'An outstanding book - intriguing, illuminating, and offering entirely fresh perspectives on East German society.' Mary Fulbrook, University College London 'Myths about sexuality in East Germany abound, and Josie McLellan takes them on. From adolescent sexuality to sexual contentment within marriage, from same-sex desire to nudism and erotica, from single motherhood to Stasi surveillance - McLellan offers a well-researched and highly accessible account. Love in the Time of Communism is an enjoyable and an informative read.' Elizabeth Heineman, author of Before Porn was Legal: The Erotica Empire of Beate Uhse 'Sexuality in the GDR has generated intense debate since the fall of the Berlin Wall, especially concerning to what extent East Germany's 'sexual revolution' diverged from its western counterpart. Josie McLellan's pioneering book offers a fresh account of the subject that goes beyond cliches and nostalgia, showing how pleasure and politics were deeply entangled in this authoritarian regime.' Paul Betts, University of Sussex '... illuminating, perceptive and well-researched.' waterstones.com 'Josie McLellan's intriguing and well-written study tackles ... myths and contradictory narratives, and considers the close, and at times perplexing, links between politics and society.' Times Higher Education 'McLellan ... delivers superbly on her promise of a rounded history. Her book covers all major topics in the history of East German sexuality. Each chapter not only examines its theme from above and from below but discusses interactions between state policy and popular attitudes. The book offers well-grounded multi-causal explanations of developments. The result is a realistic, fair portrayal of sexuality in the GDR that critically assesses change and continuity over time.' Donna Harsch, German History
