Nikolaikirche is a gripping novel by Erich Loest; set principally in the last few years of the GDR, where a family of three generations is torn apart by the fear installed by the State. The story parallels past and present, especially the breaking up of the Universitätskirche in 1968 and a forbidden photo of it discovered in 1987, with the peace protests at the Nikolaikirche. Through flashbacks we learn of Albert Bacher, a prominent Stasi member and model Communist, whose dark history was kept secret from his family. Much of the tension lies between the family Bacher members, particularly between the sister Astrid and the brother Sascha. Astrid, a non-conformist, commits an act of defiance at work and is promptly dismissed from the party and sent to a psychiatric ward. Her behaviour and later involvement with the Nikolaikirche aggravates Sascha, a member of the Stasi, whose promotion could be effected by her conduct.
Loest himself, the subject of Stasi persecution uses his own files as a basis for his work. His use of a wide range of characters' and their viewpoints conveys a realistic presentation of life in the GDR. It is not so much the outcome of the story, but the dramatic episodes that Loest delivers, that capture our attention. The language is simple, but effective. The reader learns of the intrusive nature of the Stasi, the recording of phone conversations and the interrogations. However, the portrayal of Sascha isn't wholly negative, as one would expect. Even though he readily conforms, we do bare witness to his inner conflicts. Loest was one of a group of writers who felt it was necessary to deal with the GDR's past, and who portrayed the Stasi as a principal symbol of its failings. He exposes a State, which demanded to know everything, but kept everything secret and expected loyalty in return.
In comparison to novels, such as Thomas Brussig's Helden wie wir, where the Stasi is portrayed in a comical light, Nikolaikirche, takes a more serious approach. It provides for intense reading, never offering a dull moment. The dramatic scenes and constant unearthing of hidden truths will undoubtedly leave anyone gripped.