhard Schlink, Carol Brown Janeway

starstarstarstar_halfstar
3.73 (119.9K ratings)
calendar_today 1995
description 216 pages

The Reader by Bernhard Schlink, Carol Brown Janeway holds a well received rating of 3.73 out of 5, based on 119.9K reader ratings. First published in 1995. The book spans 216 pages.

About The Reader

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.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.

Detail Value
Author Bernhard Schlink, Carol Brown Janeway
Published 1995
Pages 216
Genres Fiction, Historical Fiction, Classics, Romance
Average Rating 3.73 / 5.00
Total Ratings 119,911

Reader Ratings & Analysis

Rating Overview

3.7
starstarstarstar_halfstar
119.9K ratings
With a rating of 3.73, The Reader is rated below the global average of 4.17. Compared to its genre average of 3.99, it performs below the genre benchmark. With 119.9K ratings, it is among the most reviewed books in its category.

How It Compares

3.73
This Book
3.99
Romance Average
4.17
Global Average

Frequently Asked Questions

What genre is The Reader?

The Reader is categorized as Fiction, Historical Fiction, Classics, Romance. Its primary genre classification is Romance.

Is The Reader worth reading?

Based on 119.9K reader ratings, The Reader has an average score of 3.73 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received." Its large number of reviews suggests broad reader appeal.

How many pages is The Reader?

The Reader has 216 pages.

Who wrote The Reader?

The Reader was written by Bernhard Schlink, Carol Brown Janeway. It was first published in 1995.

What is the ISBN for The Reader?

The ISBN-13 for The Reader is 9780375408270.0.

Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026