"Two old men roam through Berlin observing life in the former German Democratic Republic after the fall of the Wall in 1989. They are Theo Wuttke, a former East German cultural functionary, keen observer, and gifted speaker; and Ludwig Hoftaller, a mid-level spy who can serve the Prussian police, or the Gestapo, or the East German Stasi with equal dedication.".

"Both men are employed by the Treuhand - the agency in charge of privatizing former East German state enterprises - which occupies the building in Berlin that was once the headquarters of Goering's Air Ministry. Wuttke, in his capacity as file courier, desperately tries to save the old-fashion elevator, which has carried the famous and powerful up - and down again.

And he comforts the disheartened head of the agency, who seeks relief from the burdens of office by roller skating around the corridors at night."--BOOK JACKET.