[In Sleepless Days Simrock makes changes in his life that] could be part of the story of many an Englishman; the latter half of the novel, however, depicts suffering of a more particularly Eastern European nature. Antonia [Simrock's lover]—in an unexpected and therefore profoundly shocking scene—attempts an escape to the West, is discovered, tried and imprisoned. And back in his teaching post Simrock tries to convey to his pupils something of his own new found credo of honesty-to-self only to land himself in severe trouble with parents, colleagues and bureaucratic authority. But never does Becker's presentation of Simrock's difficulties decline into mere protest against the East German set-up. The human heart, the recurring image throughout the novel, is his subject….

The central character of the novel is more preoccupied with metaphysical and ethical matters than are the protagonists of most English novels…. [Sleepless Days] is a...