Beyond the Wall: East Germany, 1949-1990

Katja Hoyer

€ 20.99

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A comprehensive historical account authored by Katja Hoyer that delves into the history of East Germany (the German Democratic Republic, or GDR) from its inception in 1949 to its dissolution in 1990. The book offers an in-depth exploration of the political, social, and cultural aspects of life in East Germany during the Cold War era.

Hoyer, a German-British historian, provides a nuanced narrative that goes beyond the usual portrayal of East Germany as merely a repressive state under Soviet control. She examines the lives of ordinary East Germans, the state's socialist policies, and the ways in which the population navigated the challenges of life in a divided Germany. The book covers key events such as the building of the Berlin Wall, the Stasi's pervasive surveillance, and the eventual fall of the Wall, leading to German reunification.

"Beyond the Wall" also explores the ideological battles between East and West Germany, the economic struggles within the GDR, and the ways in which East Germans created a unique identity and culture despite the regime's authoritarian control. Hoyer draws on a wide range of sources, including personal testimonies, archival materials, and recent scholarship, to present a balanced and detailed account of this complex period in German history.

The book is praised for its accessible writing style, its balanced approach to a controversial subject, and its ability to shed light on the everyday experiences of those who lived under the East German regime. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of Germany, the Cold War, or the dynamics of life in a totalitarian state.