From Publishers Weekly
This rambling exploration of life on both sides of the cold war's most tangible line of demarcation is an intensely personal account by a former Central American correspondent for the Observer. Walker's friendships with the people he writes about provides an immediacy and an understanding that might otherwise be lacking. Unfortunately, Walker's private and decidedly pro-Communist political leanings are also given free rein, resulting in unabashed attacks on the West and embarrassing apologetics for and homilies on the East. He vividly portrays the seedier side of West Berlinthe only side he deals withwithout elaboration, but a reference to long food lines in East Berlin prompts him to explain that the queues allow a more equitable distribution of scarce resources. When he remarks to a friend that "what the west calls Soviet imperialism is not really comparable to US imperialism," it is clear which he considers the real evil.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
When it comes to drama, tragedy, intrigue, and downright kinkiness, the two Berlins have few urban rivals. The author of this fascinating personal account, a young British journalist with a taste for the marginal, provides the reader with a kaleidoscopic view of the city. Never forgetting that Berlin is an East-West flashpoint where two competing systems are obliged to coexist side by side, Walker shows us the city through the eyes of his numerous contacts, friends, and acquaintanceson both sides of the wall. The result is colorful armchair travel writing at its most entertaining. However, readers in search of more practical information should stick to the standard guides. Ian Wallace, Agriculture Canada Lib., St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
