The Reader Monologues

Post-WWII Germany: Nearly a decade after his affair with an older woman came to a mysterious end, law student Michael Berg re-encounters his former lover as she defends herself in a war-crime trial.

I'm not frightened. I'm not frightened of anything. The more I suffer, the more I love. Danger will only increase my love. It will sharpen it, it will give it spice. I will be the only angel you need. You will leave life even more beautiful than you entered it. Heaven will take you back and look at you and say: Only one thing can make a soul complete, and that thing is love.

I don't know what to say. I've never been with a woman before. We've been together four weeks, and I can't live without you. I can't. Even the thought of it kills me.

I have a piece of information, concerning one of the defendants. Something they do not admitting.

It happens this information is favorable to the defendant. It can help her case. It may even affect the outcome, certainly the sentencing.

There's a problem. The defendant herself is determined to keep this information secret.

Because she's ashamed.

Of course not.

I can't. I can't do that. I can't talk to her.

What are you doing? What is this? Why did you behave as if you didn't know me?

What did you think I was doing? Why the hell did you think I was there?

I didn't mean to upset you.

The Odyssey by Homer. It's my homework.

It just happens to be my birthday. It's my birthday, that's all! In fact, you've never even asked when it is!

No, I don't want a fight! What's wrong with you?

Always on your terms, everything. What you want, it's always what *you* want. My friends were giving me a party.

I brought you these flowers. To say thank you.

I would've come earlier but I've been in bed for three months.

Oh no, I've never been sick before. It's incredibly boring. There's nothing to do. I couldn't even be bothered to read.

I can't live without you. The thought of leaving you kills me. Do you love me?