With a comparative perspective and a constant shift of viewpoints, this book offers a fresh and unique understanding of both West Germany and the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Weidenfeld describes how various aspects developed differently in both states, such as the role of women in work and family, child-rearing practices, education in schools, workplace affiliations, consumer behavior, and the peculiarities of daily life – after all, there were two separate countries. Surprisingly, commonalities also emerge, including the idea of the "typical German." In both blocs, "the Germans" were regarded as hardworking model citizens. Could there be a shared national culture, a shared mentality?
Weidenfeld examines not only diverse aspects that shaped life in both states – from West Germany's economic miracle to the family model in the GDR – but also influential figures such as Willy Brandt and Udo Lindenberg. The latter struggled for a long time to be allowed to perform in the GDR and eventually gave a single concert on East German soil in 1983, under strict surveillance by the Stasi.
"A highly compelling analysis of an era poised between the present and history that is truly worth reading." Deutschlandfunk Kultur on Die Kanzlerin
