Ryan Pearson Part One

            Part One of Bernard Schlink’s The Reader seems to be comparable to what I imagine Fifty Shades of Gray must be like in terms of sexual density. It is definitely the most erotic story I have ever read. Michael Berg comes off like a regular, everyday teenager who happens to have an older woman who wants to have sex with him. He is observant, detailing ever aspect of Hanna’s body as they bathe each other. He quickly becomes obsessed with her and craves her to the point that he lies to his family and would rather spend time with her than them.

            I find it interesting that Schlink hasn’t outwardly identified that Hanna is a pedophile. Their relationship comes across as normal, although the author occasionally drops phrases like the pool incident, where it can be inferred that Hanna is aware of the trouble that could come from the relationship. Strangely, however, this is never confirmed as Hanna’s reasoning for why she does not want to be seen with him.

            Separately, it perplexes me that Hanna is comfortable calling Michael Berg “kid” while they are in a sexual relationship. It is telling of his character, though I am not sure yet what of, that Michael remains to call Hanna by her name while she becomes more elaborate in her nicknames for him. The dynamic of their relationship is very confusing, given Hanna’s battle between aggression and compassion for her lover. In one instance, she beats him till there is blood all over his shirt, before telling him that she would bathe and clean him up. There is some deeper symbolism in the ritual of bathing before sex, but I cannot make out what it is yet.

The book reads quickly and fluidly, though it is a lot to read over the course of one week.

Ryan Pearson