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Why the Germans Do It Better

Notes from a Grown-Up Country

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Why the Germans Do It Better

By: John Kampfner
Narrated by: Adam Bromley
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About this listen

Nominated for the Orwell Prize.

Emerging from a collection of disparate city states 150 years ago, no other country has had as turbulent a history as Germany or enjoyed so much prosperity in such a short time frame. Today, as much of the world succumbs to authoritarianism and democracy is undermined from its heart, Germany stands as a bulwark for decency and stability.

Mixing personal journey and anecdote with compelling empirical evidence, this is a searching and entertaining exploration of the country many in the West still love to hate. Raising important questions for our post-Brexit landscape, Kampfner asks why Germany has become a model for others to emulate, while Britain still languishes in wartime nostalgia and fails to tackle contemporary challenges. Part memoir, part history, part travelogue, Why the Germans Do It Better is a rich and witty portrait of an eternally fascinating country.

©2020 John Kampfner (P)2020 W.F. Howes Ltd Europe Germany Great Britain Politics & Government World Authoritarianism Witty Thought-Provoking Imperialism England

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Critic reviews

“Smart, provocative and entertaining, this is a timely and enthralling love letter to our much misunderstood near neighbour." (Kay Burley)
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I found this to be a relatively easy listen and it was well read. Given the length of time she has been at the helm, there is a lot about Merkel however the author takes a perspective on German attitudes that resonated.

Interesting viewpoint

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A well considered review of Germany and it's recent history. A very informative read. highly recommended

well researched an balanced

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This gave a clear explanation of the psychology of modern Germany.... And the reasons why it has done so remarkably well. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

So easy and articulate to listen to.....

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I found the title misleading. Its deliberately provocative but doesnt deliver.
Its an interesting sweep of post ww2 German history but there’s no coherent narrative.
You also have to endure a good dollop of brit bashing.
His contention that the pandemic proves german superiority has rapidly dated with the vaccine rollout.
As for the narration this is incredibly annoying with a string of very bad “impressions” and awful accents. Much better when he doesnt bother.
Overall not terrible but disappointing considering the rave reviews

Doesnt do what it says on the tin

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This is a fascinating book, really well researched and insightful. It’s a shame that the reader is so bad. The worst of many irritating things he does is to read out the quotes from Merkel and others in a silly pseudo-German accent, but there’s much much more.

Great book, disappointing reader

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lots of takeaways for Britain here.but we'll ignore them and continue our decline. The narration is slightly annoying with cod German and Brooklyn "accents"

Worthwhile listen.

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I wanted to read this book because I saw it in my brother Gregory’s library when we were sorting through his flat the day after he died. For some reason, I didn’t keep the physical book, so I downloaded the audiobook instead. I want to read some of the books in Gregory’s library so that I can understand more of what he thought and how he built his worldview. I was also curious to read this book because I lived in Germany for four years when I was 4-8 years old from 1987-91 - a period which included the fall of the Berlin Wall and German unification.

While recognizing many of the things that Germany is good at, John Kampfner also discusses its shortcomings and societal problems. I wish we, in the UK, looked more towards our European neighbours and learned from what they do well, adopting and adapting some of their policies, ways of life, and social customs.

I certainly prefer the more environmental focus of German capitalism with its strong tier of medium-sized and regionally diverse family-owned businesses and their federal, deliberative political system, where coalition partners can experiment in regional government before taking things to the national level.

I wonder why Gregory wanted to read this book. Did he choose it himself or was it given to him? Was he seeking to understand what he missed about life in Germany? Did he actually read it or was it one of those books that we all have on our shelves that we’d like to be able to read some day but never get around to?

Interesting and informative

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Interesting and very credible insights into German politics culture and character. Well presented, but annoying attempts at awful (particularly German) accents. I was particularly interested in the analysis of current political situations and his views on democracy and populism. Also a good analysis of Germany in its international relationships, particularly within Europe, the UK, the USA (especially Trump) and Putin's Russia.

An excellent contemporary and sympathetic view of Merkel's Germany.

Personal and believable review of Germany today

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Enjoyed. Narration was excellent. Very informative on German culture and politics since 1945, for an Anglophone.

Interesting and informative.

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really loved this book. Found it fascinating to view Germany from this perspective. and a great voice over as well. great listen

Interesting at the micro and macro

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