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Angela Merkel: Europe's Most Influential Leader
This is the fascinating tale of Angela Merkel’s political ascent, in which she outmaneuvered her male colleagues and made Germany the strongest economy in Europe. With the storytelling gifts of a novelist, as well as nuanced political expertise garnered from over a decade of experience as an academic and journalist, Matt Qvortrup gives readers unprecedented, personal insight into Frau Merkel’s upbringing under communism, describing how the Secret Police tried to recruit her as a spy, how she lived as a squatter in Berlin, and how she went from distributing leaflets to sitting at the Cabinet table in Helmut Kohl’s government in less than a year. This is the story―told for the first time in English―of how Merkel and her staff of mostly female advisors repeatedly outsmarted the old boys network of conservative male politicians in Germany, turning her country into a more liberal and more prosperous place. Angela Europe's Most Influential Leader combines the narrative of Merkel’s life with a vivid account of German history from 1945 to the present day, featuring cameo appearances by Willy Brandt, Konrad Adenauer, and Helmut Kohl. At a time when Merkel is the chief representative of the west in the negotiations with Putin over the Ukraine, she is also the woman who holds the keys to British membership of the EU. Anyone interested in our time, in the politics of today, should read this lively account of the woman with a doctorate in quantum physics who has become the undisputed queen of Europe.
376 pages, Hardcover
First published June 7, 2016
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June 26, 2017
Angela Merkel is a terrific politician. Even those who don't agree with her policies admit to her skill in making space for her own ideas. But we could say that about Donald Trump, too. What makes Merkel an extraordinary, groundbreaking leader is what is in her personality that is opposite to Donald Trump. Merkel isn't in it for the glamour, fame, or money. Ten years ago, she claimed she had no intention of staying on as Chancellor beyond two terms. She is currently running for her fourth term at the end of this year. Why?
Merkel’s desire to stay on as Chancellor of Germany has something to do with legacy and with current danger. Anyone can see the threats in the national and international environment. When one spends many years leading an electorate and shaping a worldview that strengthens one’s country vis-a-vis outside threats to stability, one wants to leave it in safe hands. Qvortrup doesn’t tell us, at the end, whether or not Merkel, unlike Hillary, has groomed a successor who can take over her role should she decamp. Merkel is still young enough to see Germany through another term but then a successor should emerge.
Germany in the late 2oth and early 21st Century was as tumultuous as any other nation, resembling the child's game of Chutes & Ladders. Political parties fought for ascendency at the time of the fall of the wall, and Merkel, through luck and instinct, rose within a year to a place in national politics. People liked her. She was unthreatening to higher ups and she was willing to do anything in an organization. She used every opportunity; even handing out leaflets gave her access to voters. She honed her instinct for what was needed, learned what voters wanted and would accept, and was courageous in accepting opportunity and responsibility. Later some would question her: Merkiavelli?
Merkel was, and is still, resolutely forward-looking, unlike the kind of national figures in Russia, where Putin wants a return to Tsarist times and America, where Trumps seeks a return to early 20th Century oligarchies. When former Chancellor Helmut Kohl lamented that ‘She is destroying my Europe,’ Merkel responded, “Your Europe, dear Helmut, no longer exists.’ Finally, someone who gets it.
What I find most intriguing about Merkel is her political expediency. Qvortrup makes the point that in politics one doesn’t make ‘friends’ like one does in other fields, but Angela made friends easily compared with her colleagues. She was a little frumpy, but clever, kind, generous, unthreatening, and…a brilliant political statistician. During her tenure as Chancellor, she had several cabinet-level ministers, party leaders, and government heads resign in disgrace. She shuffled the deck, calculated odds, sacrificed some appointments, and very shrewdly chose replacements who could strengthen her party's ascendency. She could work with anyone, her listening demeanor polite and cordial. Qvortrup is particularly good on the details here. Merkel’s office was never implicated in any of the scandals, and she never defended those who came under attack. It is said she urged more transparency. Her careful composure under pressure will become a trademark.
Merkel could not afford the distraction of making a scene over news that broke late in 2013 that the United States was monitoring her private telephone. Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014. She needed American support to counter the Russian encroachment into European sphere. Qvortrup says Merkel “always considered Obama a lightweight,” which runs counter to impressions the American press has broadcast that the two got along famously. She apparently idolized Reagan, I wonder whether for his politics or for his famous charm and political skill at changing the frame of any discussion. Qvortrup also says Merkel was not enthusiastic but not overly alarmed at having to deal with Putin, who was a known quantity to her. This again is counter to previous analyses I have seen. Merkel is able to confound watchers in this way.
Handling the sanctions regime against Russia at the time of the Ukraine invasion and the shoot-down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 took nerves of steel. Putin was desperate and threatening, but all Europe was suffering under the sanctions, particularly France. Qvortrup goes through this and the Greek financial crisis in detail. Merkel manages, in the summer of 2015, to get Greece to agree to allow the EU to control the money earned from privatization of Greek assets, barring 12.5% for the Greeks to decide how to use. The solution required throwing her Finance Minister and his advice under the bus. Qvortrup compares the period to a Greek tragedy with an unanticipated solution, or deux ex machina. This magic trick, pulling the rabbit out of the hat as it were, will need to be unpacked in greater detail in future examinations of this period.
I watched most of Merkel’s first two terms with half-an-eye, but when the Syrian war crescendoed into a full-blown refugee crisis, I turned my gaze full-on Europe. Merkel’s strength of character and leadership skills took my breath away. She'd found an issue more important than her own career and she did not back down. This woman, this frumpy pant-suited attention-sink, did more to embody Christian values than any other European leader while serving the needs of her country and leading Europe by forging an alliance among nations.
