Reading: Hearts Without Walls

In her book, Viola Ramsden recounts the life stories of East German Christians. In a personal and intimate, emotional and historical manner, she traces the biographies of various generations of East Germans—from children of the war to those born after the fall of the Berlin Wall. She recounts what people in East Germany experienced and survived during different eras and under various social systems. Despite many biographical disruptions, she discovers above all resilience, a zest for life, perseverance and tenacity, social engagement, as well as mental and spiritual strength in her interviewees.
Especially on social media, the author’s content primarily reaches users from Generations Y and Z. Many younger people are drawn to questions about the GDR and the reunification era, and they find a point of contact in Viola Ramsden. Through her book and on social media, she aims to foster empathy, understanding, and mutual appreciation between the different generations.

Quotes about the book:
“When people with East German backgrounds talk about their life experiences, the word ‘devaluation’ often comes up. Viola Ramsden’s book, however, outlines how the interviewees’ grounding in the Christian faith was able to enhance their life paths.” (Quote from Dr. Tanja Kasischke in "Der Sonntag" and "die Kirche" from an article about the book "Hearts Without a Wall—How Christians Experienced the GDR, the Peaceful Revolution, and the Time That Followed")
“This isn’t just something for the mind. It touches the heart. And that’s exactly where—in the heart—we need to reconnect with one another in our country. But that requires us to let our hearts be moved by each other’s stories. And that’s exactly what the biographies in this book accomplish.” (Frank Döhler, pastor in Dresden)