Discussion date: May 8, 2006

What we thought:

Those who rated this book 3 stars commented that none of the characters were likeable or sympathetic and they didn't enjoy reading about them. Some were also bothered by the sexual relationship between 15-year-old Michael and the much older Hanna. Others gave it 4 stars or even 4.5 because the story was so compelling, intense, thought-provoking, and lingered in their minds long after the book was finished. One comment was that the characters were difficult to relate to because they had constructed a sort of protective armor in the aftermath of the horrors of the Holocaust. Certainly, this was a book which inspired discussion on many levels -- personal, emotional, social, and historical.

Reading Group Guide
Discussion from Oprah's Book Club