Qvortrup is admiring of Merkel, as has been every other journalist who has written a biography that I have seen. He is not sycophantic: he tells us when Merkel was perceived as Machiavellian and other criticisms. But to date I still do not have a good sense of why her approval ratings fell, reportedly below 50% in 2015, and what the objections are in Germany to her leadership beyond fear over the influx of refugees. A situation like the refugee crisis needs the whole nation pulling together to make it work. Germany could be a model for those of us who will need to do the same. Migrants and refugees--I doubt I'm breaking news to most of you--is going to be a constant for all of us living in temperate zones in the future. Best we think ahead.
Merkel’s desire to stay on as Chancellor of Germany has something to do with legacy and with current danger. Anyone can see the threats in the national and international environment. When one spends many years leading an electorate and shaping a worldview that strengthens one’s country vis-a-vis outside threats to stability, one wants to leave it in safe hands. Qvortrup doesn’t tell us, at the end, whether or not Merkel, unlike Hillary, has groomed a successor who can take over her role should she decamp. Merkel is still young enough to see Germany through another term but then a successor should emerge.
Germany in the late 2oth and early 21st Century was as tumultuous as any other nation, resembling the child's game of Chutes & Ladders. Political parties fought for ascendency at the time of the fall of the wall, and Merkel, through luck and instinct, rose within a year to a place in national politics. People liked her. She was unthreatening to higher ups and she was willing to do anything in an organization. She used every opportunity; even handing out leaflets gave her access to voters. She honed her instinct for what was needed, learned what voters wanted and would accept, and was courageous in accepting opportunity and responsibility. Later some would question her: Merkiavelli?
Merkel was, and is still, resolutely forward-looking, unlike the kind of national figures in Russia, where Putin wants a return to Tsarist times and America, where Trumps seeks a return to early 20th Century oligarchies. When former Chancellor Helmut Kohl lamented that ‘She is destroying my Europe,’ Merkel responded, “Your Europe, dear Helmut, no longer exists.’ Finally, someone who gets it.
What I find most intriguing about Merkel is her political expediency. Qvortrup makes the point that in politics one doesn’t make ‘friends’ like one does in other fields, but Angela made friends easily compared with her colleagues. She was a little frumpy, but clever, kind, generous, unthreatening, and…a brilliant political statistician. During her tenure as Chancellor, she had several cabinet-level ministers, party leaders, and government heads resign in disgrace. She shuffled the deck, calculated odds, sacrificed some appointments, and very shrewdly chose replacements who could strengthen her party's ascendency. She could work with anyone, her listening demeanor polite and cordial. Qvortrup is particularly good on the details here. Merkel’s office was never implicated in any of the scandals, and she never defended those who came under attack. It is said she urged more transparency. Her careful composure under pressure will become a trademark.
Merkel could not afford the distraction of making a scene over news that broke late in 2013 that the United States was monitoring her private telephone. Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014. She needed American support to counter the Russian encroachment into European sphere. Qvortrup says Merkel “always considered Obama a lightweight,” which runs counter to impressions the American press has broadcast that the two got along famously. She apparently idolized Reagan, I wonder whether for his politics or for his famous charm and political skill at changing the frame of any discussion. Qvortrup also says Merkel was not enthusiastic but not overly alarmed at having to deal with Putin, who was a known quantity to her. This again is counter to previous analyses I have seen. Merkel is able to confound watchers in this way.
Handling the sanctions regime against Russia at the time of the Ukraine invasion and the shoot-down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 took nerves of steel. Putin was desperate and threatening, but all Europe was suffering under the sanctions, particularly France. Qvortrup goes through this and the Greek financial crisis in detail. Merkel manages, in the summer of 2015, to get Greece to agree to allow the EU to control the money earned from privatization of Greek assets, barring 12.5% for the Greeks to decide how to use. The solution required throwing her Finance Minister and his advice under the bus. Qvortrup compares the period to a Greek tragedy with an unanticipated solution, or deux ex machina. This magic trick, pulling the rabbit out of the hat as it were, will need to be unpacked in greater detail in future examinations of this period.
I watched most of Merkel’s first two terms with half-an-eye, but when the Syrian war crescendoed into a full-blown refugee crisis, I turned my gaze full-on Europe. Merkel’s strength of character and leadership skills took my breath away. She'd found an issue more important than her own career and she did not back down. This woman, this frumpy pant-suited attention-sink, did more to embody Christian values than any other European leader while serving the needs of her country and leading Europe by forging an alliance among nations.
“Germany under Merkel became a social liberal state based on ecumenical values.”Merkel was not an ideologue, but pragmatic. Having lived under communism, she took what was best from it and left the rest. Brexit must have been a terrible disappointment to her idea of a united Europe, and the election of a right-wing nationalist in America threatens Germany’s economic stability and security. Merkel’s expected retirement no longer seems a foregone conclusion. The current threats will require unique responses. Mütter Merkel’s calm and compromise may require a change of pattern. Do Germans think she can do it? Can anyone do it if she cannot?
Qvortrup is admiring of Merkel, as has been every other journalist who has written a biography that I have seen. He is not sycophantic: he tells us when Merkel was perceived as Machiavellian and other criticisms. But to date I still do not have a good sense of why her approval ratings fell, reportedly below 50% in 2015, and what the objections are in Germany to her leadership beyond fear over the influx of refugees. A situation like the refugee crisis needs the whole nation pulling together to make it work. Germany could be a model for those of us who will need to do the same. Migrants and refugees--I doubt I'm breaking news to most of you--is going to be a constant for all of us living in temperate zones in the future. Best we think ahead.
