Freedom: Memoirs 1954-2021 from the former Chancellor of Germany Hardcover – 26 Nov. 2024

It's a big book - very heavy to hold; but, it's a long and interesting life.

Some political biographies have flowery language and funny anecdotes. You would be right not to expect either from Angela Merkel.But the strengths of this book lie in its story, from her upbringing in the DDR, to German unification, and to her life as Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021. And from Chancellor Merkel you would expect detail, and there is lots of that. The portraits of international characters, like Vladimir Putin, are particularly good. About German domestic politics, health, education, there is not all that much. But about the differences to life back in the DDR, and about Germany's dealings with Europe and others all around the world this book has a great deal to say - and a great perspective to say it from.I am very pleased that Chancellor Merkel was able to put her observations in writing and that I was able to read this book.

Angela Merkel deserves our thanks for the legacy she has left and we now cling to in hope in these troubling times. An excellent must read book.

Fascinating insight to a hard working woman passionate about her country.

I was really looking forward to reading this book over the holidays, and I am sure I will carry on doing so. However, what I did not expect, was to find such an utterly terrible translation into English. The translators couldn't even be bothered to abandon German syntax. Hence, I can only recommend to read this book in its original language if you are able to - it will significantly enhance the reading experience.

A lovely book, but will probably take a few years to read - 700 pages.

I was expecting a much drier read when I would need to take a couple of breaks.A fascinating look at events in a difficult time, in an unexpectedly even-handed way, it IS autobiography but nothing like I would expect from any other politician.Dr Merkel's value system clearly reflects her time behind The Wall & her christian beliefs.Impressed that she encouraged vote on same-sex and then follwed her value system to vote against.I think in many ways her christian values contributed to her naivety in believing her integrity was shared with others.I am only unhappy that the translation was in american not english given the translaters are british - lose a point

GAVE TWO AS PRESENTS,EXCELLENT FOR WHO IS INTERESTED ABOUT EU.