Angela Merkel: Europe's Most Influential Leader

by Matthew Qvortrup

“Drawing from rich behind-the-scenes knowledge,” a biography of the woman who led Germany for sixteen years (Kirkus Reviews, starred review).Angela Merkel, who has held control of the European Union and successfully negotiated with Vladimir Putin, has been one of the most crucial and formidable fixtures in contemporary politics. This book weaves the personal story of the former German chancellor with the vivid history of post-World War II and post-Cold War Europe in a riveting account of the political titan’s ascent from obscurity to become one of the most influential leaders in the world, responsible for making Germany freer and more prosperous than it has ever been. This updated edition of the definitive biography follows Angela Merkel from her bleak childhood in East Germany through her meteoric rise to power, and includes up-to-date information on recent pressing concerns such as the refugee crisis. Offering an unprecedented look at how Merkel’s inimitable personality and perspective allowed her and her staff of mostly female advisors to repeatedly outmaneuver a network of conservative male politicians, Angela Merkel is essential reading for anyone interested in politics and current affairs, or simply in the story of a truly remarkable woman.“Well-written and informative.” —Booklist

471 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2017

Reviews

[Peter Banachowski]

As an American craving good leadership, I was always fascinated by Merkel from afar. Although considered Conservative in Germany, she's more Neo-Liberal on the American spectrum with fiscal conservatism but social progression. Her decision alone to welcome over a million refugees, not just out of a humanitarian need, but recognizing immigration is good for a country with an elderly aging population and smaller of age workforce to keep the country going. She relies heavily on information, facts, and, as the daughter of a pastor who grew up in East Germany, her morals.

In general, I understand the sentiment of not wanting another politician as leader, but instead of a reality tv show host, Germany opted for a scientist with a doctorate in quantum chemistry. The most fascinating parts of this biography were the distinctions between German and American politics such as how their politicians and professors are well paid and seen with distinction and not disdain.

The biography itself is heavily peripheral, talking about German politics surrounding Merkel and not so much the person herself. It was interesting for me in the early part of the work for how East Germany was different from West and the political setting there as I don't know much of that era in Germany. The middle though was heavily weighed down by politicians and political moves of no interest to me trying to establish the climate, but I wanted to know more about Merkel and her personal thinking, what's going on in her mind?

The author feels like he stretches at times and projects personas onto her, often referencing Machiavelli, but she just doesn't have that feel to me. Maybe she is. But there's not enough known about her (from this reading) to really make such a claim and it seems more like sensational writing trying to force an idea rather than a lot of information letting the reader walk away with their own interpretation.

Merkel comes of as pragmatic, inquisitive, charming, careful with her words, one who pays close attention to details, keeps her cards close, trusts those in her circle, and heavily vets and trusts the ones she keeps.

Still a fascinating human, the 3rd longest serving German Chancellor at 15+ years, she clearly got something right with her people. Given what I've seen in videos of her, and certain parts of this book, I think what makes Merkel so appealing is she does seem human. Versus a Hillary Clinton type in America, largely viewed as lacking charm, and too rote, Merkel has sincerity about her, a true leader trying to create the best possible world for individuals while keeping science, integrity, and morals along the way.

I would love to shake her hand.

[Maria Moreno Tellez]

Angela Merkel's life is very interesting, knowing her story and how from one moment to another she goes from science to politics and becomes the most powerful woman in Europe, it is a story worth reading.
But 1. The author talks about the German politics surrounding Merkel and not so much about the person herself.
2. I feel that he should have spoken more about her than about the world context of the times when she was Chancellor.
3.It is a book that the truth does not hook me from the beginning, I usually love biographies and more if they are of women involved in politics, but this book is more informative, if you are looking for a reading that hooks you, a more in-depth reading on the life itself of Angela Merkel, this is not the right book...

[Julie]

The book was poorly structured and written, but the story of Angel Merkel is very interesting. So it depends how painful a reading experience you want to get the information. It could also be that it was translated poorly into English.

[Mark]

A good book but more because of its subject than its written style.