An interesting read Joe, I have read and seen most TV and films of all things to do with the East Germans. The Wall, The peoples story by Christopher Hilton gives a far different picture of life in the eastern sector.
For a comprehensive picture of the true horror this book is a must read.
Joe, I have had a couple of recent visits to Berlin which I found to be a fascinating city, for anyone like yourself that experienced the `pre-wall` city the change have been enormous.