I’ve read a lot of books this year, and although it’s only June, I think I’ve already found my favorite. The chapters are short, making it perfect for a bus ride or whenever you need a quick reading fix. Let’s talk about Tunnel 29 by Helena Merriman.
???? Synopsis:
In 1962, as the Berlin Wall divides families and lives, a young engineering student named Joachim Rudolph—a refugee who had escaped East Germany himself—joins a secret team tunneling under the Wall to help others flee to freedom. With homemade tools, limited resources, and constant danger from the Stasi (East German secret police), they dig a tunnel nearly 140 meters long, right under the heavily guarded border.
The story weaves together suspense, historical detail, and personal narratives, including that of a British journalist who filmed the operation for the BBC, and the defectors who risked everything for a better life. The book follows the stories of those involved with the building of the tunnel, as well as the Stasi agents assigned to monitor those attempting an escape from East Berlin.
Interestingly, I learned that a podcast was also produced surrounding the tunnel:
Helena wrote, produced and presented Tunnel 29 – the BBC podcast series about a group of students who dug a tunnel under the Berlin Wall in 1962. It’s one of the BBC’s most successful podcasts, listed by The New Yorker as one of their top five podcasts of 2019.
It Reads Like a Spy Thriller
One of the greatest aspects of this book is that it is packed with suspense and betrayal, and leaves the reader with a vernacular feeling between chapters. I can’t recall when a factual and historic book had me on the edge of my seat, making it challenging to put down; always wanting to read the next chapter. It was hard to put this book down and, while I love historical books, I have never “felt” like I NEEDED just one more chapter before bed. You will quickly lose the understanding that you are reading a work of non-fiction. It’s just that good!
Who is This Book For?
I think anyone interested in this period, or history in general, will find appreciation for this book. It’s a quick read, the chapters are short, and the information is not technical. Merriman is brilliant in her writing, research, and how she weaves it all together.
If you do end up reading the book, let me know in the comments below what you think!
5/5 stars, of course!
hey! you just recommended this book! I aim to get it. thanks!
This seems to be an interesting book to read. Will add to my TBR.
Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think of the book if you do end up reading it