December 31
The Reader
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The Reader was fascinating to me because it examines the idea that we are neither wholly good nor wholly evil. More importantly, it examines the horrible conflict that rages inside a person when they care for someone they know in one regard, but who has a “prior” life they can’t understand. Michael, a 15-year-old German boy, has an affair with Hanna, a 36-year-old woman. Years later, Hanna is on trial for war crimes committed while she served as an SS guard in a concentration camp. Following the trial, Hanna’s imprisoned. Much of the story involves Michael, reconciling his feelings for Hanna and how he has treated her. It is his exploration of the questions for which there are no easy answers, or answers at all.
The Reader belongs to a movement in German literature called Vergangenheitsbewältigung, “the struggle to come to terms with the past.” This genre explores the post-war generation’s approach to the generation before them; the generation that bore witness to Nazi atrocities and perhaps even participated.
That’s it…the end of 2011. Every day of writing this blog has been pure joy to me. I thank you for following along, for your encouragement, and for your friendship. I will always remember 2011 as the year my creative spirit woke up. I look forward to the New Year…2012!
ahh, the last post for the year. didn’t that feel great? i snuck in 3 in one night myself haha.
it’s Jan 1 here already. in fact, it’s almost 3am. i’m still wide awake despite champers and caipirinha so what a great time to say…
HAPPY NEW YEAR! i hope it’s fabulous in every way for you 🙂 x
Dear Lori,
Thank you so much for your comforting comment regarding Le Le. I also want to thank you deeply for inviting me to do a guest post in your interesting blog. Last but not least, I wish you and your loved ones peace, health and continued creativity for the year 2012! Your greyhounds are beautiful (one of my favorite).
I remember really wanting to read that book when it first came out, but I had several stacked up by the bed and told myself to wait. I still have never gotten to it, but I think it would be a very interesting read!
I’m so glad I’ve come to know you this year! I’ve enjoyed your blog every day, and your path to creativity has made me think more consciously about my own! Here’s to 2012 being even better than 2011!
Sounds like a very intriguing read. I will have to get in in 2012. Happy New Year and all the best in 2012!
I will have to check this one out.