What do you think?
Rate this book
Kancelárka
Angela Merkelová bola odjakživa outsiderka. Ako dcéra kňaza vyrastala v Sovietmi okupovanom východnom Nemecku, v mladosti pracovala ako chemická výskumníčka a do politiky vstúpila až po páde Berlínskeho múru. A predsa sa o pätnásť rokov stala nemeckou kancelárkou a čoskoro aj neoficiálnou vodkyňou západného sveta.
Uznávaná spisovateľka Kati Marton sa podujala objasniť záhadu tohto nevídaného vzostupu. Vďaka výnimočnému prístupu ku kancelárkiným najbližším spolupracovníkom a čerstvo zverejneným dokumentom opisuje jedinečnú politickú genialitu, ktorá je tajomstvom úspechu Merkelovej. Niet iných moderných lídrov, ktorí by tak zručne čelili autoritárskej agresivite, presadili odvážne spoločenské opatrenia a v období čoraz polarizovanejších krajín by pokojne zjednotili celý kontinent. Šikovne dostávala politikov pevnej ruky ako Putina či Trumpa tam, kde ich potrebovala, a mala čo robiť s prekvapivo komplikovanými vzťahmi so spojencami, ako bol Obama a Macron.
Táto žena, ktorá si až úzkostlivo strážila svoje súkromie, je vzorom pre každého, kto má ambíciu získať a udržať si moc a zároveň zostať verný svojim morálnym hodnotám. Kancelárka vrhá svetlo na jednu z najvýnimočnejších žien našich čias a je zároveň strhujúcim politickým životopisom, intímnym ľudským portrétom a veľavravným pohľadom na politické líderstvo v akcii.
Uznávaná spisovateľka Kati Marton sa podujala objasniť záhadu tohto nevídaného vzostupu. Vďaka výnimočnému prístupu ku kancelárkiným najbližším spolupracovníkom a čerstvo zverejneným dokumentom opisuje jedinečnú politickú genialitu, ktorá je tajomstvom úspechu Merkelovej. Niet iných moderných lídrov, ktorí by tak zručne čelili autoritárskej agresivite, presadili odvážne spoločenské opatrenia a v období čoraz polarizovanejších krajín by pokojne zjednotili celý kontinent. Šikovne dostávala politikov pevnej ruky ako Putina či Trumpa tam, kde ich potrebovala, a mala čo robiť s prekvapivo komplikovanými vzťahmi so spojencami, ako bol Obama a Macron.
Táto žena, ktorá si až úzkostlivo strážila svoje súkromie, je vzorom pre každého, kto má ambíciu získať a udržať si moc a zároveň zostať verný svojim morálnym hodnotám. Kancelárka vrhá svetlo na jednu z najvýnimočnejších žien našich čias a je zároveň strhujúcim politickým životopisom, intímnym ľudským portrétom a veľavravným pohľadom na politické líderstvo v akcii.
344 pages, Hardcover
First published October 26, 2021
878 people are currently reading
10903 people want to read
About the author
Kati Marton
18 books180 followersKati Marton is an award-winning former correspondent for NPR and ABC News. She is the author of eight books, the most recent of which is the New York Times-bestselling memoir Paris: A Love Story. Enemies of the People: My Family's Journey to America was a National Book Critics Circle Award finalist. Her other works include The Great Escape: Nine Jews Who Fled Hitler and Changed the World, Hidden Power: Presidential Marriages That Shaped Our History, Wallenberg, A Death in Jerusalem, and a novel, An American Woman. Marton lives in New York City.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,030 reviews
December 5, 2021
I knew little about Merkel before reading this book, but finished it thinking what a remarkable woman. From her youth in East Germany, behind the wall, a daughter of Lutheran pastor, to her rise and time as a twelve year Chancellor of Germany, this book covers it all. Or at least what is known of this amazing woman, who went from scientist to politics, becoming the most powerful leader in the EU. It is always interesting to view the political situations, manueverings, from the viewpoint of a different country than my own. How she viewed other leaders and at twelve years in office, she has seen and interacted with many. There are some surprises, some biases shown in the writing, but all in all this is an important book, and one I'm glad to have read.
It is heartbreaking to me to realize that Germany's democracy may in fact be stronger than our own here in America.
It is heartbreaking to me to realize that Germany's democracy may in fact be stronger than our own here in America.
July 3, 2022
What a well done biography of one of the most fascinating politicians of our day. Angela Merkel was a world wide force of nature holding the EU together through some very turbulent times. I use the past tense only because she has retired in the past year. But the strength of the book is learning what made this very private woman into the powerhouse she was.
The book did an excellent job of taking the reader back through history, reminding me of significant events - the 2008 worldwide financial crisis and keeping the EU together, the 2014 Russian invasion of Ukraine. While the book ends in 2020, it was also interesting for me to see that what seemed like a good decision at the time (closing all nuclear power plants) has caused issues in the present day (when Germany is reliant on Russian natural gas).
The book is also a powerful reminder that the rise of populism, nationalism and anti-migration isn’t limited to the US. It’s also a reminder that the morally right choice can still lead to a myriad of problems (as in the high numbers of refugees being allowed into Germany).
The book did an excellent job of taking the reader back through history, reminding me of significant events - the 2008 worldwide financial crisis and keeping the EU together, the 2014 Russian invasion of Ukraine. While the book ends in 2020, it was also interesting for me to see that what seemed like a good decision at the time (closing all nuclear power plants) has caused issues in the present day (when Germany is reliant on Russian natural gas).
The book is also a powerful reminder that the rise of populism, nationalism and anti-migration isn’t limited to the US. It’s also a reminder that the morally right choice can still lead to a myriad of problems (as in the high numbers of refugees being allowed into Germany).
March 2, 2022
My immediate reaction to finishing this biography is:
I feel satisfied.
It is certainly pro-Merkel, although it also weighs in on some of her ‘missteps’ along the way. I accept not living in Germany means I am an outsider looking in, and therefore do not have the same living experiences that inform some of her detractors.
I have learned a lot about European and global politics.
I was amused at the descriptions of the Chancellor’s unruffled, discerning approach to her oh-too-often-image-driven ‘male’ counterparts.
I started off expecting the text would dispel the ‘myth/enigma’ of Angela Merkel, to break through and show us the ‘real’ Chancellor. It does not fully achieve this, but that’s okay.
I really liked the quotes that accompanied each chapter heading, particularly those of the three US Presidents, for example, Obama’s, ‘The War in Ukraine – ‘Get me Angela on the phone!’ And yes, reading this chapter at the same time another crisis was looming in this country was… chilling.
Some repetitious phrases, for example ‘the pastor’s daughter’ became irritating, however that does not overshadow the success of this biography in showing us glimpses into the Chancellor’s career, achievements, steadfast values and her calm tenacity.
I could go on, but that would do this book no favours. It stands for itself. It is a detailed record of an indisputable -in my opinion, no matter where you sit on the political spectrum - remarkable person.
I feel satisfied.
It is certainly pro-Merkel, although it also weighs in on some of her ‘missteps’ along the way. I accept not living in Germany means I am an outsider looking in, and therefore do not have the same living experiences that inform some of her detractors.
I have learned a lot about European and global politics.
I was amused at the descriptions of the Chancellor’s unruffled, discerning approach to her oh-too-often-image-driven ‘male’ counterparts.
I started off expecting the text would dispel the ‘myth/enigma’ of Angela Merkel, to break through and show us the ‘real’ Chancellor. It does not fully achieve this, but that’s okay.
I really liked the quotes that accompanied each chapter heading, particularly those of the three US Presidents, for example, Obama’s, ‘The War in Ukraine – ‘Get me Angela on the phone!’ And yes, reading this chapter at the same time another crisis was looming in this country was… chilling.
Some repetitious phrases, for example ‘the pastor’s daughter’ became irritating, however that does not overshadow the success of this biography in showing us glimpses into the Chancellor’s career, achievements, steadfast values and her calm tenacity.
I could go on, but that would do this book no favours. It stands for itself. It is a detailed record of an indisputable -in my opinion, no matter where you sit on the political spectrum - remarkable person.
April 26, 2022
Page 75 my book
Keeping silent, she [Angela Merkel] let Schroder bluster on. This is her power: letting an alpha male keep talking and waiting patiently as he self-destructs.
Angela Merkel was, until she resigned, a bastion of the liberal democratic world. Germany replaced the United States in this category; which is somewhat ironic considering Germany’s position seventy-five years ago.
The author leads us through the world of Angela Merkel. She was raised in a totalitarian surveillance state (East Germany) where no one could trust anyone. She never forgot its repressiveness. She became a scientist doing research, but when the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, she started to look to politics for a new future. She brought to it rationalism and honesty.
Angela Merkel was never one to embark on soaring oratory like Barack Obama. This was alien and frowned upon in the new Germany after 1945. Charisma had become taboo. This suited Angela Merkel’s personality very well.
To some extent, this could be a liability. Rationality was not always emotionally convincing. The author tells of both her achievements and failures. She united the EU and to some extent was successful at combating the alt-right in Germany. She was initially successful with the covid pandemic in Germany – she was calm and explained rationally, but empathically, what Germans had to do to avoid this invisible enemy.
Page 196
Winning over hearts and minds is a role she never mastered, not a trivial deficit for a politician. Angela Merkel… assumed others to be equally rational, an attitude that blinds her at times.
