Edward Lucas

God's Spies

History & Biography

“In an account based on unique material from not only the victims, but also—a rare feat of reporting—from the perpetrators, Braw writes with insight and sympathy about the sinister work of East Germany’s Stasi secret police in its decades-long attempt to manipulate and exploit people’s most sacred and private personal beliefs. She explains how the persecutors succeeded in penetrating the protestant church to a far greater extent than was realized at the time, or even after the fall of the Berlin Wall. But the Stasi ultimately failed to dent the conscience and courage of the believers. Churches, pastors, and congregations were the catalysts in the popular uprising that brought down the grim rule of the Communist regime. Readers will be captivated by the humanity of the characters depicted, and the flaws and virtues they exhibit in the face of dilemmas, oppression, and temptation.”