March 29, 2017
Angela Merkel: Europe's Most Influential Leader, by Matt Qvortrup, is a biography of current German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Merkel grew up in Communist East Germany, born to a Lutheran Pastor and religious mother with strong Socialist leanings. Although politically largely supportive of Socialism in East Germany, her family was constantly on the lookout for Stasi agents due to their religious background and her fathers position as a Lutheran community leader - both taboo in East Germany. This meant, as a child, Merkel needed to be quiet, attentive, and secretive in order to ensure she could survive and thrive in East Germany. Even so, she grew up relatively well, and was not overly badgered by the East German state. She was a strong student, and went on to become a Scientist at Karl Marx University (now called the University of Leipzig). Her early adult life was completely a-political, and she focused heavily on her studies. She was married young, but subsequently divorced, and lived most of her life up until she became Chancellor as a Bachelorette.
Qvortrup intersperses Merkel's early life with the political background in Europe at the time. The East German state was part of the larger Communist Bloc, and was ruled by those loyal to Moscow and the USSR. Political purges were fairly common at a higher level, and Germany was divided between pro-Western and pro-Eastern regimes. Unification of Germany took place during the collapse of the Communist bloc in 1990. From then on, Germany became a united nation once again. Merkel became a political figure in 1989, when the growing democracy movement began to take shape in East Germany. After unification in 1990, her position as both a woman and an Easterner were political dynamite for the CDU (the Catholic Democratic Union). She won her riding, and was quickly appointed to a (albeit toothless) cabinet position as Minister for Women and Youth. She cut her teeth in this position, crafting legislation on abortion in the new Germany.
Merkel has consistently won re-election time and again in her riding of Stralsund–Nordvorpommern–Rugen in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. In the 1994 election, she received a new ministerial portfolio as Minister of the Environment. In this position, she negotiated with international partners to determine important international targets on emissions. AS a CDU minister, she was considered by then Chancellor and party leader Helmut Kohl, to be a safe political ally, referring to her as "my girl." She was duly appointed leader of the opposition before the 1998 elections against the ruling SDP (socialist) party. This however, proved to be a decisive mistake for Kohl. Merkel turned against her political mentor during a CDU party-funding scandal in which Kohl and a Merkel rival, Wolfgang Schauble, were implicated. Merkel denounced those accused, and urged a party reformation. She was duly confirmed as the most powerful figure in the party, and had removed her rivals politically.
Merkel's party took power in 2005, and she became the first female Chancellor of Germany, as well as the youngest, at 51. Her political career had been one of meteoric rise. She was elected a cabinet Minister only two years after entering politics, and became party leader seven years later, and Chancellor seven after that. Her rise is attributed to her strong ability as a party organizer, her close ties to regional governors in Germany, her support from CDU rank and file, and her Machiavellian ability to destroy her opponents. There were many during her Chancellorship. She saw off controversial issues regarding German troops in Afghanistan (the Kunduz bombing of civilians), the Nuclear incident in Japan, which had massive implications in Germany, rivalry from her coalition partners, the SDP (socialists) and FDP (Democrats). Her subordinate party in Bavaria, the CSU, also posed a threat.
The biggest crises in her career, however, and the three that have grown her international profile as a strong and efficient leader, were the Greek/Euro crisis, the Russian Intervention in Ukraine and the migrant crisis in Europe. Merkel engaged in three rounds of tough negotiations beginning in the 2008 global recession, and continuing into 2011 and beyond. Greek finances were in shambles, and this had a contagious effect on the Eurozone. It took billions of Euro's in bailouts, and tough austerity terms, to balance the financial situation in Europe, and although she was seen in a negative light by many, Merkel's handling of the incident was fairly popular both domestically and globally. She engaged in tough talk negotiations with the Syriza government in Greece, and kept a Grexit, either the voluntary withdrawal or outright expulsion of Greece from the Eurozone, from happening.
In Ukraine, Merkel saw off political brinkmanship from Russia, taking at first a middle road approach, and later a tough stance against the Russians. She was key in having Russia expelled from the G8, and slapped sanctions on Russia even though they were highly damaging to Germany's gas imports (a good percentage of the natural gas imports of Germany come from Russia). She condemned the annexation of the Crimea as well. Even so, she kept the door open to a reversal in policy, showing her realpolitik streak. She was the principle actor in negotiations with Russia throughout the crisis, and was instrumental in the February 2015 ceasefire agreement. With the migrant crisis, Merkel swam against the populist current developing in Germany, allowing large numbers of political and economic refugees into Germany, and negotiating deals with Turkey and Eastern Europe's transit nations.
Qvortrup has written an in-depth account of the political rise of Angela Merkel, who has become one of Europe's most well known, and widely respected politicians. Her steely personality, her non-nonsense approach, and her ability to adapt and respond to a variety of political challenges has seen her in power as Chancellor for 12 years as of this writing. Qvortup's biography is highly praiseworthy, which is not a terrible thing, but one should approach this with a grain of salt, as it is not a critical examination of Merkel's policies or political career. The book also focuses much on her early life, to the determent, in my opinion, of the more interesting political minutia of her career. Even so, this is an interesting and well written biography of the world's most influential, and powerful, female politician. Merkel continues (at this time) to be a figure of stability in a world increasingly gripped by nationalist politicians and xenophobia. This is a timely biography, and one easy to recommend to those looking for a good introduction to both current German politics, and an examination of the "uncrowned Queen of Europe" (Qvortrup's words).
