Essential reading . . . remarkable
- <i>Financial Times</i>,
Surprisingly fast-paced . . . Illuminating
- <i>The New York Times Book Review</i>,
<i>Freedom </i>reminds us that another politics, humanist and humble, can exist
- <i>Washington Post</i>,
<p>All the human qualities that made Merkel a likable and liked leader are in this book: the lack<br />of showmanship, the understated sense of humour, the dedication to building alliances and<br />forging compromises</p>
- the <i>Guardian</i>,
A rigorous and sober assessment of a groundbreaking career
- <i>Kirkus Reviews</i>,
An engrossing read
- Nicola Sturgeon for <i>The New Statesman</i>,
I have always admired Merkel. This book only burnished my respect
- Nicola Sturgeon for <i>The New Statesman</i>,
A great accomplishment… a wonderful reflection from you of this extraordinary sweep of history that you witnessed
- Barack Obama in conversation with Merkel at an event for <i>Politics and Prose</i>,
Captivating glimpses into her encounters with other world leaders
- the <i>Telegraph</i>,
You understand better just what Merkel faced and how so many of the other leaders came to depend on her calm
- <i>Foreign Policy</i>,
Candid and sometimes gripping
- the<i> i Paper</i>,
'A great accomplishment . . . A wonderful reflection of an extraordinary sweep of history' Barack Obama
Timely, intimate and important, the long-awaited memoirs from one of the most influential leaders of our times
For 16 years, Angela Merkel was Chancellor of Germany. She led the country through numerous crises, shaping both Germany and international politics with her actions and attitudes. In her memoirs, co-written with her long-time political advisor Beate Baumann, she reflects on her life in two German states – 35 years in the German Democratic Republic, 35 years in reunited Germany.
More intimately than ever before, she talks about her childhood, youth, and studies in the GDR and the dramatic year of 1989, when the Berlin Wall fell and her political life began. She also shares recollections and insights from her meetings and conversations with the world's most powerful people. Discussing significant national, European, and international turning points, she shows how the decisions were made that shaped our times. Her book offers a unique insight into the inner workings of power – and is a compelling plea for freedom.