There were weaknesses – one being the 2008 financial crisis. She was overly logical in dealing with the have-nots in Europe (like Greece) – and made enemies.
Another error, which today is more grievous was (page 113) – Merkel declined to cancel the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, which will pump gas directly from Russia, across the Baltic Sea, and into Germany. When finished, the project will pour billions into the Kremlin coffers and provide fuel for only one member of the EU: Germany… the country that will most suffer if Nord Stream is completed [is] Ukraine… will lose over $1 billion a year in transit fees once the pipeline is completed under the Baltic Sea.
Page 189 Angela Merkel/2015
“I don’t want to get into a competition in Europe of who can treat these people [Syrian refugees] the worst”
Possibly her biggest humanitarian accomplishment was allowing one million Syrian refugees to enter Germany. No other European or North American country approached this level of welcome. One could argue that this eventually led to the rise of the alt-right in Germany, but populism in democratic countries was on the rise world-wide.
The author discusses how she dealt with the U.S., and with Russia (Putin). She was not intimidated by Putin. But like most she could not deal with the hyper-kinetic irrational Trump.
The author brings up France, but not enough. There is very little on other European countries (Netherlands, Italy, Poland, and the U.K.). The author presents the U.S. as the outstanding true friend of Germany (until Trump). I do not know if this is entirely accurate.
I want to digress for a sentence on page 206: Yet a mere two decades later [after World War I], following America’s retreat into isolationism, Chancellor Adolf Hitler methodically and malevolently engineered the next conflict. I am very puzzled by the phrase - following America’s retreat into isolationism. With this, the author implies that America’s isolationism led to the rise of Hitler. There are many more significant factors that led to Hitler’s rise to power. Americans often feel that they can orchestrate events across the globe. This is hubris. Events outside the U.S. take on a life of their own.
This is an excellent biography of a woman who made a difference. She brought a calm, reasonable approach and was solution oriented. We need more Angela Merkel’s in our present precarious situation.
Keeping silent, she [Angela Merkel] let Schroder bluster on. This is her power: letting an alpha male keep talking and waiting patiently as he self-destructs.
Angela Merkel was, until she resigned, a bastion of the liberal democratic world. Germany replaced the United States in this category; which is somewhat ironic considering Germany’s position seventy-five years ago.
The author leads us through the world of Angela Merkel. She was raised in a totalitarian surveillance state (East Germany) where no one could trust anyone. She never forgot its repressiveness. She became a scientist doing research, but when the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, she started to look to politics for a new future. She brought to it rationalism and honesty.
Angela Merkel was never one to embark on soaring oratory like Barack Obama. This was alien and frowned upon in the new Germany after 1945. Charisma had become taboo. This suited Angela Merkel’s personality very well.
To some extent, this could be a liability. Rationality was not always emotionally convincing. The author tells of both her achievements and failures. She united the EU and to some extent was successful at combating the alt-right in Germany. She was initially successful with the covid pandemic in Germany – she was calm and explained rationally, but empathically, what Germans had to do to avoid this invisible enemy.
Page 196
Winning over hearts and minds is a role she never mastered, not a trivial deficit for a politician. Angela Merkel… assumed others to be equally rational, an attitude that blinds her at times.
There were weaknesses – one being the 2008 financial crisis. She was overly logical in dealing with the have-nots in Europe (like Greece) – and made enemies.
Another error, which today is more grievous was (page 113) – Merkel declined to cancel the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, which will pump gas directly from Russia, across the Baltic Sea, and into Germany. When finished, the project will pour billions into the Kremlin coffers and provide fuel for only one member of the EU: Germany… the country that will most suffer if Nord Stream is completed [is] Ukraine… will lose over $1 billion a year in transit fees once the pipeline is completed under the Baltic Sea.
Page 189 Angela Merkel/2015
“I don’t want to get into a competition in Europe of who can treat these people [Syrian refugees] the worst”
Possibly her biggest humanitarian accomplishment was allowing one million Syrian refugees to enter Germany. No other European or North American country approached this level of welcome. One could argue that this eventually led to the rise of the alt-right in Germany, but populism in democratic countries was on the rise world-wide.
The author discusses how she dealt with the U.S., and with Russia (Putin). She was not intimidated by Putin. But like most she could not deal with the hyper-kinetic irrational Trump.
The author brings up France, but not enough. There is very little on other European countries (Netherlands, Italy, Poland, and the U.K.). The author presents the U.S. as the outstanding true friend of Germany (until Trump). I do not know if this is entirely accurate.
I want to digress for a sentence on page 206: Yet a mere two decades later [after World War I], following America’s retreat into isolationism, Chancellor Adolf Hitler methodically and malevolently engineered the next conflict. I am very puzzled by the phrase - following America’s retreat into isolationism. With this, the author implies that America’s isolationism led to the rise of Hitler. There are many more significant factors that led to Hitler’s rise to power. Americans often feel that they can orchestrate events across the globe. This is hubris. Events outside the U.S. take on a life of their own.
This is an excellent biography of a woman who made a difference. She brought a calm, reasonable approach and was solution oriented. We need more Angela Merkel’s in our present precarious situation.
January 23, 2022
"What seemed fixed and unchanging can change. We have to think and act globally, not nationally. Together, instead of alone...Take nothing for granted. Our individual freedoms are not guaranteed. Democracy, peace, and prosperity aren't either." She continued, "Going it alone we will never succeed. Don't build walls. Break down walls. Lies should not be called truth, not truth, lies."
Angela Merkel's 2019 commence-
ment speech at Harvard
This is a woman who intimately knew about walls. For 32 years she lived on the "wrong" side of Germany's wall, the side where she was denied freedom, denied access to the west - kept out. She was the outsider wanting to get in. These years greatly influenced her values and the policies she would work for as chancellor.
Angela is a scientist, a PHD physicist, who was lured to politics because she believed there she could make a difference. Her modus operandi in all her work as chancellor reflected her training, always using the scientific approach, breaking down big issues into smaller pieces. She was the protege of Helmut Kohl and the minister of the environment under his chancellorship. Protection of the environment would be a concern throughout her 16 years as chancellor. After the nuclear accident in Fukushima, Japan in 2011, she phased out Germany's nuclear energy program.
Are we responsible for the sins of our fathers? Angela strongly believed Germany had a debt to pay to all Jews. She developed strong relations with Israel. Germany, a country that was responsible for the most horrific treatment of humanity, needed to lead the world in moral courage and response. By allowing over one million refugees into the country, she and many Germans felt pride that they now could atone for the past. However, not all Germans agreed, especially those from her beloved East. This act of humanitarianism is believed to be the catalyst of the formation of the far-right party, AFD (Alternative fur Deutschland). The book's author, in one of her few criticisms of Markel, feels this immigration policy wasn't adequately "sold" to the German people. Merkel assumed if she thought it was a good idea, everyone would agree. Interestingly, the usually stoic leader was delighted when the German firm Biotech, founded by Turkish immigrants, was among the first to develop a Covid vaccine.
Merkel's legacy includes the struggle to keep and strengthen the EU. (When asked what she wanted her epitaph to be, she responded,"She tried"). She had a close relationship with Barack Obama and Emmanuel Macron. Not the charismatic orator of these male leaders, she did share their strong belief in the vulnerability of democracy and the need to protect it from aggressive authoritarians and xenophobic fears. In Macron's words, "Nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism. It says, our interest first; who cares about the others?"
I wanted to read this portrait of a highly respected leader, the one who was found to be the world's most trusted leader in a September 2020 Pew Research Center survey, because I love reading about strong women. But my interest was more than that. My grandparents were born in Germany. I feel some of that guilt about the holocaust. Of course, I wasn't there and my grandparents has immigrated well before Hitler came into power. How could a country support a leader as malevolent and wrathful as he? How could this happen in an advanced and Christian( sometimes a shameful adjective) nation? I have followed my need to know through many books that explained how the climate of a country can change, how despots can take control. I revere Angel Merkel's determination to persevere, to hold to her values, to fight for what was right for Germany and the world. While I will always be troubled by that dark period in the history of the land of my ancestors, I now have pride in the female leader who accomplished so much and changed the perception of this strongest of European nations, the "world's moral center".
"This is a country aspiring to humility and to do better than it has in the past." A.M.
Angela Merkel's 2019 commence-
ment speech at Harvard
This is a woman who intimately knew about walls. For 32 years she lived on the "wrong" side of Germany's wall, the side where she was denied freedom, denied access to the west - kept out. She was the outsider wanting to get in. These years greatly influenced her values and the policies she would work for as chancellor.
Angela is a scientist, a PHD physicist, who was lured to politics because she believed there she could make a difference. Her modus operandi in all her work as chancellor reflected her training, always using the scientific approach, breaking down big issues into smaller pieces. She was the protege of Helmut Kohl and the minister of the environment under his chancellorship. Protection of the environment would be a concern throughout her 16 years as chancellor. After the nuclear accident in Fukushima, Japan in 2011, she phased out Germany's nuclear energy program.