Qvortrup intersperses Merkel's early life with the political background in Europe at the time. The East German state was part of the larger Communist Bloc, and was ruled by those loyal to Moscow and the USSR. Political purges were fairly common at a higher level, and Germany was divided between pro-Western and pro-Eastern regimes. Unification of Germany took place during the collapse of the Communist bloc in 1990. From then on, Germany became a united nation once again. Merkel became a political figure in 1989, when the growing democracy movement began to take shape in East Germany. After unification in 1990, her position as both a woman and an Easterner were political dynamite for the CDU (the Catholic Democratic Union). She won her riding, and was quickly appointed to a (albeit toothless) cabinet position as Minister for Women and Youth. She cut her teeth in this position, crafting legislation on abortion in the new Germany.
Merkel has consistently won re-election time and again in her riding of Stralsund–Nordvorpommern–Rugen in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. In the 1994 election, she received a new ministerial portfolio as Minister of the Environment. In this position, she negotiated with international partners to determine important international targets on emissions. AS a CDU minister, she was considered by then Chancellor and party leader Helmut Kohl, to be a safe political ally, referring to her as "my girl." She was duly appointed leader of the opposition before the 1998 elections against the ruling SDP (socialist) party. This however, proved to be a decisive mistake for Kohl. Merkel turned against her political mentor during a CDU party-funding scandal in which Kohl and a Merkel rival, Wolfgang Schauble, were implicated. Merkel denounced those accused, and urged a party reformation. She was duly confirmed as the most powerful figure in the party, and had removed her rivals politically.
Merkel's party took power in 2005, and she became the first female Chancellor of Germany, as well as the youngest, at 51. Her political career had been one of meteoric rise. She was elected a cabinet Minister only two years after entering politics, and became party leader seven years later, and Chancellor seven after that. Her rise is attributed to her strong ability as a party organizer, her close ties to regional governors in Germany, her support from CDU rank and file, and her Machiavellian ability to destroy her opponents. There were many during her Chancellorship. She saw off controversial issues regarding German troops in Afghanistan (the Kunduz bombing of civilians), the Nuclear incident in Japan, which had massive implications in Germany, rivalry from her coalition partners, the SDP (socialists) and FDP (Democrats). Her subordinate party in Bavaria, the CSU, also posed a threat.
The biggest crises in her career, however, and the three that have grown her international profile as a strong and efficient leader, were the Greek/Euro crisis, the Russian Intervention in Ukraine and the migrant crisis in Europe. Merkel engaged in three rounds of tough negotiations beginning in the 2008 global recession, and continuing into 2011 and beyond. Greek finances were in shambles, and this had a contagious effect on the Eurozone. It took billions of Euro's in bailouts, and tough austerity terms, to balance the financial situation in Europe, and although she was seen in a negative light by many, Merkel's handling of the incident was fairly popular both domestically and globally. She engaged in tough talk negotiations with the Syriza government in Greece, and kept a Grexit, either the voluntary withdrawal or outright expulsion of Greece from the Eurozone, from happening.
In Ukraine, Merkel saw off political brinkmanship from Russia, taking at first a middle road approach, and later a tough stance against the Russians. She was key in having Russia expelled from the G8, and slapped sanctions on Russia even though they were highly damaging to Germany's gas imports (a good percentage of the natural gas imports of Germany come from Russia). She condemned the annexation of the Crimea as well. Even so, she kept the door open to a reversal in policy, showing her realpolitik streak. She was the principle actor in negotiations with Russia throughout the crisis, and was instrumental in the February 2015 ceasefire agreement. With the migrant crisis, Merkel swam against the populist current developing in Germany, allowing large numbers of political and economic refugees into Germany, and negotiating deals with Turkey and Eastern Europe's transit nations.
Qvortrup has written an in-depth account of the political rise of Angela Merkel, who has become one of Europe's most well known, and widely respected politicians. Her steely personality, her non-nonsense approach, and her ability to adapt and respond to a variety of political challenges has seen her in power as Chancellor for 12 years as of this writing. Qvortup's biography is highly praiseworthy, which is not a terrible thing, but one should approach this with a grain of salt, as it is not a critical examination of Merkel's policies or political career. The book also focuses much on her early life, to the determent, in my opinion, of the more interesting political minutia of her career. Even so, this is an interesting and well written biography of the world's most influential, and powerful, female politician. Merkel continues (at this time) to be a figure of stability in a world increasingly gripped by nationalist politicians and xenophobia. This is a timely biography, and one easy to recommend to those looking for a good introduction to both current German politics, and an examination of the "uncrowned Queen of Europe" (Qvortrup's words).
September 9, 2021
One of my professional must reads. The author seems to be so carried away by Merkels political style and achievements that he misses out on the larger picture - which is not always so rosy. But that’s me talking with the benefit of hindsight.
