In the Heart of the Country

The novel begins 24 hours before a shot is fired. Ingo Kern, former officer at a GDR-military base in Eggesin and Stefan Brenner, one of his former recruits, have been avoiding each other for a long time – but now fate is bringing them together.

Until now Brenner had more or less successfully suppressed the memories of his time in Eggesin during his compulsory military service: memories of humiliation, indoctrination and fear and the traumatic memories of his best friend’s suicide who couldn’t take Kern’s bullying any more. But now a business trip takes Brenner back to Eggesin and he has to confront his demons.

Kern has in the meantime managed the transition from one political system to another smoothly: the “leadership skills” acquired in the military serve him well in a big corporation. He thinks of himself as a man who does his job whatever it may be and he does not waste too many thoughts on things that are done and over with. On the contrary, he’s just on the verge of a new life, divorcing his wife for another woman.

When Brenner comes to Eggesin, he is overwhelmed by feelings of guilt and hatred. And he happens to meet Kern’s ex-wife who tells him where he can find Kern. So Brenner decides to finally exorcise his demons and confront the man he feels is responsible for his friend’s death and for the ghosts still haunting him.