Are we responsible for the sins of our fathers? Angela strongly believed Germany had a debt to pay to all Jews. She developed strong relations with Israel. Germany, a country that was responsible for the most horrific treatment of humanity, needed to lead the world in moral courage and response. By allowing over one million refugees into the country, she and many Germans felt pride that they now could atone for the past. However, not all Germans agreed, especially those from her beloved East. This act of humanitarianism is believed to be the catalyst of the formation of the far-right party, AFD (Alternative fur Deutschland). The book's author, in one of her few criticisms of Markel, feels this immigration policy wasn't adequately "sold" to the German people. Merkel assumed if she thought it was a good idea, everyone would agree. Interestingly, the usually stoic leader was delighted when the German firm Biotech, founded by Turkish immigrants, was among the first to develop a Covid vaccine.
Merkel's legacy includes the struggle to keep and strengthen the EU. (When asked what she wanted her epitaph to be, she responded,"She tried"). She had a close relationship with Barack Obama and Emmanuel Macron. Not the charismatic orator of these male leaders, she did share their strong belief in the vulnerability of democracy and the need to protect it from aggressive authoritarians and xenophobic fears. In Macron's words, "Nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism. It says, our interest first; who cares about the others?"
I wanted to read this portrait of a highly respected leader, the one who was found to be the world's most trusted leader in a September 2020 Pew Research Center survey, because I love reading about strong women. But my interest was more than that. My grandparents were born in Germany. I feel some of that guilt about the holocaust. Of course, I wasn't there and my grandparents has immigrated well before Hitler came into power. How could a country support a leader as malevolent and wrathful as he? How could this happen in an advanced and Christian( sometimes a shameful adjective) nation? I have followed my need to know through many books that explained how the climate of a country can change, how despots can take control. I revere Angel Merkel's determination to persevere, to hold to her values, to fight for what was right for Germany and the world. While I will always be troubled by that dark period in the history of the land of my ancestors, I now have pride in the female leader who accomplished so much and changed the perception of this strongest of European nations, the "world's moral center".
"This is a country aspiring to humility and to do better than it has in the past." A.M.
December 13, 2021
Very informative and interesting!
The Chancellor: The Remarkable Odyssey of Angela Merkel
By Kati Martin
I learned so much about Angela Merkel! She is someone I have always admired as a political figure but now that I know her back story I am really impressed! She was over 30 years ago before the wall came down between East and West Germany and she grew up on the prison side! Then to go from there to being Chancellor! Wow!
She also has a PhD in physics! She is one smart lady! Her parents, well, I wouldn't want them! They didn't even vote for her! Strange people!
The Chancellor: The Remarkable Odyssey of Angela Merkel
By Kati Martin
I learned so much about Angela Merkel! She is someone I have always admired as a political figure but now that I know her back story I am really impressed! She was over 30 years ago before the wall came down between East and West Germany and she grew up on the prison side! Then to go from there to being Chancellor! Wow!
She also has a PhD in physics! She is one smart lady! Her parents, well, I wouldn't want them! They didn't even vote for her! Strange people!
November 3, 2022
While I love all things political, I have come to realise that I ought to expand my knowledge related to some of the world leaders outside North America. When I noticed that Kati Marton penned a biography of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, I leapt at the opportunity to learn more about her and how Europe’s most powerful leader during her tenure kept the trains running on time. Marton does a fabulous job explaining the life of Merkel, as well as those topics that make her tick. Well worth a read by those who love political biographies.
Angela Merkel spent her early years as a pastor’s daughter in East Germany, behind the Berlin Wall. Her time living in a communist regime allowed Merkel to see how she did not want to live life, but would also provide insight in the Russian ethos, which would prove useful when dealing with the likes of Putin. Merkel used her time behind the Wall honing her life skills and becoming a top-rate scientist, choosing to question the world around her.
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Merkel sought a new career for herself, finding a spot in the first united German cabinet. Merkel may not have had a great deal of political experience, but she made up for it in determination and a passion to see change in the new and fragile German Republic. Merkel was known for not fitting in and challenging norms, but never stopped trying to make changes that would help those around her. One of her key attributes that followed Merkel throughout her public life was a push to remain private. Many did not know the personal Angela Merkel, nor did she try to flaunt her life. She remained grounded and quiet, keeping to herself outside the role as Chancellor, which would baffle many as time progressed.
As she rose through the ranks of her party, Merkel found herself in a position of power and would become a rarity in German politics, a woman in a position of power. Merkel climbed into the role of Chancellor while others around her whispered their doubt that she would last. However, Merkel was less concerned about what others thought, choosing to turn her attention to fixing many aspects of the German state. As Marton explains throughout the tome, Merkel made an impact as she moved to change the way Germany was seen within the European community, as well as on the world scene. She stopped at nothing to push for economic reforms and a stronger sense of equality within the German Republic, turning away from the dark stain that was the Nazi regime.
One thing that Marton makes clear throughout the biography is that Merkel would stop at nothing to ensure the world did not slip back into the perils of authoritarianism or leave any part of the population homeless. Her own experiences resonated loudly and she would not stand for any bullying. Facing off against the likes of Putin and Trump, Merkel stood her ground and made sure not to let their snide remarks go without a response. Marton does contrast this with a softer view on China, one of Germany’s great trading partners. One can suppose that economic output would supersede human rights violations.
While Merkel never saw herself staying in power forever, she did have a list of things that she wanted to accomplish. Merkel served four terms as chancellor, buoyed by parliamentary governments who supported her enough to stay in the job. Merkel saw a great deal of change in the warld, in Europe, and even in Germany throughout her tenure, but also saw the next generation slink onto the scene in the latter years of her fourth term. Merkel may have been very involved in Germany’s progress, but she also had passions all her own that she wanted to share in the latter portion of her public life. Marton hints at some, but is clear that Angela Merkel is a private person and would likely enjoy her privacy as well. A public life well lived, Kati Marton has shown me a new and intriguing side to this woman who appeared to hold Europe together at the seams for long periods of time, while also providing compassion to those around her.
While there are many who purport that they can pen a political biography, only a handful are usually successful. Kati Marton does a formidable job exploring the life and times of Angela Merkel, breathing life and personality into a politician known primarily for her hard-line approach to governing. The tome exemplifies a much more personal side to the woman and her rise to power, as well as the topics into which she delved to keep the country and world together. Pulling on both professional and as many personal experiences as Merkel would allow to come out, Marton builds a strong and all-encompassing narrative well worth the reader’s time. An easy to follow format keeps the book from becoming too sluggish and there are many wonderful anecdotes woven into the larger tome. I must applaud Kati Marton for her detailed approach, which offers a personal side to a woman thought to be all work and little play in the eyes of the world.
Kudos, Kati Marton, for this stellar piece. Your time with Angela Merkel is shown in the great political biography I’ve just finished.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Angela Merkel spent her early years as a pastor’s daughter in East Germany, behind the Berlin Wall. Her time living in a communist regime allowed Merkel to see how she did not want to live life, but would also provide insight in the Russian ethos, which would prove useful when dealing with the likes of Putin. Merkel used her time behind the Wall honing her life skills and becoming a top-rate scientist, choosing to question the world around her.
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Merkel sought a new career for herself, finding a spot in the first united German cabinet. Merkel may not have had a great deal of political experience, but she made up for it in determination and a passion to see change in the new and fragile German Republic. Merkel was known for not fitting in and challenging norms, but never stopped trying to make changes that would help those around her. One of her key attributes that followed Merkel throughout her public life was a push to remain private. Many did not know the personal Angela Merkel, nor did she try to flaunt her life. She remained grounded and quiet, keeping to herself outside the role as Chancellor, which would baffle many as time progressed.
As she rose through the ranks of her party, Merkel found herself in a position of power and would become a rarity in German politics, a woman in a position of power. Merkel climbed into the role of Chancellor while others around her whispered their doubt that she would last. However, Merkel was less concerned about what others thought, choosing to turn her attention to fixing many aspects of the German state. As Marton explains throughout the tome, Merkel made an impact as she moved to change the way Germany was seen within the European community, as well as on the world scene. She stopped at nothing to push for economic reforms and a stronger sense of equality within the German Republic, turning away from the dark stain that was the Nazi regime.
One thing that Marton makes clear throughout the biography is that Merkel would stop at nothing to ensure the world did not slip back into the perils of authoritarianism or leave any part of the population homeless. Her own experiences resonated loudly and she would not stand for any bullying. Facing off against the likes of Putin and Trump, Merkel stood her ground and made sure not to let their snide remarks go without a response. Marton does contrast this with a softer view on China, one of Germany’s great trading partners. One can suppose that economic output would supersede human rights violations.
While Merkel never saw herself staying in power forever, she did have a list of things that she wanted to accomplish. Merkel served four terms as chancellor, buoyed by parliamentary governments who supported her enough to stay in the job. Merkel saw a great deal of change in the warld, in Europe, and even in Germany throughout her tenure, but also saw the next generation slink onto the scene in the latter years of her fourth term. Merkel may have been very involved in Germany’s progress, but she also had passions all her own that she wanted to share in the latter portion of her public life. Marton hints at some, but is clear that Angela Merkel is a private person and would likely enjoy her privacy as well. A public life well lived, Kati Marton has shown me a new and intriguing side to this woman who appeared to hold Europe together at the seams for long periods of time, while also providing compassion to those around her.
