Freedom cover art

Freedom

Memoirs 1954 - 2021

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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.

©2024 Angela Merkel (P)2024 Macmillan Publishers International Limited Politics & Activism Presidents & Heads of State 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)
I have always admired Merkel. This book only burnished my respect (Nicola Sturgeon for The New Statesman)
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  
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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it was interesting but far too long it could of been the same story in half the time.

the length

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Firstly this is the best read book on Audible. Juliet Stephenson handles a long, at times dry book with consistent and engaging delivery and copes with the pronunciation of complex German with great aplomb.

The book itself is a terrific insight into one of the great leaders of recent times. Angela is very honest and straightforward, it’s a fascinating ascent from a young woman in the DDR to world leader. It gets a little dry at times, especially when she lists all the meetings she attends in a year, but overall it’s an insight into the mind of Angela Merkel, her thought process. If you’re interested in world politics it’s a must read.

An interesting insight into a proper leader

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I did enjoy the book overall, got bogged down in detail and lists on occasion. A heavy weight politician with an impressive career.

An impressive political leader.

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My listening was halted quite a lot hence some annoyance in listening. Interesting hearing the events one lived through from Merkel’s point of view. Juliet Stevenson is wonderful to listen to.

Perfect of course is Angela Merkel

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enjoyed it very much. is sense of duty too much naivity in the current days ? I think she is one of a kind and I also think the world would be a better place with more women and particularly politicians like that.

sense of duty! and the story behind.

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Best book on geopolitics I’ve read. Highly recommended.
She’s a fabulous person and great writer

Brilliant.

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An amazing book. So eloquently written and so well structured. The story is heartfelt and interesting, teaches history, politics and democracy, and has the potential to unite people by proofing that a sensible and strong leadership utilizing cooperation and collaboration is possible.

Remarkable

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As previously reviews have said, she is someone who was well qualified to lead the government in a country that was split and then reunified, which is such a rare event. I like and respect her but am so glad I listened on Audible as there is such a lot of detail to take in andI Juliet Stevenson was the perfect choice to narrate, she did an excellent job. Really glad I listened and wish there were more highly qualified and intelligent people leading the world today.

A woman to admire and respect

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Enjoyed the parts about her infancy in the GDR. Unfortunately the book then becomes less of a narrative and more of a list of accomplishments speckled with anecdotes, albeit interesting ones. The last few chapters related to covid, Russia and Trump kept me interested till the end.

Great overview of the events in this great chancellorsjip.

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