Freedom

Memoirs 1954-2021 from the former Chancellor of Germany

By: Angela Merkel

Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson

'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.

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)

Nice to read but not really personal

Compared to other biographies of politicians this one was okay but it did not get really personal. Missed opportunity.

Very insightful!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! There were some policy issues that I did not always agree with and wish I could speak to her about, but overall it was a great read! I really loved the aspect about her giving advice regarding not rambling about when giving answers as a politician. I highly recommend this book!

Interesting insights from Chancellor Merkel

Learned a lot about everyday life in East Germany, reunification of Germany and German politics of Merkel era

Very honest

I greatly enjoyed this book. I always held Angela Merkel in great respect. After listening to this book my respect and admiration of her integrity only grew stronger.

Audio is awful

The book is fine, but the audio is just awful, constantly cut into pieces and with bizzare and inconsistent name pronunciations.