While there are many who purport that they can pen a political biography, only a handful are usually successful. Kati Marton does a formidable job exploring the life and times of Angela Merkel, breathing life and personality into a politician known primarily for her hard-line approach to governing. The tome exemplifies a much more personal side to the woman and her rise to power, as well as the topics into which she delved to keep the country and world together. Pulling on both professional and as many personal experiences as Merkel would allow to come out, Marton builds a strong and all-encompassing narrative well worth the reader’s time. An easy to follow format keeps the book from becoming too sluggish and there are many wonderful anecdotes woven into the larger tome. I must applaud Kati Marton for her detailed approach, which offers a personal side to a woman thought to be all work and little play in the eyes of the world.
Kudos, Kati Marton, for this stellar piece. Your time with Angela Merkel is shown in the great political biography I’ve just finished.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
August 7, 2021
Outstanding. I don’t know why but I didn’t expect this to be so well written - maybe because I’m not a big biography reader and they usually have way too much contextual filler for me. But this was perfectly done - the author breaks down complex politics, culture, and international relations so well that I better understood things I thought I already knew.
Merkel is such a fascinating figure, still enigmatic despite being in power for so long and having accomplished so much. She’s a former East German who helped turn a country responsible for the 20th century’s worst atrocities into the world’s moral center. And she helped bridge divides between east and west in her own while she was at it. I respected and admired her for so much already but there’s even more to it. Marton also examines her missteps, lest this seem like propaganda or only gushing praise. But as Angela herself wants to be remembered, “She tried.”
Also interesting that because of her intense privacy she didn’t really “cooperate” per se, but she allowed Marton to observe her at work and interview some of her aides and friends. The result is just an extraordinary portrait, drawing on information about her childhood and what she’s said herself in speeches set against Marton’s clear analysis of how life behind the wall shaped her thinking, policies, and mindset. It’s so insightful and truly, there’s not a dull page.
Apparently Merkel also does a hilarious Putin impression. This is such a delight!
Merkel is such a fascinating figure, still enigmatic despite being in power for so long and having accomplished so much. She’s a former East German who helped turn a country responsible for the 20th century’s worst atrocities into the world’s moral center. And she helped bridge divides between east and west in her own while she was at it. I respected and admired her for so much already but there’s even more to it. Marton also examines her missteps, lest this seem like propaganda or only gushing praise. But as Angela herself wants to be remembered, “She tried.”
Also interesting that because of her intense privacy she didn’t really “cooperate” per se, but she allowed Marton to observe her at work and interview some of her aides and friends. The result is just an extraordinary portrait, drawing on information about her childhood and what she’s said herself in speeches set against Marton’s clear analysis of how life behind the wall shaped her thinking, policies, and mindset. It’s so insightful and truly, there’s not a dull page.
Apparently Merkel also does a hilarious Putin impression. This is such a delight!
December 19, 2021
This book was similar to Pontius Pilate doing a biography of Jesus. Bias isn’t even the proper English word. Markel is far more interesting than this superficial keynote posture and fawning exercise. I am shocked by the ratings.
And I admire her overall too but as another politician would say, "Come on, man!"
And I admire her overall too but as another politician would say, "Come on, man!"
January 9, 2024
اگر سیاست مداری باشی که مردم دوستت دارن و کتابِ زندگیت رو می خونن بی گمان به سبب کارهایی ست که کرده ای. اگر هم بهت بگن بی شرف یا دیکتاتور یا آدمکش باز هم همین سبب رو داره. داوری آدمها برای سیاست بازان از رفتار و کردار و کنش اونهاست. ربطی به قیافه و شمایل و شکوهِ ساختگی هم نداره، حتا اگر تمامِ ارتش دنیا رو بکِشی و بیاری که مردم رو وادار کنی که بپذیرنت معناش این نیست که دوستت دارن که می خوان باشی و تا روز آخر بالای سرشون آقایی کنی. حالا خانمْ مرکِل هم یک نمونه ست از همین ماجرا. یک کسی که دوست داری روایتش رو بخونی تا متوجه بشی تفاوت یک جامعه ای که از گذشته ش درس می گیره با یک سیستم درجا زننده ی ریاکار در چیست. جامعه ای که زن رو می بره و نگاهِ انسانی بهش می کنه و تاجِ صدراعظمی روی سرش می ذاره و جامعه ای که پدری دخترش رو با داس گردن می زنه چون روابط نامشروع داشته! طنز هولناک و غریبیه، اونقدر تراژدی عمیقه که شبیه شده به کُمدی
چرا بعدِ خوندن مرکل رفتیم رادیو چهرازی رو دوباره گوش دادیم راستی؟ چرا؟ شایدم خودمون رو زده بودیم به فراموشی به بیهوشی.
در انتهای سالن از عزیزان با ساندیس و کیک پذیرایی می شود... اون ته آقا بله همونجا! خواهرم بفرمایید شما هم. خبر رسید بردنت گورستان شهر× ئه فکر نمی کردی بمیری آخرش؟ خب هر فیلمی یه روزی تموم میشه دیگه حالا تو بگو تایتانیک یا جانگوی تانرانتینو
دربست کرج یه نفر
یک روز پس از هجدهم تیرداد 1402 خورشیدی، چه خورشیدی
چرا بعدِ خوندن مرکل رفتیم رادیو چهرازی رو دوباره گوش دادیم راستی؟ چرا؟ شایدم خودمون رو زده بودیم به فراموشی به بیهوشی.
در انتهای سالن از عزیزان با ساندیس و کیک پذیرایی می شود... اون ته آقا بله همونجا! خواهرم بفرمایید شما هم. خبر رسید بردنت گورستان شهر× ئه فکر نمی کردی بمیری آخرش؟ خب هر فیلمی یه روزی تموم میشه دیگه حالا تو بگو تایتانیک یا جانگوی تانرانتینو
دربست کرج یه نفر
یک روز پس از هجدهم تیرداد 1402 خورشیدی، چه خورشیدی
September 6, 2025
Playing it Safe
The Chancellor looks back on a political heavyweight of the early twenty first century politician, Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany. Having held power for 16 years before stepping down on her own terms Merkel has featured heavily in world affairs. She was Germany’s first female Chancellor and the longest serving and often during her tenure hailed as the ‘Queen of Europe’. But like her mentor and predecessor Helmut Kohl is likely to be forgotten in coming years. Merkel is someone who could be described as ‘steady away’, a pragmatist who has kept the easy or narrow line down the centre. She has faced many challenges, the migrant crisis, eurozone crisis and Covid-19. However her European and domestic legacy remain mixed at home and abroad.
The problem with this book is that is a complex hagiography of Merkel. A political pamphlet which makes poor excuses even when Merkel didn’t perform. Dubbed the ‘crisis manager’ by Germans, she was always late to act, and was completely unable to think outside the box, there was no vision, nothing new injected into the system. In Greece, Spain and Italy Merkel is blamed for the economic meltdown. All forced to pay heavy austerity measures by Germany, it has turned many against the EU and eurozone. Critics voice their opinion that the eurozone is built in the interest of the powerful states like Germany, where its export industry is hugely favoured. They fail to understand why they would be in a common market where they come off a lot worse and Germany offers no help to them. Also, in saving the eurozone with the bailouts, it was clear to many that Merkel had no idea what to do in the future with it. Merkel has also promoted a ‘Germany First’ in Europe approach, which is unsurprising but also created a north-south divide on the continent.
Merkel is also praised and criticised for her handling of the 2015 Syrian refugee crisis. The author is only able to present the positives, for example the humanitarian viewpoint, no negatives are considered at all, even those this has been controversial. Barack Obama was impressed by this move as he knew it would be politically damaging, but believed it was the ‘right thing to do’. It is also rumoured he pushed for Merkel to stand for a fourth turn, to keep the EU together following Brexit and Donald Trump’s victory in 2016. Merkel’s pursuit of trade also weakened the EU, for example, the building of the Nord Steam 2 pipeline with Russia for cheaper energy weakened the harmony of EU member states and ultimately have huge leverage to Putin over Germany. Most of her critics say that Merkel deals with problems by ‘sweeping them under the rug’. You can feel it with this book. This is probably what stuck me the most. Merkel is a bland politician in a bland faceless political world that is modern Europe. There are no great figures or charismatic leaders, just many from the same predictable production line who say and do what you would bet them to do.
The Chancellor is average, because it fails to give any analysis other than Merkel is great and every mistake was in fact a well co-ordinated victory. Merkel isn’t a bad person or a politician, she just didn’t light up the world, come up with anything or solve anything. The problem was pushed down the road uncontroversially so. 16 years in power under the radar is probably what Germany needed after the turmoil of the Third Reich and split nation. The book also tried to explore the personal life of Merkel. Someone who wants to remain private and stay at home when not at work. Again there is nothing wrong with this, but it shows that you get bland politics, as we now get bland entertainment and bland cities, there isn’t much else and nothing exciting. Merkel is highly intelligent and was clearly someone who wasn’t a bully. But for me lacking the brilliance or someone like Bismarck, but is that what Germany needed? The book doesn’t seem to care as it is pro status quo in the EU. As a result it fails as a biography as there is no analysis, links formed with modern German politics or where the country goes from here.
The Chancellor looks back on a political heavyweight of the early twenty first century politician, Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany. Having held power for 16 years before stepping down on her own terms Merkel has featured heavily in world affairs. She was Germany’s first female Chancellor and the longest serving and often during her tenure hailed as the ‘Queen of Europe’. But like her mentor and predecessor Helmut Kohl is likely to be forgotten in coming years. Merkel is someone who could be described as ‘steady away’, a pragmatist who has kept the easy or narrow line down the centre. She has faced many challenges, the migrant crisis, eurozone crisis and Covid-19. However her European and domestic legacy remain mixed at home and abroad.