Nonetheless - on the eve of the 2021 Bundestag election (first one in what feels like eternity, in which Merkel is not running), Germany is doing really well economically and the best strategy, the wannabe chancellors of the Federal republic have come up with so far, is playing Merkel 2.0…
So there must be something about Angela…
Nonetheless - on the eve of the 2021 Bundestag election (first one in what feels like eternity, in which Merkel is not running), Germany is doing really well economically and the best strategy, the wannabe chancellors of the Federal republic have come up with so far, is playing Merkel 2.0…
So there must be something about Angela…
January 13, 2024
Focuses almost entirely on her political career and how she gained power over all these men. Pretty fascinating if overly detailed at times
August 20, 2022
Veľmi plynule napísaná knižka, ktorá sa čítala v podstate sama. Oceňujem prehľadný opis nemeckej politiky v prvej polovici knihy. Druha polovica, ktorá pokryla novšie udalosti, mi prišla oproti tomu však, žiaľ, uponáhľaná a občas bez potrebných detailov, ktorých v prvej časti bolo naopak zase priveľa (a nie vždy uplne dôležitých) - škoda. Väčšia proporcionalita by bola v tomto prípade vítaná.
Autor je neskrývaným obdivovateľom Angely Merkelovej, čo by bolo v poriadku, keby voči nej nebol miestami až príliš nekritický. Spočiatku mi to nevadilo, ale napokon mi prišlo, že až príliš bagatelizoval jej možné chyby a forsíroval len jej uhol pohľadu, ktorý prezentoval ako ten správny.
Celkovo knihu určite odporúčam, ako spomínam, už dlho sa mi žiadna nečítala tak dobre, informačne je veľmi bohatá a zaujímavá. Mám však teraz potrebu si po nej dať ešte jednu biografiu, ktorá bude k bývalej kancelárke naopak kritická - nie preto, že by som chcela o nej citat to zlé, ale preto, aby som vyvážila celkove naladenie tejto knihy.
Autor je neskrývaným obdivovateľom Angely Merkelovej, čo by bolo v poriadku, keby voči nej nebol miestami až príliš nekritický. Spočiatku mi to nevadilo, ale napokon mi prišlo, že až príliš bagatelizoval jej možné chyby a forsíroval len jej uhol pohľadu, ktorý prezentoval ako ten správny.
Celkovo knihu určite odporúčam, ako spomínam, už dlho sa mi žiadna nečítala tak dobre, informačne je veľmi bohatá a zaujímavá. Mám však teraz potrebu si po nej dať ešte jednu biografiu, ktorá bude k bývalej kancelárke naopak kritická - nie preto, že by som chcela o nej citat to zlé, ale preto, aby som vyvážila celkove naladenie tejto knihy.
September 30, 2021
Knížka mě bavila. Je to v podstatě stručné shrnutí těch nejvýznamnějších milníku života a kariéry Angely. Inspirující, e.g. analytický přístup k řešení problémů bez zbytečného ega; úsměvné, e.g. Angela jako squaterka v Berlíně; středoevropské, spojující východ a západ; reflektující a paměť osvěžující, ale i v souvislostech a srovnání - e.g. Angela vs Schröder, Berlusconi, Tsipras;
Jenom to bylo docela popisné a klouzalo to po povrchu. Autor asi trošku pospíchal s vydáním, by to stihl ještě "za Angely".
Jenom to bylo docela popisné a klouzalo to po povrchu. Autor asi trošku pospíchal s vydáním, by to stihl ještě "za Angely".
August 28, 2017
It feels too soon for a biography about Angela Merkel. The best biographies tend to be about people who are no longer in the role that makes them a person of interest. Ms. Merkel is still very much making her mark on the world, so this book feels premature. Granted, it gave me a different perspective on her, for both better and in some respects for worse. She is a fascinating person and a global game-changer.
For anyone particularly interested in current German, European or even global politics, this book is worth the read. It is not, however, a light read and takes some perseverance. I'm glad I read it, but once is enough!
For anyone particularly interested in current German, European or even global politics, this book is worth the read. It is not, however, a light read and takes some perseverance. I'm glad I read it, but once is enough!
July 27, 2018
It was hard to read the book as the earlier parts were like a history lesson on west and east germany up to reunification. Then there was too many name of other politicians and their parties that made me hard to remember who’s who.
July 3, 2019
Very interesting read for anyone interested in contemporary European politics combined with the rise of power of one of Europe's greatest politicians of the last twenty years.
August 13, 2017
I decided to read this book after the United States pulled out of the Paris climate agreement agreement, when I realized I knew next to nothing about Angela Merkel, Europe's most powerful leader. I learned a lot about her background, her motivations and her political abilities. That said, author Matthew Qvorturop focused too much on the horserace aspect of Merkel's career, without offering a fuller picture of German social life and the parameters of its political debate. Qvorturop also littered the biography with political banalities that end up becoming like nails of a chalkboard for me.
For instance, in the span of just a few pages:
"But this seemed odd: politicians are thought of as vainglorious individuals who never tire of talking about themselves and their achievements."
"To be reactive, dictated to by events and not by one's own actions is a serious criticism of any politician. The good leader is resolute, proactive and anticipates the dangers before they materialized."
"As is often the case in politics, legal arguments are used to defend existing positions rather [than] being employed as the result of an idealistic commitment to the letter or the spirit of the law."
"It is part of the diplomat's ethos to recognize the craftsmanship of his opponents."
For instance, in the span of just a few pages:
"But this seemed odd: politicians are thought of as vainglorious individuals who never tire of talking about themselves and their achievements."
"To be reactive, dictated to by events and not by one's own actions is a serious criticism of any politician. The good leader is resolute, proactive and anticipates the dangers before they materialized."
"As is often the case in politics, legal arguments are used to defend existing positions rather [than] being employed as the result of an idealistic commitment to the letter or the spirit of the law."
"It is part of the diplomat's ethos to recognize the craftsmanship of his opponents."
