Victor Sebestyen

The GDR was not the Stasiland of grey monotony we imagine

Katja Hoyer evokes the tears and anger – but also the laughter and pride, as citizens raised their children, went on holidays and joked about their politicians

A young boy plays at being a member of the Volkspolizei, the GDR’s police force, East Berlin, 1961. [Getty Images]
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  • Beyond the Wall: East Germany 1949-1990

    Katja Hoyer

    Allen Lane, pp. 465, £25

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