The problem with this book is that is a complex hagiography of Merkel. A political pamphlet which makes poor excuses even when Merkel didn’t perform. Dubbed the ‘crisis manager’ by Germans, she was always late to act, and was completely unable to think outside the box, there was no vision, nothing new injected into the system. In Greece, Spain and Italy Merkel is blamed for the economic meltdown. All forced to pay heavy austerity measures by Germany, it has turned many against the EU and eurozone. Critics voice their opinion that the eurozone is built in the interest of the powerful states like Germany, where its export industry is hugely favoured. They fail to understand why they would be in a common market where they come off a lot worse and Germany offers no help to them. Also, in saving the eurozone with the bailouts, it was clear to many that Merkel had no idea what to do in the future with it. Merkel has also promoted a ‘Germany First’ in Europe approach, which is unsurprising but also created a north-south divide on the continent.
Merkel is also praised and criticised for her handling of the 2015 Syrian refugee crisis. The author is only able to present the positives, for example the humanitarian viewpoint, no negatives are considered at all, even those this has been controversial. Barack Obama was impressed by this move as he knew it would be politically damaging, but believed it was the ‘right thing to do’. It is also rumoured he pushed for Merkel to stand for a fourth turn, to keep the EU together following Brexit and Donald Trump’s victory in 2016. Merkel’s pursuit of trade also weakened the EU, for example, the building of the Nord Steam 2 pipeline with Russia for cheaper energy weakened the harmony of EU member states and ultimately have huge leverage to Putin over Germany. Most of her critics say that Merkel deals with problems by ‘sweeping them under the rug’. You can feel it with this book. This is probably what stuck me the most. Merkel is a bland politician in a bland faceless political world that is modern Europe. There are no great figures or charismatic leaders, just many from the same predictable production line who say and do what you would bet them to do.
The Chancellor is average, because it fails to give any analysis other than Merkel is great and every mistake was in fact a well co-ordinated victory. Merkel isn’t a bad person or a politician, she just didn’t light up the world, come up with anything or solve anything. The problem was pushed down the road uncontroversially so. 16 years in power under the radar is probably what Germany needed after the turmoil of the Third Reich and split nation. The book also tried to explore the personal life of Merkel. Someone who wants to remain private and stay at home when not at work. Again there is nothing wrong with this, but it shows that you get bland politics, as we now get bland entertainment and bland cities, there isn’t much else and nothing exciting. Merkel is highly intelligent and was clearly someone who wasn’t a bully. But for me lacking the brilliance or someone like Bismarck, but is that what Germany needed? The book doesn’t seem to care as it is pro status quo in the EU. As a result it fails as a biography as there is no analysis, links formed with modern German politics or where the country goes from here.
November 17, 2021
3.5 stars. I enjoyed reading the book and learning more about Merkel, but was left feeling it was too light and superficial. A leader of her stature and accomplishments deserves a more thoughtful and intelligent biography. This is hardly the "definitive" biography Angela Merkel as the book jacket states.
July 14, 2022
مرکل همیشه برای من انسان مهمی بوده چون در کشوری که بهشدت مردانه است (در تاریخ سرزمین آلمان، از امپراطوری مقدس روم تا رایش سوم و حتی پساز جنگ جهانی دوم در دوران جمهوری فدرال آلمان) هیچگاه رهبری جامعه به دست زنان نبوده، برخلاف انگلیس که ملکه ویکتوریا رو داشته، یا روسیه که امپراتریس کاترین کبیر رو داشته و هردو بسیار هم موفق بودن. آنگلا مرکل جو رو به سمتی برده که زنها بسیاری از مناصب سیاسی رو در آلمان و حتی اروپا به دست آوردن. تصمیماتاش نه تنها روی آلمان و اروپا (طبق گفته کتاب برخی از رسانهها گاهی از مرکل بهعنوان صدراعظم اروپا یاد میکردن)، که روی جهان اثرگذار بود.
کتاب از دوران کودکی شروع میکنه، یعنی ۱۹۵۶ که پدر آنگلا مرکل، هورست کاسنر برای ترویج مذهب پروتستان، به سمت آلمان شرقی مهاجرت میکنه و درحالیکه سالانه در حدود ۲۰۰ هزار نفر به آلمان غربی مهاجرت میکردن ( دیوار برلین ۱۹۶۱ احداث میشه) این مهاجرت عجیبوغریب زندگی آنگلا مرکل رو تغییر اساسی میده و البته بعدها یکیاز دلایلی که بهسادگی به سیاست راه پیدا میکنه، همین ساکن شرق بودنش هست.
ازدواج اولش با اولریش مرکل بوده که پساز سه سال از هم جدا میشن (یک روز آنگلا اساسش رو جمع میکنه و از خونه میره، بعدها میگه ما ازدواج کرده بودیم چون همه ازدواج کرده بودن) و به خونهای محقر میره که بعدها در دوران صدراعظمی، در همون خیابون خونهای رو اجاره میکنه. در سال ۱۹۹۸ پساز حدود ۶ سال آشنایی با همسر فعلیاش یواخیم زاور (فیزکدان) با او ازدواج میکنه و البته هیچ فرزندی به دنیا نمیارن.
زندگی خصوصی مرکل واقعا خصوصیِ و کسی از همکاراناش تا حالا داخل اون خونه رو ندیده! حتی در دوران کرونا وقتی او مشکوک به ابتلا بوده و درنتیجه دو هفته قرنطینه میشه، ویدئوکال نمیکنه و تمام جلسات رو بهصورت تلفنی پیش میبره! هیچیک از اعضای خانوادهاش اعماز همسر سابق و همسر فعلیاش، مادرش و پدرش و خواهر و برادرش درمورد زندگی خصوصی او مصاحبهای نکردن.
جالب اینکه مرکل PhD فیزیک داره و روش حل مسائل سیاسیاش رو هم مدیون مطالعات آکادمیکاش هست.
کتاب درمورد برخوردش با مهاجرین و پذیرش یک میلیون پناهنده صحبت میکنه و اینکه خود مرکل این کارش رو بسیار اخلاقی ارزیابی میکنه و درعینحال موجب زدوده شدن رفتارهای تاریخی زشت سیاستمداران رایش سوم که به اردوگاههای کار اجباری و هولوکاست منجر شد، میشه.
خریدهای منزلش رو خودش انجام میده، پختوپز با خودش هست، دوست داره تا جای ممکن شب در خونه خودش بخوابه، تا پیشاز دوره چهارم صدارت، خیلی کمتر از تجارب زندگیاش در آلمان شرقی حرف میزده و کلا بهقول ما ایرانیها، آدم توداریِ.
صفحهآرایی و ترجمه عالی بود، چاپ نواقصی داشت که شاید نسخهای که من خریدم این مشکل رو داره و متن اساسا سادهفهم و روان بود. درواقع نویسنده خیلی روان نوشته متن رو.
خوندنش رو توصیه میکنم. من متوجه شدم سیاست درعینحال که چقدر کلان هست، چقدر میتونه به اشخاصی که مناصب رو در اختیار میگیرن وابسته باشه.
کتاب از دوران کودکی شروع میکنه، یعنی ۱۹۵۶ که پدر آنگلا مرکل، هورست کاسنر برای ترویج مذهب پروتستان، به سمت آلمان شرقی مهاجرت میکنه و درحالیکه سالانه در حدود ۲۰۰ هزار نفر به آلمان غربی مهاجرت میکردن ( دیوار برلین ۱۹۶۱ احداث میشه) این مهاجرت عجیبوغریب زندگی آنگلا مرکل رو تغییر اساسی میده و البته بعدها یکیاز دلایلی که بهسادگی به سیاست راه پیدا میکنه، همین ساکن شرق بودنش هست.
ازدواج اولش با اولریش مرکل بوده که پساز سه سال از هم جدا میشن (یک روز آنگلا اساسش رو جمع میکنه و از خونه میره، بعدها میگه ما ازدواج کرده بودیم چون همه ازدواج کرده بودن) و به خونهای محقر میره که بعدها در دوران صدراعظمی، در همون خیابون خونهای رو اجاره میکنه. در سال ۱۹۹۸ پساز حدود ۶ سال آشنایی با همسر فعلیاش یواخیم زاور (فیزکدان) با او ازدواج میکنه و البته هیچ فرزندی به دنیا نمیارن.
زندگی خصوصی مرکل واقعا خصوصیِ و کسی از همکاراناش تا حالا داخل اون خونه رو ندیده! حتی در دوران کرونا وقتی او مشکوک به ابتلا بوده و درنتیجه دو هفته قرنطینه میشه، ویدئوکال نمیکنه و تمام جلسات رو بهصورت تلفنی پیش میبره! هیچیک از اعضای خانوادهاش اعماز همسر سابق و همسر فعلیاش، مادرش و پدرش و خواهر و برادرش درمورد زندگی خصوصی او مصاحبهای نکردن.
جالب اینکه مرکل PhD فیزیک داره و روش حل مسائل سیاسیاش رو هم مدیون مطالعات آکادمیکاش هست.