September 25, 2017
Velmi zdařilý portrét úřadující kancléřky, který se uzavírá někdy na konci roku 2016 a z knihy je cítit trochu skepse, co se pokračování politické kariéry Frau Merkel týká - což se dnes, kdy znovu vyhrála volby, jeví jako předčasné házení flinty do žita.
Autor se podrobně věnuje kancléřčině dětství a vůbec životu ve východním Německu a už tady nalézá základní vzorce chování, která se budou v budoucnu opakovat v jejím politickém životě. Jelikož o téhle části jejího života a především o tom zlomu se vstupem do politiky jsem toho moc nevěděla, tak to bylo hodně zajímavé čtení. Ještě zajímavější je popis jej�� cesty vzhůru v hierarchii CDU a následně i k úřadu kancléře, kde to tedy občas bylo tak trochu přes mrtvoly. Díky knížce má člověk šanci částečně nahlédnout za oponu jednání s Ruskem, Řeckem či Bruselem. Velmi zajímavý je pohled na fungování německé politické scény - se všemi těmi nepřetržitými volbami, tlaky uvnitř strany atd. je pomalu zázrak, že mají Němci ještě čas na něco jiného než vnitrostátní záležitosti (být tohle u nás, tak teda potěš).
Angela Merkel je dnes neoddiskutovatelně leader svobodného světa (ano, jsem si toho paradoxu vědoma) a už minimálně kvůli tomu stojí za to si tuhle čtivou biografii přečíst. A našim severním sousedům nezbývá než závidět politiky takového kalibru (i když když se podívám na výsledky voleb za humny v Sasku, tak z toho mrazí a ten marasmus si v sobě neneseme pouze my).
Kontext: Dočteno u volebního vysílání ke spolkovým volbám v září 2017 - ono se to občas tak sejde :-)
První věta: "Možná by všechno vypadalo úplně jinak, kdyby Angela Merkelová nedorazila večer po volbách 18. září 2005 přesně ve stejný okamžik jako kancléř Schröder."
Poslední věta: " Také by s ním [sociologem Maxem Weberem] nejspíše souhlasila, že se všichni "už teď musí obrnit srdnatostí, která obstojí při ztroskotání všech nadějí." "
Autor se podrobně věnuje kancléřčině dětství a vůbec životu ve východním Německu a už tady nalézá základní vzorce chování, která se budou v budoucnu opakovat v jejím politickém životě. Jelikož o téhle části jejího života a především o tom zlomu se vstupem do politiky jsem toho moc nevěděla, tak to bylo hodně zajímavé čtení. Ještě zajímavější je popis jej�� cesty vzhůru v hierarchii CDU a následně i k úřadu kancléře, kde to tedy občas bylo tak trochu přes mrtvoly. Díky knížce má člověk šanci částečně nahlédnout za oponu jednání s Ruskem, Řeckem či Bruselem. Velmi zajímavý je pohled na fungování německé politické scény - se všemi těmi nepřetržitými volbami, tlaky uvnitř strany atd. je pomalu zázrak, že mají Němci ještě čas na něco jiného než vnitrostátní záležitosti (být tohle u nás, tak teda potěš).
Angela Merkel je dnes neoddiskutovatelně leader svobodného světa (ano, jsem si toho paradoxu vědoma) a už minimálně kvůli tomu stojí za to si tuhle čtivou biografii přečíst. A našim severním sousedům nezbývá než závidět politiky takového kalibru (i když když se podívám na výsledky voleb za humny v Sasku, tak z toho mrazí a ten marasmus si v sobě neneseme pouze my).
Kontext: Dočteno u volebního vysílání ke spolkovým volbám v září 2017 - ono se to občas tak sejde :-)
První věta: "Možná by všechno vypadalo úplně jinak, kdyby Angela Merkelová nedorazila večer po volbách 18. září 2005 přesně ve stejný okamžik jako kancléř Schröder."
Poslední věta: " Také by s ním [sociologem Maxem Weberem] nejspíše souhlasila, že se všichni "už teď musí obrnit srdnatostí, která obstojí při ztroskotání všech nadějí." "
Read
May 8, 2017Angela Merkel was rightfully called the Queen of Europe by her admirers at home and abroad. This in-depth biography explains how her communist upbringing moldeed her into the blood and soil nantionalism that gives her the strength to stand up for refugees and demonstrate her Christian values. This book is a must read if you want to learn about one of our contemporary, invaluable leaders.
-John McDade (WFU Parent)
-John McDade (WFU Parent)
July 2, 2017
Angela Merkel is a very interesting person and politician, but I found this to be a poorly-written biography. Several grammar errors and typos, often-times hard to follow (it jumps back and forth in time a lot), and honestly boring in some parts.
This book came highly recommended to me; I'm disappointed I can't do the same.
This book came highly recommended to me; I'm disappointed I can't do the same.
March 16, 2020
Το γεγονός ότι ξεκίνησα το βιβλίο αυτό από τον Αύγουστο και κατάφερα να το τελειώσω τώρα θεωρώ ότι λέει πολλά. Έχει αρκετές πληροφορίες που γενικά με κούρασαν, ενώ ταυτόχρονα δεν δίνει την πραγματική πνοή ποια είναι η Άνγκελα μερκελ. Επίσης, η απουσία επιλόγου ξενίζει αρκετά.
October 9, 2016
An interesting and telling look at one of the most powerful women Europe.
February 1, 2018
Excellent writing. Gives a clear picture of an interesting person.
