You know when a book is a three-star read and then suddenly in the last few pages it turns into a four-star? That, with Olga by Bernhard Schlink.

The story is set in Prussia at the turn of the 20th century. It is structured around a woman, Olga, who has been raised by her aloof grandmother. Olga fights against the norms and expectations of the time, obtains an education, and eventually trains to become a teacher. An important part of Olga’s story is her enduring love for Herbert, a local aristocrat. Herbert’s family have plans for him to marry someone of equal social standing, and to take over the family estate. However, Herbert’s love for Olga, and his own obsession with adventure and glory result in a different path for him – exploring foreign countries and periodically returning to Olga. Continue reading →