کتاب درمورد برخوردش با مهاجرین و پذیرش یک میلیون پناهنده صحبت میکنه و اینکه خود مرکل این کارش رو بسیار اخلاقی ارزیابی میکنه و درعینحال موجب زدوده شدن رفتارهای تاریخی زشت سیاستمداران رایش سوم که به اردوگاههای کار اجباری و هولوکاست منجر شد، میشه.
خریدهای منزلش رو خودش انجام میده، پختوپز با خودش هست، دوست داره تا جای ممکن شب در خونه خودش بخوابه، تا پیشاز دوره چهارم صدارت، خیلی کمتر از تجارب زندگیاش در آلمان شرقی حرف میزده و کلا بهقول ما ایرانیها، آدم توداریِ.
صفحهآرایی و ترجمه عالی بود، چاپ نواقصی داشت که شاید نسخهای که من خریدم این مشکل رو داره و متن اساسا سادهفهم و روان بود. درواقع نویسنده خیلی روان نوشته متن رو.
خوندنش رو توصیه میکنم. من متوجه شدم سیاست درعینحال که چقدر کلان هست، چقدر میتونه به اشخاصی که مناصب رو در اختیار میگیرن وابسته باشه.
December 19, 2021
عالم السياسة مُستنقع قذر، لا يُمكن لإنسان أن يكون مُحنّكًا فيه إلا أن يكون داهية، لأن لا مكان فيه للضُعفاء أو للمثاليين
السياسيون خاصة رؤساء الدول يكونون تحت ضغط شديد لا يحتمله الكثيرون. يسيرون أولئك على خيط رقيق جدًا فوق بُركان هائل من الضغوط. ضغوط شعبية مُطالِبة بتحسين الوضع المحلّي، وضغوط دولية تقوّض الرغبة في الإصلاح، ومعاهدات دولية وإقليمية مفروضة لا فكاك منها. يسير أولئك محاولين الموازنة بين رغبات شعوبهم وحقيقية إمكانية تحقيقها. يجاهدون للسير بأمان وسط تيارات الشعبوية واليمينية المُتطرفة وبين اليسارية الحالمة. لكن الخيط الذي يسيرون عليه واهٍ للغاية ومُعرض للاحتراق عند أول حركة خاطئة وعندها سيكون السقوط مُدوّيًا لتبتلعه نيران الإعلام السياسي
لا يوجد سياسي لا يُقدّم تنازلات، وللأسف لا يملك فيه السياسيون ترف المثالية. صدق من قال إن السياسة فنّ... لكنه فنّ قبيح والجميع مُضطر أن يُمارسه
كتاب "المُستشارة" هو سيرة ذاتية للمُستشارة الألمانية أنجيلا ميركل، وهي التي بقت في هذا المنصب لمدة ستة عشر عام، لتكون مُدتها هي الأطول في هذا المنصب يماثلها في الفترة هلموت كول. لكنها المرة الأولى في التاريخ الألماني التي تتولّى فيه أنثى هذا المنصب وسط بلد وحزب ذكوري للغاية
بالتأكيد هناك عدة نقاط نختلف فيها مع "أنجيلا ميركل" لكننا لا بُدّ أن نُقرّ ونحترم إرادتها الفولاذية التي تحدّت بها أعتى المُتنمرين السياسيين والرؤساء المُتبجحين، ونحترم إيمانها بمبادئها الإنسانية والإصرار على تنفيذها، رغم كُل التحدّيات التي واجهتها، وعدم الوقوع في فخّ التعصّب المُتطرّف المُتصاعد في بلدها والدفاع المُستميت لتوحيد بلدها وإبقائه تحت مظلة أوروبا لا أن تبقى منبوذة لإيمانها لمُطلق بقانون -الاتحاد قوة في وجه أعدائك
نستكشف في الكتاب حياة "ميركل" منذ طفولتها ونشأتها الصارمة في ألمانيا الشرقية تحت إمرة الاتحاد السوفيتي. هذه النشأة تحديدًا هي ما خلقت الشخصية الحذرة والداعمة لحقوق الإنسان، وهي التي جعلتها تُقدم على قرارها الجريء لفتح حدودها للاجئين السوريين، لتكون الدولة الغربية الوحيدة في أوروبا التي فعلت ذلك
تريّث "ميركل" الملحوظ في اتخاذ قراراتها كان راجعًا كونها عالمة فهي الحاصلة على شهادة الدكتوراة في الفيزياء "الطبيعة"، ولهذا فلم تتخذ "أنجيلا ميركل" قراراً لها إلا بعد أن تكون قد درسته وجمّعت الحقائق الخاصة به، حتى أنها كانت تقرأ وتدرس عن الشخصيات السياسية التي ستقابلها
لا يُمكن للقارئ إلا أن يُعجب بالمُستشارة الألمانية "أنجيلا ميركل" وكيف أثبتت للعالم أن الأنثى من المُمكن أن تكون نِدًّا للرجل في مجال اعتبره الرجل مجاله بلا منازع. وكيف أنها كانت سياسية بارعة في التفاوض والتعامل مع الرؤساء والشخصيات السياسية، وكيف قاومت حماقة الرئيس الأمريكي السابق ترامب، وعنجهية وتبجّح الرئيس الروسي بوتين
اقتباسات
كل ما يهمّ الرأسماليين هو المال، وأن تحقّق الإجراءات أرباحاً طائلة، وأن يشتري المستهلكون أكثر مما يحتاجون إليه. نحن نُكره على تعلّم اقتصاد السوق، ولا يُفترض بنا مساءلته، وتتحوّل كل الأشياء إلى سوق، ومن بينها الطبيعة ذاتها
لا توجد مشكلة على الإطلاق بالنسبة إلى الرجل في ارتداء بذلة زرقاء داكنة مئة يوم على التوالي، لكن إذا ارتديت السترة ذاتها أربع مرات، أتلقى رسائل من المواطنين... ذات مرة وجدت مصوراً يحاول التقاط صورة لكعب حذائي الملتوي
طالما أن النساء لا يُمثّلن في مناصب قيادية، وفي وسائل الإعلام، وفي الأحزاب السياسية، وفي مجموعات الضغط، وفي مجال الأعمال، وما دُمن أدنى مرتبة من كبار مصممي الأزياء، وكبار الطهاة، فسيحدد الرجال قدوة النساء... ما هي فرصي في الزواج إن تقلدت منصباً قيادياً؟ ما هي فرص حدوث إسقاط للحمل؟ كيف سيعاني أطفالي إن حاولت الجمع بين مهنتي وعائلتي؟ نناقش هذه الأسئلة مراراً وتكراراً باستخدام أمثلة سلبية تحط من عزيمة النساء. هذه محاولة من الرجال من أجل الاحتفاظ بالمناصب التي يشغلونها حالياً
في الغالب، أشعر بالانزعاج عندما أكون برفقة رجال لا يعتمدون على الحقائق في نقاشاتهم، بل على أفضل الطرق لبث الرعب في الشخص الآخر
بينما تقرأ ميركل كل ملخصات الكتب، وتتمتّع بموهبة خاصة بالنسبة إلى ما يتعلّق بالتفاصيل التقنية والقانونية، وهو أمر يجد خصومها وزملاؤها صعوبة شديدة في مجاراتها فيه، وفي المفاوضات تذهلهم قدرتها على الإحاطة بالتفاصيل
يمكن لميركل، التي سعت دائماً إلى التقاعد قبل أن تصبح "حطاماً سياسياً"، أن تفخر بأنها غادرت منصبها بمحض إرادتها وهي في ذروة قوتها، ولم تُطرد منه كما حدث مع كل من سبقوها. وقدمت بذلك مثالاً أخيراً لأولئك السياسيين الذين يخطئون في تقدير المنصب ويرفضون التخلي عنه. أوضحت لهم ميركل كيف يجب أن تعمل الديمقراطية، وتركت إرثاً شخصياً
في النهاية... "أنجيلا ميركل" ليست ملاكًا بل بالتأكيد لها أخطائها، وأيضًا لها قناعات نختلف معها تمامًا شكلًا وموضوعًا، فهي في النهاية ألمانية تضع بلدها في المقام الأول، ويجب أن ننظر إلى قراراتها من خلال هذه الزاوية. لكن هذا لا يمنع أن نستلهم من سيرتها مآثرها التي تتوافق مع أفكارنا ومُعتقداتنا، ونتعلّم كيفية الإدارة المُتزنة والأخطاء التي وقعت فيها لتلافيها.
كتاب "المُستشارة؛ مسيرة أنجيلا ميركل الملحمية" كتاب مُلهم بكُل تأكيد خاصة وأنه يتحدث عن شخصية مُعاصرة حصلت على احترام العالم.
تقييمي للكتاب 5 نجوم
أحمد فؤاد
التاسع عشر كانون الأول/ديسمبر 2021
August 14, 2022
Ah, if only I had more stars to give! 💜
October 29, 2021
You can find my review on YouTube as well: https://youtu.be/qkFImMZ14Tk
Angela Merkel’s biography is so much more than that. Besides being able to get a glimpse at her very private life and learn more about what made her as successful as she was, this book is also a vivid, impactful, and insightful summary of our global history over the last decades.
