Schuld
Subtitle: Liebe und Verrat im Schatten der Mauer
Edition: First edition
Publisher: Dressler (Cecilie Dressler Verlag, Hamburg)
Published: July 21, 2014
Place of publication: Hamburg, Germany
Language: ger
Format: Paperback
Number of pages: 366
ISBN-13: 978‑3‑7915‑1634‑9
Copyright date: 2014
Description: Schuld is a poignant young‑adult novel set in the waning years of the East German state. Fifteen‑year‑old Jana’s world is upended when she falls in love with Jakob, the son of friends who have applied to emigrate from the GDR. As Jakob is abruptly arrested by the Stasi, Jana is forced to grapple with fear, betrayal, and the burden of guilt that follows. Against a backdrop of mounting political tension and the promise of freedom just beyond reach, Jana’s journey illuminates the emotional cost of walls—both concrete and unseen. Poppe’s spare, evocative prose is enriched by a helpful glossary and a concise chronology of 1989–90, offering readers historical context as they witness one young woman’s struggle to find her voice in a world on the brink of collapse.
Notes: * **Anniversary Tie‑In**: This paperback was issued on July 21, 2014 to mark the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
* **Supplementary Materials**: Contains a helpful glossary of GDR‑specific terms and a concise “Chronik 1989–90” at the back, providing historical context for young readers.
* **Author’s Research**: Poppe conducted interviews with former Stasi juvenile‑detention inmates to portray realistic conditions of political imprisonment for teens.
* **Educational Usage**: Frequently used in German secondary schools; teaching materials (e.g. by Oetinger) include discussion guides and creative writing prompts based on the novel.
* **Cover Note**: Features an NDR‑recommended “Buchtipp” sticker on some printings highlighting its authenticity and narrative strength.