Tunnel 29 by Helena Merriman: Berlin Wall Escape Story
Story: Tunnel 29 is Helena Merriman’s account of a daring escape operation beneath the Berlin Wall in 1962. This paperback follows student diggers, people hoping to flee East Berlin and the Stasi spy who infiltrated the operation, drawing on survivor interviews and Stasi documents.
At a glance
- A narrative non-fiction account of Joachim Rudolph’s 1962 tunnel operation beneath the Berlin Wall.
- Covers the escape plan, its participants, media involvement and infiltration by a Stasi spy.
- The listing says the account draws on survivor interviews and Stasi documents.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Centres on a specific escape operation, giving the historical account a clear narrative focus.
- The stated source material includes both survivor interviews and Stasi documents.
- At 336 pages, it offers room for context as well as the escape itself.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Hodder Paperbacks |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 31 May 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 336 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1529333970 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1529333978 |
| Weight listed | 260 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.8 x 4.2 x 19.6 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in Cold War history, the Berlin Wall and East Germany.
- Readers who enjoy researched non-fiction told with suspense and a central escape story.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for fiction or a broad survey of the entire Cold War.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
77% 77% - 4 stars
18% 18% - 3 stars
4% 4% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
0% 0%
Customer feedback describes the book as engaging and well written, highlighting its story of courage and persistence and its detailed account of Berlin around the construction of the Wall. The ratings are strongly positive overall, though ratings alone do not explain individual readers’ experiences. This reported response may suit readers seeking an accessible, story-led history alongside the listing’s account of interviews and Stasi records.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the book as engaging and well written.
- Feedback praises the story and its historical detail about Berlin and East Germany.
Frequently asked questions
What is Tunnel 29 about?
It tells the story of a 1962 tunnel under the Berlin Wall, led by student Joachim Rudolph, and an escape operation threatened by Stasi infiltration.
What research does the book draw on?
The listing says Helena Merriman used interviews with survivors and Stasi documents.
How long is this edition?
The listing gives a print length of 336 pages.
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