In this book, which is part memoir, part essay collection, Jenny Erpenbeck explores what it means to grow up in a country that no longer exists. She uses literature, her own and others, to examine the world we live in. What does it mean to have memories of a place that only exists in history? Erpenbeck shines most when she's recounting childhood experiences growing up in East Berlin. And because it is an Erpenbeck book, the essays all tie into what borders and immigration is doing to society. Why do we celebrate the fall of the Berlin Wall but still believe in strict immigration laws? The fact is, is that we have decided some immigrants are good and others are bad, and Erpenbeck beautifully writes about how this is the exact wrong thing to do and how it has led to tragedy, over and over. I loved reading about what it was like for her to grow up in the GDR, She doesn't leave out the negative aspects while also leaving the reader with an understanding that her childhood was wonderful in many ways. Erpenbeck's style is concise while also being very witty and smart.