The Granddaughter By Bernhard Schlink
The Gulf Harbour Book Club met on February 2 to discuss The Granddaughter by Bernhard Schlink. We had 33 in attendance in person.
If you weren’t there, you missed a real treat by not meeting Bernhard. As I concluded the session I told him you are a gentleman, a scholar and a real charmer. His presentation in answering our questions was so serene. His upbringing by his mother was on display for us to admire.
Linda Rosalanko did a remarkable job on his biography. Bernhard Schlink was born in Germany, July of 1944, to a German father and Swiss mother. His father Edmund had been a seminary professor and pastor in the anti-Nazi Confessing Church. Over the course of four decades Edmund Schlink became one of the most influential Lutheran theologians in the world.
Bernhard was brought up in Heidelberg from the age of two. He studied law at West Berlin’s Free University and University of Heidelberg. He became a Constitutional court judge in 1988 and in 1992, a professor of public law and the philosophy of law at Humboldt University, Berlin.
Bernhard’s career as a writer began with several detective novels with a character named Selb, the German word for Self. It won the Glauser Prize in 1989.
His best-known book The Reader was published in 1995. A novel about a teenager who has an affair with a woman in her 30s who suddenly vanishes but whom he meets again as a law student when visiting a trial about war crimes. This novel became an international best seller and was translated into 39 languages. It won the Hans Fellada Prize, a German literary prize. It was the first German book to reach number 1 on the New York Times best seller list. In 2008 the book was made into a film, starring Kate Winslet for which she won the Oscar.
Key themes of Bernhard’s books include:
• how guilt can attach to a whole society, not just perpetrators and how younger generations grapple with the legacy of their ancestors,
• how law, politics and personal narratives are used to confront and process historical wrongs,
• forgiveness and reconciliation.
Bernhard has written at least 20 books and won at least as many literary awards. It was difficult for me to tally. So that would be my question for Bernhard, how many books have you written? He resides in Berlin and New York City and has a son.
His writing style he said was that books come to him. It takes him a year to complete a book.
(Blurb from Exclusive Books)
“May, 1964. At a youth festival in East Berlin, an unlikely young couple fall in love. In the bright spring days, anything seems possible for them – it is only many years later, after her death, that Kaspar discovers the price his wife paid to get to him in West Berlin. Shattered by grief, Kaspar sets off to uncover Birgit’s secrets in the East. His search leads him to a rural community of neo-Nazis, and to a young girl who accepts him as her grandfather. Their worlds could not be more different – but he is determined to fight for her. From the author of the no.1 international bestseller The Reader, The Granddaughter is a gripping novel that transports us from the divided Germany of the 1960s to contemporary Australia, asking what might be found when it seems like all is lost.
MY THOUGHTS
The Granddaughter is a poignant exploration of family, identity, and the complexities of national pride set against the backdrop of Germany’s turbulent history. The story begins with Kaspar, an elderly bookstore owner in Berlin, grieving the recent loss of his wife, Birgit. In his search to hold on to her memory, he discovers secrets that lead him to Svenja, Birgit’s estranged daughter, and Sigrun, his step-granddaughter, who is growing up in a neo-Nazi family.
Determined to build a relationship with Sigrun, Kaspar navigates the challenging dynamics of her extremist upbringing while striving to impart a broader worldview. As Sigrun comes of age, she grapples with her heart, character, and curiosity, seeking independence from her parents’ influence and finding the courage to live life on her own terms. The story unfolds through Kaspar’s lonely journey, Sigrun’s growth, and the strained relationship with Svenja, leaving readers to contemplate the multiple endings and what-ifs.
THEMES
Schlink explores the themes of nationhood, identity, and the struggle between appreciating cultural heritage while acknowledging historical atrocities. The book also explores family dynamics, the impact of extremist ideologies, and the personal growth of individuals as they reconcile with their past and present.
WHAT WORKED
• Character Development: Schlink excels at crafting nuanced, believable characters. Kaspar’s integrity, patience, and continued love for Birgit shine through, while Sigrun’s journey from a sheltered upbringing to self-discovery is compelling.
• Emotional Depth: The emotional journey of the characters, particularly the relationship between Kaspar and Sigrun, is touching and thought-provoking.
• Cultural Insight: The book offers a fascinating glimpse into the right-wing conservative lifestyle of the German volkisch community and their revisionist historical perspectives.
WHO MAY ENJOY THIS BOOK
• Readers interested in contemporary German fiction and historical themes.
• Those who appreciate character-driven narratives with emotional depth.
• Individuals curious about the complexities of national identity and extremist ideologies.
CONCLUSION
The Granddaughter is a heartwarming and heartbreaking exploration of family, identity, and national pride. Schlink’s ability to weave intricate character dynamics with historical context makes for a compelling read. While the book may be slow for some readers, its thought-provoking themes and emotional depth make it a worthwhile journey. The open-ended nature of the story allows readers to reflect on the what-ifs and choose their own conclusions, making it a unique and engaging experience. Highly recommended for those who enjoy introspective and culturally rich narratives.
Thank you to Exclusive Books for the opportunity to read this book.
The Gulf Harbour Book Club meets on the first Monday of each month in the Fitness Center. If you want to join the Book Club email [email protected]. Zoom is available for Members if the author allows it. We had 9 authors lined up for the 2025/2026 season. We already had Kristen Harmel, Jane Yang and Abi Dare and Zelly Ruskin, Kate Quinn and Bernhard Schlink. January is Bernhardt Schlinke. March is Theo of Golden, April is Chris Torockio for The Soul Hunters.
