Part One Post

         Part One of The Reader by Bernard Schlink introduces us to fifteen year-old  Michael Berg and leads us through his transition from boy to man as he recovers from illness and discovers his first love. When we meet him Michael is naïve, weak and youthful, however with the introduction of Hanna everything changes. I enjoyed see the transformation of thoughts and growth of Michael in such a short amount of time. Although I found it strange at the beginning, as a reader you get used to the idea of a Hanna and Michael together. Their relationship starts on a very casual basis, like f*ck buddies, however in time it grows into a compassionate love with an undeniable connection. Schlink writes of the constant struggle of power and possession, which is a theme that can be applied to all human relationships, whether they be romantic, political, religious etc. In all relationships there are two sides and through the sprouting romance of Michael and Hanna, clear distinctions are made. In the beginning of their relationship, Michael is completely infactuated with Hanna. He experiences an attraction in which he has never experienced before and finds himself defenseless in her presence. Hanna on the other hand finds power in their relationship, almost using Michael as a little toy- doing whatever she wants at all times. As their relationship advances, their roles in the romance are altered. Michael finds his manhood, becomes more confident and less submissive, while Hanna eventually breaks down the wall she had spent so much time building up. Their sexual connection develops along with their attitudes with one another. Once only objects of pleasure become two people sharing a connection, uniting them as one.

       So far I enjoy this book and I look forward to reading where Hanna has gone and why. It seems she is running away from her problems, scared of what has become with Michael. I also think it will be interesting connecting all the themes mentioned in class today to the novel.