The Bicycle Teacher

Nicely written with valuable insights into another society. The only negative was hundreds of nagging Kindle-version errors, which we were compelled to correct using Calibre before we finished the book.My wife was born and raised in the GDR and we married in that country before she was allowed to emigrate to the USA. Therefore, we have first hand experience with the Stasi and their iron grip on the society.The author’s positive GDR prospective is valid. Many citizens had a very good life there, were able to nicely cope with a belief system that was inconsistent, idealistic and, at the end, could never survive in the modern world. While having a gnawing desire to see the world beyond the border, most GDR citizens avoided Stasi scrutiny by demonstrating obedience to the communist doctrine.The Bicycle Teacher’s origin from a backward Australian society provides a good rationale for his high comfort level toward a communist society. Michael's gushing enthusiasm of a communist society seems a bit of a blind, simplistic stretch. However, even though my high-tech USA background led to what I believe a more realistic view of a controlling, backward, non-competitive GDR environment, the author’s perspective is believable.I would have liked to read more about his family’s ability to fit into the Perth environment.

I found this story fascinating in that I learned a lot about east germany and about socialism, which sounded good, except when seen from the wessels. I remember the wall coming down, but I was too busy in my life to pay attention to it, and it makes me wonder how all of that worked out. I don't remember if the story was real, although usually true tales show pictures. If it wasn't real, it was written as if it were. I enjoyed it a lot.

The Bicycle Teacher is the story of a young Australian, Michael Smith, who moves to East Germany in 1981 as a guest worker. He marries an East German girl and they make their life in East Germany. His life there was fulfilling and satisfying for him. He rose from a mechanic to an English teacher under their system. He loved his life in the GDR and thought communism was a perfect solution for his future. The fall of the Berlin Wall brought his happiness to a crashing halt. He hated West Berlin and what he thought it stood for. He misses the way life was in East Germany and becomes disappointed after the reunification of Germany. He decides then to move his family back to Australia. This was an educational book on life in East Germany but from what I've read, he had it pretty nice compared to others who struggled. A lot of errors in the Kindle edition but still a good read.

Good representation of life in the GDR, though the Stasi could be much more ruthless than depicted. The book does show that, for a very brief time, there was a movement for building democratic socialism in the GDR after the Wall fell - something most have forgotten - and how it was simply overwhelmed by the seduction of more consumer goods and the general wealth of the West. It gave way almost immediately to "Ostalgie" - a nostalgia for the aspects of East German society that were good that persists to this day among many. The ending is a bit longwinded, but I recommend The Bicycle Teacher for anyone interested in this period in German history.

This is a very good book. I had never thought that there could be any merit to communism. Now I think there might be just a bit. The history portrayed is accurate. Best concept: Why steal from people who have exactly the same stuff as you have? It's also a very good story. If the author made the whole thing up, he is truly a great writer.I've visited and biked through Berlin and can confirm lots of the text.

What a good book, I feel as if I knew the folks and really got a feel for everyday life in the GDR. We in the West never hear a good word about the east and this gives the other side of the story. Very much enjoyed this and I wonder how they are holding in now in Perth. I certainly recommend this book, you will enjoy it!

This book was very interesting. It gave the reader a different view of the communistic state of East Germany.The usual negative aspects of this communist country was almost glorified in the eyes and reactions of the main characters, only to end up disappointed at the outcome of the reunification of the two Germany's.'u

Somewhat stilted writing. Parts dealing with joy, equality, and togetherness were much more fluid. Interesting look at the fall of the Berlin Wall from the East perspective.

A look at the final few years of the GDR from an outsider's point of view. Michael Smith is an Australian who befriends and loves an East German girl (Kathrin) on a trip to Europe. Back in Australia he decides he wants to go and live in East Germany, the attractions are not just the girl but the less materialistic way of life in the East.The way is smoothed by an overhelpful Stasi man who will want the favour returned. Perhaps to everyone's surprise Michael takes to life behind The Wall like an Aussie to Fosters Lager. He quickly becomes a model citizen and is genuinely liked by his new family and friends, including his Stasi handler who can find little to hold over him for information.The fact that Michael is serious about his new life, rejecting western values and embracing the socialist ideal is the key theme of the book. As we approach the end of European Communism and the collapse of The Wall Michael stays firmly in the East with his ideals. Even when he views his former Stasi file he never rejects the system but simply sees people for what they are, usually duplicitious.A different book of two Germanys. The plot is somewhat thin and at times a little far fetched yet the characters, especially the Germans are excellent. There is a whiff of believability about this novel and I found it enjoyable.

Excellent story and a very insightful book with deep characters. I will be looking to read more from this author!

excellent