Stasi State or Socialist Paradise?: The German Democratic Republic and What Became of it

It is really hard to find an objective book on a communist country, let alone East Germany. This book, is one of them. The authors, who either lived or travelled to East Germany, certainly have their biases, but do not let that bring your potential interest in this book down. You'll learn something new about East Germany, and it might change your perspectives about it! Definitely recommend this book.

very well written book. different perspectives are great. Be sure to read the notes at the end of the book to get further clarity

An excellent short overview of the GDR one that has been forgotten by modern history

It's difficult to find media that doesn't constantly demonize the GDR/East Germany. This book, while not shying away from pointing out certain negative points, actually makes the effort to highlight some positives! As I read this, it reminded me of Kristin Ghodsee's book, Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism.

I read the Kindle version. Although there were some formatting errors and a slight lack of editing (at least in this version) the book was an absolute gem. I was completely surprised by how thorough it was and by the information itself. I plan on buying the soft cover just so I can own a physical copy. Highly recommended!

Having a vast collection of books on the DDR, and having been taught to always look at both sides of any story and finally visiting the Wall on both options of the frontier, I was interested in pursuing the Ostalgie version. There is little doubt that there were numerous accomplishments that are clearly outlined and frankly not debatable. East Germany regularly out medalled the West in sports, as often did Communist Hungary. Strip away all the pros and cons and the bottom line remains: Any society regardless of their political leanings cannot be viewed as a success, when owning some of the highest levels of "self-murder" (aka suicide) between 1950 and 1990 in the world. Both Hungary and the DDR had that dubious honour, kept secret by the one party governments of the Socialist paradise.

The book is careful enough to show the benefits and the contradictions of a socialist state that achieved a lot in 40 years of existence. It is a good and honest evaluation of a society and its people.

very fact delivery! great book

The description of GDR was fascinating having known little about it other than the negative aspects. I did find that efforts to cond3mn what would have been seen as the west excessive and this irritat. However what really appalled me is the haste with which everything about the GDR was destroyed. Reunification wasn't a merger butvin effect a takeover by the FDR. The bo, despi, it's faults, is a badly needed attempt to reset the record of GDR. I can understand why those who live in East Germany feel badly treated - they weren't just badly treated they were robbed and made to feel like second class citize.

It's written in a neutral style, lighting up both positive and negative sides of the GDR.