Lessons

by Ian McEwan

‘As I was saying. In Britain, we’re at breaking point. Mass unemployment, inflation, racism, an openly anti-socialist government just installed—’ Someone said, ‘Gute Idee.’ There was quiet laughter. Dave continued. ‘People in the UK are organising. They’re on the move. They’re looking to you.’ Florian said in English, ‘Thank you. Not to me.’ ‘Seriously. I know you have your problems. But objectively, this is the world’s only truly viable socialist state.’ There was silence. Dave added, ‘Think about it. Daily life can blind you lot to your own achievements.’ The East Berliners, all of them under forty, were too polite to say what they thought.