I had expected this book to be about the Stasi and the people who worked there, but instead it focused on the people of East Germany and how their lives were completely affected by the organisation. This decision is an excellent one and makes the book an excellent book.
Funder tells a number of different stories; of people who were killed by the Stasi, kept under surveillance, used as informers, attempted to escape, or simply tried to live their lives. All are fascinating and moving. Her triumph though is in showing how, even though the Berlin Wall has fallen, the people who lived with the Stasi influence are still affected. The Wall may be gone physically, however it still exists in the minds of many people.