Read To Me

The Reader is another novel where I have already seen the film version. Only I think I enjoyed the film much more than the book.

Questions of German Guilt are always fascinating to me, being that way inclined myself (prone to guilt. Not German. Or Nazi). When I was in Berlin, I was astounded by the lack of references to Hitler, the man. Goebbels got a run, as did Goering. The Holocaust was acknowledged and never denied, but the Chancellor himself was never really even referred to. Not even in the Holocaust Museum.

The idea that one man's twisted vision was not only not fought against, but was upheld and fought FOR by millions of otherwise sane and reasonable Germans.

Bernard Schlink's novel, more so than the film, explores the loss of innocences of Michael, and how he feels about his experiences at the hand (and body) of an ex SS guard. As a part of the post WWII generation, he is coping with the righteousness of railing against the past, of blaming their parents and questioning their lack of action.

Hanna's character, without Kate Winslet's giant swimming pool eyes, is not nearly as sympathetic in the book. She is always the predator. Always the manipulator, always the heartbreaker. Before the Oscars, Winslet and the film were accused of Nazi sympathising, which I think was just a bad PR choice by rival studios. While the film does evoke some sympathy for Hanna, it does so because of her crippling pride and illiteracy. The fact is Hitler, while monstrous in his actions was actually human. As were all the people that signed on to be a member of the party, to be an employee of the Reich, to wear an SS uniform. And each of these people had reasons for why they signed on. The novel, and more so the film, explore the humanity of the monsters of the Holocaust. Both are worthy of attention even for the questions they raise about justice, blame and guilt