July 8, 2020
Mr. Qvortrup has drafted probably the definitive chronicle to this point of Angela Merkel's life and career. Drawing extensively from interviews and published materials he assembles a narrative that painstakingly covers every notable event in her long political career through late 2015.
The end-result is a text that is sometimes wearisome with names and situations flashing by on the way to the next. While Qvortrup's work seems exhaustive and will no-doubt serve as a great launching point or reference for many further studies of Merkel's life, I would have preferred a text more intent on analysis than passing commentary, organized by theme, type of challenge, or character trait.
Regardless, Qvortrup does draw out recurring observations on her manner in his commentary on various events. Primarily, Mrs Merkel's style is a pragmatic one. He points out her willingness to compromise, her skill at the "art of the possible," and her willingness to change positions. He singles out two rare instances where Merkel placed ideology over pragmatism, one that nearly cost her an election, and the other on which the jury was still out in late 2015 - that of her welcoming Syrian refugees. In that latter case, Qvortrup does allow that Merkel's actions still contain a healthy dose of pragmatism as German manufacturing firms expect to gain a lot of skilled labor by welcoming in Syrian refugees.
A second theme he develops is Merkel's appetite for power. He covers numerous instances where Mrs. Merkel refused to speak a good word for benefactors and allies who ran afoul of public opinion. A couple of these cases resulted in key career advancements as she took over the roles the men at the center of the scandals were forced to abandon. Qvortrup holds Merkel to account for manipulating and discarding the late Guido Westerwelle, head of the Free Democratic Party and Merkel's Vice-Chancellor and Foreign Secretary from 2009-2011.
A third theme is Merkel's tendency to procrastinate. Qvortrup holds out that procrastination is rarely a positive trait in politics, but asserts that Merkel has honed it into a fine art by regularly delaying action. He shows examples of this habit and how Merkel has used the time to gether information, wait for allies or opponents to play their hands, or see how events develop.
A fourth theme Qvortrup presents is Merkel's effective self-control. He draws a contrast with her early career where she took the tussle and tumble of politics personally and shows how she's developed steel in her ability to work with others. Coupled with her attention to detail and ability to talk with people and we are to see Merkel as a rare politician who can build consensus, convince people to act, and get to solutions. He paints her as the adult in the room when dealing with Vladimir Putin over Ukraine, and eventually as the unofficial Queen of Europe at whose court all of the smaller countries must attend in seeking the beneficence of Europe's largest economy.
Finally, he develops Merkel as a humanitarian. While perhaps best known (and most reviled) for her role in imposing austerity and reforms on Greece during its multiple currency crises in the early 2010s, Qvortrup would have us remember the Merkel who found a vision and voice in advocating for Syrian refugees and in her insistence on the role of her evangelical Lutheran faith in her life.
Finally, in addition to the limitations of Qvortrup's chronicle style, I would like to see biographers of political leaders make more effort to use data to judge the leader's effectiveness. Essentially, I'd like to see a scorecard and commentary on the major factors measuring that leader's country in terms of wealth, happiness, freedom, etc... For example, I would like to know how wealth inequality fared on her watch, and how she addressed that. Beyond reporting on horse-race polling data to convey the sense of the elections she faced, data is sorely lacking from Qvortrup's study.
When Angela Merkel retires sometime in 2021 (as she's announced) she will have served as Chancellor of Germany for over 16 years, second only to Helmut Kohl (and that only by weeks or months), having built and maintained many coalition governments and weathered nearly every critical issue of this century so far. Qvortrup's biography will serve as an important chronicle as future generations seek to define and understanding her considerable significance. For an impressive amount of detail, despite unanswered questions, I'd rate this book at 4 out of 5.
The end-result is a text that is sometimes wearisome with names and situations flashing by on the way to the next. While Qvortrup's work seems exhaustive and will no-doubt serve as a great launching point or reference for many further studies of Merkel's life, I would have preferred a text more intent on analysis than passing commentary, organized by theme, type of challenge, or character trait.
Regardless, Qvortrup does draw out recurring observations on her manner in his commentary on various events. Primarily, Mrs Merkel's style is a pragmatic one. He points out her willingness to compromise, her skill at the "art of the possible," and her willingness to change positions. He singles out two rare instances where Merkel placed ideology over pragmatism, one that nearly cost her an election, and the other on which the jury was still out in late 2015 - that of her welcoming Syrian refugees. In that latter case, Qvortrup does allow that Merkel's actions still contain a healthy dose of pragmatism as German manufacturing firms expect to gain a lot of skilled labor by welcoming in Syrian refugees.
A second theme he develops is Merkel's appetite for power. He covers numerous instances where Mrs. Merkel refused to speak a good word for benefactors and allies who ran afoul of public opinion. A couple of these cases resulted in key career advancements as she took over the roles the men at the center of the scandals were forced to abandon. Qvortrup holds Merkel to account for manipulating and discarding the late Guido Westerwelle, head of the Free Democratic Party and Merkel's Vice-Chancellor and Foreign Secretary from 2009-2011.
A third theme is Merkel's tendency to procrastinate. Qvortrup holds out that procrastination is rarely a positive trait in politics, but asserts that Merkel has honed it into a fine art by regularly delaying action. He shows examples of this habit and how Merkel has used the time to gether information, wait for allies or opponents to play their hands, or see how events develop.
