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  • The Chancellor

  • The Remarkable Odyssey of Angela Merkel
  • By: Kati Marton
  • Narrated by: Alex Allwine, Kati Marton
  • Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (102 ratings)

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The Chancellor

By: Kati Marton
Narrated by: Alex Allwine, Kati Marton
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Publisher's Summary

An intimate and deeply researched account of the extraordinary rise and political brilliance of the most powerful - and elusive - woman in the world. 

Angela Merkel has always been an outsider. A pastor’s daughter raised in Soviet-controlled East Germany, she spent her 20s working as a research chemist, only entering politics after the fall of the Berlin Wall. And yet within 15 years, she had become chancellor of Germany and, before long, the unofficial leader of the West.

Acclaimed author Kati Marton sets out to pierce the mystery of this unlikely ascent. With unparalleled access to the chancellor’s inner circle and a trove of records only recently come to light, she teases out the unique political genius that is the secret to Merkel’s success. No other modern leader has so ably confronted authoritarian aggression, enacted daring social policies and calmly unified an entire continent in an era when countries are becoming only more divided. Again and again, she’s cleverly outmanoeuvred strongmen like Putin and Trump, and weathered surprisingly complicated relationships with allies like Obama and Macron.

Famously private, the woman who emerges here is a role model for anyone interested in gaining and keeping power while staying true to one’s moral convictions. At once a riveting political biography, an intimate human portrait and a revelatory look at successful leadership in action, The Chancellor brings forth from the shadows one of the most extraordinary women of our time.

©2021 Kati Marton (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic Reviews

"An intimate, insightful portrait of an extraordinarily private leader." (Walter Isaacson, best-selling author of Enemies of the People)

"With her signature superpowers of rigorous research and unparalleled empathy, Marton brings us deep into the private sphere of Angela Merkel. At a time when Merkel stands among the world's most critical defenders of democracy, Marton traces her life to reveal how she has come to embody the principles both the writer and her subject live by." (Eliza Griswold, author Amity and Prosperity, winner of the 2019 Pulitzer Prize in General Non-Fiction)

"A compelling and memorable portrait.... Angela Merkel’s life is a testament to the power of commitment, diligence, and the possibilities of politics. The Chancellor tells that story with insight and grace." (Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of His Truth Is Marching On

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Great listen

So interesting learning about this woman’s political journey. Lessons for all. Inspiring in todays world.

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Inspiring, Powerful, Must-Read

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Chancellor describes a leader for democracy with moral foundation of humility and humanity. A rare and shining example in the modern political arena.
This book is a testament to the power of knowledge, tenacity and cohesion for the greater good in politics.
The achievements of Angela Merkel are truly inspiring. This book is a must-read.

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Loved it!

So great - interesting, engaging, well read. 100% recommend to anyone interested in Europe or Germany

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Inspiring

A touching story about the German chancellor. Touched by her intelligence, integrity and hard work ethics

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Fabulous

What a fascinating book into the life of Angela Merkel . Beautifully narrated & on point, loved it!

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Incredible

An absolute must read. Astonishing and inspiring tale of one of the most wonderful people of all time. I am so proud to have lived during a time where Merkel was German Chancellor.

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A brilliant biography and history of our times

Thank you, Kati Marton, for this brilliant history. I have learnt so much. What an odyssey we can only hope Angela Merkel continues to contribute. The world will be a safer and kinder place.

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Fascinating Bio

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Angela is unique, a mature politician in control of herself. Loved the insight into the way she thinks and negotiates. Also her attitude to leadership and the German political system. There is a lot to learn from this book.

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A truly remarkable book

From afar but in ignorance of the facts, I always admired Angela Merkel without knowing why. Thanks to Kati Martin's painstaking research, I now know why. A brilliant writing

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Inspiring

The journey of an amazing person. May new generations of leaders learn from Merkle’s style of leadership.

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