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Freedom

Memoirs 1954-2021 from the former Chancellor of Germany

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Freedom

By: Angela Merkel
Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson
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About this listen

'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.

 20th Century Europe Germany Modern Politicians Politics & Activism Women Women's Voices Memoir Socialism

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Critic reviews

Essential reading . . . remarkable (Financial Times)
Surprisingly fast-paced . . . Illuminating (The New York Times Book Review)
Freedom reminds us that another politics, humanist and humble, can exist (Washington Post)

All the human qualities that made Merkel a likable and liked leader are in this book: the lack
of showmanship, the understated sense of humour, the dedication to building alliances and
forging compromises

(the Guardian)
A rigorous and sober assessment of a groundbreaking career (Kirkus Reviews)
An engrossing read (Nicola Sturgeon for The New Statesman)
I have always admired Merkel. This book only burnished my respect (Nicola Sturgeon for The New Statesman)
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 Politics and Prose)
Captivating glimpses into her encounters with other world leaders (the Telegraph)
You understand better just what Merkel faced and how so many of the other leaders came to depend on her calm (Foreign Policy)
Candid and sometimes gripping (the i Paper)
All stars
Most relevant
The long-awaited memoir from one of the most influential political leaders of our time.

great book

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Disappointed in this. Many long lists including abbreviations and too much emphasis on namechecking with pedantic correctness spoiled the greater story there was to be told.

A matter of fact interpretation of events

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It’s always interesting to hear from a foreign leader on there experience within politics and I found this biography inspiring. Definitely worth a listen 👏🏻

Great listen and wonderful insight

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I really enjoyed the first part of the book, especially the chapters before Merkel entered politics — they were insightful and surprisingly personal. I went into the rest of it with high hopes, but the second half felt more like a chronological log of events than a memoir. It reads a bit like she's flipping through her work calendar, recounting meetings and decisions without offering much personal perspective. She does explain some of her major political choices, which is interesting, but overall it felt more like a record for the history books than a chance to understand what she really thinks. Maybe that kind of reflection will come in a future book.

High expectations

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Fascinating political memoir. Thoroughly enjoyed it. If I had one criticism it would be that I wanted even more content. Highly recommended.

Loved it

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