I didn't mind the book as I like to read about Berlin and this was a time of great change. The realpolitik of the comparisons in life between West and East were fascinating as well the pros and cons of before and after ie who wins out in the end. There was an ending to one chapter where my jaw dropped on the floor (the testing loyalties struggle session part). I suppose for what we learnt of Hans he had to have a strange mindset and psychology to do what he did - his authoritarianism and his ability to keep poker face. His establishment views, one may also say `elitist` (he was essentially at the foothills of the GDR elite) reflected his role both in and out of the relationship. The adultery reflects the two sides of his relationship with the state and his neighbours. For me though it was about 50 pages too long. I wish Christopher Isherwood were around at that time to write it.

Thank you for your review. I didn't like the book at all, for me it was a waste of time...