Beyond the Wall
East Germany, 1949-1990
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Beyond the Wall
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Narrated by:
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Sam Peter Jackson
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By:
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Katja Hoyer
About this listen
Brought to you by Penguin.
Longlisted for The Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction 2023.
The definitive new history of East Germany by an acclaimed historian
In 1990, a country disappeared. For the previous forty-one years, East Germany had existed in Western minds as more of a metaphor than a place, more of a grey communist blur than a land of real people with friends and families, workplaces and homes. As Germany once again became a single state, the history of the GDR was simplified and politicised. It was nothing but Stasi spies and central planning, nothing but a wall in Berlin.
In Beyond the Wall, acclaimed historian Katja Hoyer looks past these outdated conceptions and toward a more comprehensive history, one that acknowledges border guards, secret police and brutal repression, as well as comprehensive welfare, unprecedented gender equality, and the deconstruction of class privilege. There were those who were silenced, she argues, and also those who felt they had been given a voice for the first time. Both deserve to be heard today.
Based on first-hand accounts and extensive new research, Hoyer presents the history of the GDR as never before—as a kaleidoscope of perspectives, experiences and stories. From the ashes of the Second World War to the fall of the USSR, this is the definitive story of the other Germany, the one beyond the Wall.
©2023 Katja Hoyer (P)2023 Penguin AudioListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about Beyond the Wall
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- P M D Edgington
- 30-08-23
Fascinating and well researched
Covering all aspects of life in the GDR from war recovery to unification this is a comprehensive and interesting book. The author uses voices from the times and places mentioned effectively. The book is narrated clearly and with expression.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Pogo
- 02-05-23
Very well Researched, Detailed and Interesting
I have a deep passion of all things German in the 20th century so this really sparked my interest. The story is so fascinating anyone with a basic grasp of history and politics would definitely also enjoy.
Sam Peter Jackson's performance is flawless, can't wait to read Katja Hoyer's next book, well done all!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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- Neil Ward
- 02-05-24
Fascinating book
The bringing to life of the real story warts and all of the history and struggles of the people of East Germany
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Border Collie
- 03-05-23
An excellent listen. Refreshingly sympathetic to DDR
I thoroughly enjoyed this listen, a great insight and narrative of East Germany. I particularly enjoyed the background stories of the founders of the new state. The book’s view that Stalin was happy for a neutral, unified Germany is a new one for me and I’d like to see more sources for that. Overall the book goes easy on the DDR and doesn’t quite explain the absolute fear of living under such a regime. The author could have mentioned details of how the East German Army recruited former Wehrmacht Generals and adopted Nazi uniform and goose-step. A much needed book, highly recommended.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Oliver Dunn
- 13-12-23
Quality
Excellent good information and good reading. A must listen to for Cold War enthusiasts and researchers
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- Jon-Pol
- 09-01-24
Excellent
Katja Hoyer at her very best - this history of the DDR with emphasis on its human face is a welcome addition to the country’s historiography
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Robin Cross
- 10-03-24
Fascinating multi-faceted dive into the GDR
This book delves into the history of East Germany from political, industrial, cultural and personal angles, and gives a fuller understanding of life beyond the wall and a brief look at the dificulties that came after its fall. Fantastic listen. German initialisms etc. could have been read in English though.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- BigSkip
- 10-04-23
Fantastic insight into the GDR
A really good insight into the history of East Germany. Brings it to life with stories from people who lived through it.
Very well read.
Highly recommended if social history is your thing.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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- Julian
- 18-08-23
Reclaims the stories of the people of the GDR
This is a welcome addition to the historiography of C20th Germany. It is not an apology for the GDR but rather seeks to frame the history of East Germany through the lives and stories of its people. It is a moving exploration of the challenges, successes and undoubted horrors faced by citizens in their everyday lives. A profound and personal history, it is a timely reminder of life beyond the wall that is free of both condescension and ‘ostalgie’ towards its subject matter.
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- DSLR enthusiast
- 11-09-23
Detailed and interesting
Very interesting and unbiased account of the build up and aftermath of this momentous time in history. Some good context to the reliance on Russian gas too. I would recommend to anyone seeking to broader their knowledge of this unique period of history.
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