Kati Marton starts out with setting the stage of Angela Merkel’s foundation, explaining the time after ww2 and how those living in East Germany dealt with the Communist regime. With Angela’s ascend into politics, we learn more about the person herself, her strengths and ambitions. And in the last part, with Angela Merkel being elected chancellor of Germany in 2005, we receive a great view into the various aspects of her leadership during the global events that she maneuvered with patience and strength - everything from the 2008 housing crisis to the Syrien refugees, and Covid (and a lot of events in between). While the focus is on Angela Merkel’s leadership, Kati Marton managed to include a great summary of the world’s events.
Throughout the book Kati Marton provides an amazingly accurate glimpse into the life of Germans, what it means to grow up in a country that constantly has to deal with their past and doesn’t shove it aside to forget it. Because of Kati’s ability to explain German’s history in such a way, she was able to outline how Angela Merkel was shaped and what that meant do how she ruled the way she did.
As someone who grew up in Germany, I always had a hard time explaining what it meant to not be proud of your country and why certain customs in the US, the country I am living in now, are still so foreign to me. I was truly moved, especially by the chapters talking about East Germany and how Germany has evolved since then.
If it wouldn’t have been for NetGalley, I might not have found out about this book. I’m so grateful for them and Simon & Schuster for approving me for an early access copy. This book deeply impressed me and I will definitely read it again.
Angela Merkel’s biography is so much more than that. Besides being able to get a glimpse at her very private life and learn more about what made her as successful as she was, this book is also a vivid, impactful, and insightful summary of our global history over the last decades.
Kati Marton starts out with setting the stage of Angela Merkel’s foundation, explaining the time after ww2 and how those living in East Germany dealt with the Communist regime. With Angela’s ascend into politics, we learn more about the person herself, her strengths and ambitions. And in the last part, with Angela Merkel being elected chancellor of Germany in 2005, we receive a great view into the various aspects of her leadership during the global events that she maneuvered with patience and strength - everything from the 2008 housing crisis to the Syrien refugees, and Covid (and a lot of events in between). While the focus is on Angela Merkel’s leadership, Kati Marton managed to include a great summary of the world’s events.
Throughout the book Kati Marton provides an amazingly accurate glimpse into the life of Germans, what it means to grow up in a country that constantly has to deal with their past and doesn’t shove it aside to forget it. Because of Kati’s ability to explain German’s history in such a way, she was able to outline how Angela Merkel was shaped and what that meant do how she ruled the way she did.
As someone who grew up in Germany, I always had a hard time explaining what it meant to not be proud of your country and why certain customs in the US, the country I am living in now, are still so foreign to me. I was truly moved, especially by the chapters talking about East Germany and how Germany has evolved since then.
If it wouldn’t have been for NetGalley, I might not have found out about this book. I’m so grateful for them and Simon & Schuster for approving me for an early access copy. This book deeply impressed me and I will definitely read it again.
March 11, 2023
O carte bine documentată, am aflat multe informatii din istoria Germaniei si a U.E. pe care nu le cunoșteam.
April 28, 2022
"A sua abordagem calma e analítica, desenvolvida ao longo dos anos passados a estudar física, permitiu-lhe ter uma perspetiva a longo prazo da governação. «Pondero as coisas a começar pelo fim; começo pelo resultado desejado e trabalho daí para trás ... O que importa é o que estará feito daqui a dois anos, e não o que leremos nos jornais de amanhã."
March 18, 2022
السيرة الذاتية النهائية للمستشارة الألمانية أنجيلا ميركل ، والتي توضح بالتفصيل الصعود الملحوظ والتألق السياسي لأقوى امرأة - والمراوغة - في العالم. المستشارة هي في الوقت نفسه سيرة ذاتية سياسية جذابة وقصة إنسانية حميمة لشخص خارجي كامل - عالم كيميائي باحث وابنة قس نشأ في ألمانيا الشرقية التي يسيطر عليها الاتحاد السوفيتي - والذي ارتقى ليصبح الزعيم غير الرسمي للغرب.
على رغم معرفتي القليلة بالمستشارة الالمانية وخاصة السيرة الذاتية لعملها ولكن بعد قرأتي لهذه الكتاب لعد تعرفت عليها وعن فترة حكمها اكثر وأعمق، الجميل في كتب السيرة الذاتية ان تكون مكتوبة من قبل اشخاص يكون حول او عاشوا مع الشخصية الرئيسية وذالك بحكم انهم عاشوا هذه الفترة وكانوا بعلم عن حياة او الاحداث التي مرت على صاحب السيرة الذاتية.
أعجبني كيف قسمت المستشارة حياته بين العمل و الحياة الخاصة بها، مهام كان مشاغلك في الحياة يجب يكون هناك اوقات مختلفة بين حياتك وعملك، المستشارة كانت حريصة جدا على الخصوصية في حياتها وهذا كان واضح جداً خلال قرأتي للكتاب، أحببت في الكتاب او شخصيتها انه تحاول تقدم الحلول وليست المشاكل فقط، انصح بهذا الكتاب لمن يحبون كتب التي تتلكم عن السيرة الذاتية وخاصة السياسية.
-------------------------------------------
The definitive biography of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, detailing the remarkable rise and political brilliance of the world's most powerful - and elusive - woman. The chancellor is simultaneously a compelling political autobiography and an intimate human story of a complete outsider — a research chemist and daughter of a pastor raised in Soviet-controlled East Germany — who rose to become the unofficial leader of the West.
Despite my little knowledge of the German chancellor, especially the biography of her work, but after reading this book, I became acquainted with her and about the period of her rule more and more deeply. About the life or events of the author of the biography.
I liked how the consultant divided his life between work and her private life. Whatever your concerns were in life, there should be different times between your life and your work. The consultant was very keen on privacy in her life and this was very clear during my reading of the book. I loved the book or her character that she is trying to advance Solutions and not only problems, I recommend this book to those who like biographical books, especially political ones.
على رغم معرفتي القليلة بالمستشارة الالمانية وخاصة السيرة الذاتية لعملها ولكن بعد قرأتي لهذه الكتاب لعد تعرفت عليها وعن فترة حكمها اكثر وأعمق، الجميل في كتب السيرة الذاتية ان تكون مكتوبة من قبل اشخاص يكون حول او عاشوا مع الشخصية الرئيسية وذالك بحكم انهم عاشوا هذه الفترة وكانوا بعلم عن حياة او الاحداث التي مرت على صاحب السيرة الذاتية.
أعجبني كيف قسمت المستشارة حياته بين العمل و الحياة الخاصة بها، مهام كان مشاغلك في الحياة يجب يكون هناك اوقات مختلفة بين حياتك وعملك، المستشارة كانت حريصة جدا على الخصوصية في حياتها وهذا كان واضح جداً خلال قرأتي للكتاب، أحببت في الكتاب او شخصيتها انه تحاول تقدم الحلول وليست المشاكل فقط، انصح بهذا الكتاب لمن يحبون كتب التي تتلكم عن السيرة الذاتية وخاصة السياسية.
-------------------------------------------
The definitive biography of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, detailing the remarkable rise and political brilliance of the world's most powerful - and elusive - woman. The chancellor is simultaneously a compelling political autobiography and an intimate human story of a complete outsider — a research chemist and daughter of a pastor raised in Soviet-controlled East Germany — who rose to become the unofficial leader of the West.
Despite my little knowledge of the German chancellor, especially the biography of her work, but after reading this book, I became acquainted with her and about the period of her rule more and more deeply. About the life or events of the author of the biography.
I liked how the consultant divided his life between work and her private life. Whatever your concerns were in life, there should be different times between your life and your work. The consultant was very keen on privacy in her life and this was very clear during my reading of the book. I loved the book or her character that she is trying to advance Solutions and not only problems, I recommend this book to those who like biographical books, especially political ones.
April 10, 2022
Kati Marton outdid herself with the fascinating account, THE CHANCELLOR: THE REMARKABLE ODYSSEY OF ANGELA MERKEL. With Merkel being an extremely private person, Marton was able to piece together Merkel’s personal and political career using solid, reliable sources. In the notes section, the author included a short paragraph for each chapter explaining exactly how, and with what sources, she wrote and researched every chapter.
I have always been fond of Merkel, but prior to reading this excellent book, I knew very little about her. Years ago, I watched a documentary on Merkel’s life and knew that she was born behind the Iron Curtain, but this book really elaborated on how her upbringing and early years growing up under communism helped to forge her temperament.
From 2017 through early 2021, Merkel led the free world, and held a torch for us all, while the world plummeted into nationalism. Her response to the immigrant crisis in Europe was amazing and her successes in dealing with rogue actors (Trump, Putin, Orban, etc.), was due in great part to her scientific mind and, I suspect, her womanhood.
I learned a lot about Merkel, a woman that I already admired. However, the author did not set out to make Merkel appear to be a superwoman. Marton discussed Merkel neutrally, revealing both Merkel's strengths and her weaknesses; her successes and her failures. This wasn’t a one-sided account, but rather an honest appraisal of the former chancellor. I strongly recommend this book.
I have always been fond of Merkel, but prior to reading this excellent book, I knew very little about her. Years ago, I watched a documentary on Merkel’s life and knew that she was born behind the Iron Curtain, but this book really elaborated on how her upbringing and early years growing up under communism helped to forge her temperament.
