"The Absence and Presence of the Berlin Wall" is an impressive work by Gesche Würfel that illuminates the complex themes of the division and reunification of Germany. Through a photographic exploration along the former route of the Berlin Wall, which fell in 1989, the book offers a profound analysis of the lasting effects of this historical separation. Würfel, who lives and works in New York, embarked on a journey to stop every 2.8 kilometers—a nod to the 28-year history of the Wall. In doing so, she documents the current state of the former dividing line in Berlin and Brandenburg. The book combines striking photographs with materials from the Stasi archives and personal accounts from eyewitnesses, including political prisoners and former guest workers. This multifaceted portrayal allows readers to understand the ongoing challenges and the continuous process of creating a collective identity in a united Germany.

• Comprehensive photographic documentation along the former Wall route
• Inclusion of eyewitness accounts and historical materials
• Interdisciplinary perspective through the combination of art, urban studies, and sociology
• Reflection on the lasting impacts of division on German identity.