From 2017 through early 2021, Merkel led the free world, and held a torch for us all, while the world plummeted into nationalism. Her response to the immigrant crisis in Europe was amazing and her successes in dealing with rogue actors (Trump, Putin, Orban, etc.), was due in great part to her scientific mind and, I suspect, her womanhood.
I learned a lot about Merkel, a woman that I already admired. However, the author did not set out to make Merkel appear to be a superwoman. Marton discussed Merkel neutrally, revealing both Merkel's strengths and her weaknesses; her successes and her failures. This wasn’t a one-sided account, but rather an honest appraisal of the former chancellor. I strongly recommend this book.
September 30, 2022
A strong, powerful and enigmatic woman—what’s not to love? The famously private Merkel is exposed in this biography as much as she can be. A pastor’s daughter, she was raised in Soviet-controlled East Germany, became a PHD physicist, and then the unofficial leader of the West. I have always been fascinated by her and it’s hard not to be impressed by her accomplishments. Extremely well researched, I found this book insightful and enjoyed it more than expected.
September 4, 2021
Kati Marton’s “The Chancellor” is a well-written, well-researched study of the life and leadership of Angela Merkel, not only Germany’s first woman chancellor but one of its longest-serving chancellors and the first to have come from communist East Germany. I enjoyed it and believe I learned a great deal.
Marton begins with an examination of Merkel’s early life as the daughter of a Lutheran minister sent to a parish in Stasi-controlled, surveillance-obsessed East Germany, her education (culminating in a doctorate) and work as a research chemist, and then, with the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany, her transition into German politics and her rise to chancellor. It goes on to describe the various challenges she faced including the global recession, the Middle Eastern refugee crisis, and the rise of populism and autocracy; as well as her relationships with various world leaders including three American presidents and Vladimir Putin.
Along the way, we are given a very clear picture of Merkel herself, her modesty, her devotion to service and “getting the job done,” her rationality and reliance on facts, her energy and capacity for hard work, her persistence and persuasiveness as a negotiator, and the respect and high regard she has earned from other world leaders. It’s clear that Ms. Marton is a Merkel fan. Nevertheless, she does spend time on the weaknesses she perceives in the chancellor, most notably Merkel’s uber-rationality, her lack of charisma and/or great talent for oratory, and her sometimes “tin ear” when it comes to political expedience. But even these so-called weaknesses point to a leader who is much more about substance than style and cares ten times more about getting the right things done than about who gets the credit.
My one criticism is that Ms. Marton gets a little “preachy” when it comes to her own politics. Her beliefs in progressivism, globalism, and feminism are obvious, as is her opinion that many male leaders cannot check their egos at the door and that women are better suited to world leadership than men. Her disdain for nationalism, authoritarianism, and Donald Trump is also crystal clear. My purpose here is not to argue against or criticize those beliefs. But I wonder if her willingness to reveal them undermines the objectivity and authority many biographers strive for.
Nevertheless, I thought “The Chancellor” was well worth the time.
Marton begins with an examination of Merkel’s early life as the daughter of a Lutheran minister sent to a parish in Stasi-controlled, surveillance-obsessed East Germany, her education (culminating in a doctorate) and work as a research chemist, and then, with the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany, her transition into German politics and her rise to chancellor. It goes on to describe the various challenges she faced including the global recession, the Middle Eastern refugee crisis, and the rise of populism and autocracy; as well as her relationships with various world leaders including three American presidents and Vladimir Putin.
Along the way, we are given a very clear picture of Merkel herself, her modesty, her devotion to service and “getting the job done,” her rationality and reliance on facts, her energy and capacity for hard work, her persistence and persuasiveness as a negotiator, and the respect and high regard she has earned from other world leaders. It’s clear that Ms. Marton is a Merkel fan. Nevertheless, she does spend time on the weaknesses she perceives in the chancellor, most notably Merkel’s uber-rationality, her lack of charisma and/or great talent for oratory, and her sometimes “tin ear” when it comes to political expedience. But even these so-called weaknesses point to a leader who is much more about substance than style and cares ten times more about getting the right things done than about who gets the credit.
My one criticism is that Ms. Marton gets a little “preachy” when it comes to her own politics. Her beliefs in progressivism, globalism, and feminism are obvious, as is her opinion that many male leaders cannot check their egos at the door and that women are better suited to world leadership than men. Her disdain for nationalism, authoritarianism, and Donald Trump is also crystal clear. My purpose here is not to argue against or criticize those beliefs. But I wonder if her willingness to reveal them undermines the objectivity and authority many biographers strive for.
Nevertheless, I thought “The Chancellor” was well worth the time.
November 3, 2021
Excellent biography of an extraordinary woman. Kati Marton did a surprisingly good job given Merkel's penchant for privacy. I felt like it was well fleshed out in all areas: her values, strengths and weaknesses that shaped her life in East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall, political life before Chancellorship, and 16 years as Chancellor. It was thoroughly enjoyable reading about how this brilliant woman won over some of the world's most egotistical male leaders, quietly, with facts, charts...and patience.
June 13, 2022
DNF @ 61%
I was a bit worried when the book started off with scant details and little access to the famously private Merkel. Knowing nearly nothing about Germany or Merkel meant that even if details were sparse, a book length treatment would have plenty to offer.
After briefly describing Merkel's rise, Marton focuses on her foreign policy; here the author lost me. I realized that I had already sampled more contextual accounts of the same interactions from the other side of the table, be it from Putin , Obama, or other European leaders perspectives. Instead of detail or access, Marton fills in the blanks with assertions of the correctness of Merkel's policies.
This might be the best book we have right now on the amazing character that is Angela Merkel, and it'll take years for somebody to write a proper biography. That's fine, when such a biography comes out, I'll be here for it.
I was a bit worried when the book started off with scant details and little access to the famously private Merkel. Knowing nearly nothing about Germany or Merkel meant that even if details were sparse, a book length treatment would have plenty to offer.
After briefly describing Merkel's rise, Marton focuses on her foreign policy; here the author lost me. I realized that I had already sampled more contextual accounts of the same interactions from the other side of the table, be it from Putin , Obama, or other European leaders perspectives. Instead of detail or access, Marton fills in the blanks with assertions of the correctness of Merkel's policies.
This might be the best book we have right now on the amazing character that is Angela Merkel, and it'll take years for somebody to write a proper biography. That's fine, when such a biography comes out, I'll be here for it.
July 30, 2021
Whenever I read a political biography, I expect to skim parts of it, because so much of politics is the detailed and tedious stuff of lawmaking and diplomacy. It is important but for the casual reader, like me, it's boring. I did not skim any of this biography of Angela Merkel. It was interesting and readable from beginning to end and I got a real sense of what kind of person and politician Merkel is. I was surprised to learn that she was born in West Germany, but her father, a Lutheran minister, took an assignment in East Germany when Angela was a toddler and they remained there until the Wall came down. Kati Marton wrote the book with access to Merkel's aides and acquaintances, but not to Merkel or her husband. I was especially interested in how Merkel, as a woman, made herself heard among the men who controlled politics in Germany when she was arriving on the scene. Her experiences dealing with condescending and vindictive opponents (and sometimes allies) helped her develop the skills she would need to deal with Putin and Trump. Really fascinating look at one of the more successful world leaders in recent times. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a digital review copy.
May 26, 2022
Can be better, Doesn't sound like biography.
"Germany’s stubborn insistence on engaging with the Russian leader in the face of his sustained aggression (a catalog of misdeeds ranging from the invasion of Georgia to assassinations of enemies abroad and war crimes in Syria) was nothing short of a catastrophic blunder, one that will earn Merkel a place in the pantheon of political naiveté alongside Neville Chamberlain." Putin’s useful German idiots
What can be said about this conservative (doubt about that as they care only about their own money) shit (and many germans too) - bozhe, jake konchene.
"Germany’s stubborn insistence on engaging with the Russian leader in the face of his sustained aggression (a catalog of misdeeds ranging from the invasion of Georgia to assassinations of enemies abroad and war crimes in Syria) was nothing short of a catastrophic blunder, one that will earn Merkel a place in the pantheon of political naiveté alongside Neville Chamberlain." Putin’s useful German idiots
What can be said about this conservative (doubt about that as they care only about their own money) shit (and many germans too) - bozhe, jake konchene.
July 11, 2022
زندگی نامه قدرتمندترین زن قرن ۲۱ که شامل فراز و فرودهای زندگی اوست. علاقمندان به زندگی نامه و سیاست حتما بخوانند.
“بعد از اینکه مرزهای کشور رو باز کردیم، خیل عظیم مهاجران (سوری) روانه شد، در حالیکه مکه و مدینه به اونا نزدیکتر بود” از اولین سخنرانی های صدراعظم پس از بازگشایی مرزها به روی مهاجرین سوری
“بعد از اینکه مرزهای کشور رو باز کردیم، خیل عظیم مهاجران (سوری) روانه شد، در حالیکه مکه و مدینه به اونا نزدیکتر بود” از اولین سخنرانی های صدراعظم پس از بازگشایی مرزها به روی مهاجرین سوری
January 26, 2022
Very well documented and informed, emphasizing the fine nuances of Merkel´s political career. A good example equally for anyone looking for inspiration for well-written contemporary political biographies.
December 25, 2021
Mostly about relationship America and Merkel
January 12, 2022
Very inspiring leader. The book was very interesting. It felt like a privilege to have this inside look on a very private person.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,030 reviews