A fourth theme Qvortrup presents is Merkel's effective self-control. He draws a contrast with her early career where she took the tussle and tumble of politics personally and shows how she's developed steel in her ability to work with others. Coupled with her attention to detail and ability to talk with people and we are to see Merkel as a rare politician who can build consensus, convince people to act, and get to solutions. He paints her as the adult in the room when dealing with Vladimir Putin over Ukraine, and eventually as the unofficial Queen of Europe at whose court all of the smaller countries must attend in seeking the beneficence of Europe's largest economy.
Finally, he develops Merkel as a humanitarian. While perhaps best known (and most reviled) for her role in imposing austerity and reforms on Greece during its multiple currency crises in the early 2010s, Qvortrup would have us remember the Merkel who found a vision and voice in advocating for Syrian refugees and in her insistence on the role of her evangelical Lutheran faith in her life.
Finally, in addition to the limitations of Qvortrup's chronicle style, I would like to see biographers of political leaders make more effort to use data to judge the leader's effectiveness. Essentially, I'd like to see a scorecard and commentary on the major factors measuring that leader's country in terms of wealth, happiness, freedom, etc... For example, I would like to know how wealth inequality fared on her watch, and how she addressed that. Beyond reporting on horse-race polling data to convey the sense of the elections she faced, data is sorely lacking from Qvortrup's study.
When Angela Merkel retires sometime in 2021 (as she's announced) she will have served as Chancellor of Germany for over 16 years, second only to Helmut Kohl (and that only by weeks or months), having built and maintained many coalition governments and weathered nearly every critical issue of this century so far. Qvortrup's biography will serve as an important chronicle as future generations seek to define and understanding her considerable significance. For an impressive amount of detail, despite unanswered questions, I'd rate this book at 4 out of 5.
November 27, 2020
This is really a 1.5/5 rating.
Unfortunately, completely useless as history because it doesn't cite any sources apart from direct quotes (which are used as flavour, not as evidence for arguments). The author makes statements as if they are of fact when they are actually opinions that need to be defended with evidence. Most of the book is applying motivation to different people, something he could not possibly know, certainly not with confidence. One could only argue such a thing using newspaper clippings, interviews or other sources, none of which are ever used.
All that said, it is a very readable book and gets the very basic facts right (i.e. there was a Greek debt crisis, a refugee crisis, etc). But unfortunately this is nothing more than you'd get by skimming the Wikipedia article (in fact it's less), other than rare circumstances (and as mentioned, never backed by evidence) he never goes into detail on what Merkel thought about her domestic comrades or rivals, or her international colleagues. Also only very rarely does he go into domestic politics, which is something I wanted to learn about, things such as the second Grand Coalition and the preceeding election, various resignations, what laws she got passed or couldn't, deals that had to be done, or any of the other myriad events which must have occurred during Merkel's long reign.
Other topics I wanted to know about was how exactly she ran the country and how she was able to keep power during all that time. He mentions a few scandals during the first half of the book, always resolved with some kind of Machiavellian maneuvering by Merkel, but never gets into the nitty gritty of rule. (or indeed the people she kept around her who facilitated her rule)
The readability I mentioned earlier also forces all the events of the various chapters into a predictable structure of drama and resolution, which makes for a good read, but immediately made me suspicious. Reality rarely fits into such a neat structure, certainly not for so long, and I feel (without being able to prove it, though he didn't prove the opposite either), that things which didn't matter much, or generated only a lot of media heat, not real consequences, were emphasised just to create drama. Indeed, he never refers to the polls when claiming that Merkel was in trouble because of some event, which immediately makes me assume she wasn't actually in any danger and that whole section had just been a waste of time.
I would not recommend this book, as the only thing it's good for is an entertaining story, but frankly something like Game of Thrones would be better for that. It was the most recent book in English I found however (apart from the authorised biography), so I guess I'll have to wait until Merkel has retired to get a decent historical review of her ascent and career.
Unfortunately, completely useless as history because it doesn't cite any sources apart from direct quotes (which are used as flavour, not as evidence for arguments). The author makes statements as if they are of fact when they are actually opinions that need to be defended with evidence. Most of the book is applying motivation to different people, something he could not possibly know, certainly not with confidence. One could only argue such a thing using newspaper clippings, interviews or other sources, none of which are ever used.
All that said, it is a very readable book and gets the very basic facts right (i.e. there was a Greek debt crisis, a refugee crisis, etc). But unfortunately this is nothing more than you'd get by skimming the Wikipedia article (in fact it's less), other than rare circumstances (and as mentioned, never backed by evidence) he never goes into detail on what Merkel thought about her domestic comrades or rivals, or her international colleagues. Also only very rarely does he go into domestic politics, which is something I wanted to learn about, things such as the second Grand Coalition and the preceeding election, various resignations, what laws she got passed or couldn't, deals that had to be done, or any of the other myriad events which must have occurred during Merkel's long reign.
Other topics I wanted to know about was how exactly she ran the country and how she was able to keep power during all that time. He mentions a few scandals during the first half of the book, always resolved with some kind of Machiavellian maneuvering by Merkel, but never gets into the nitty gritty of rule. (or indeed the people she kept around her who facilitated her rule)
The readability I mentioned earlier also forces all the events of the various chapters into a predictable structure of drama and resolution, which makes for a good read, but immediately made me suspicious. Reality rarely fits into such a neat structure, certainly not for so long, and I feel (without being able to prove it, though he didn't prove the opposite either), that things which didn't matter much, or generated only a lot of media heat, not real consequences, were emphasised just to create drama. Indeed, he never refers to the polls when claiming that Merkel was in trouble because of some event, which immediately makes me assume she wasn't actually in any danger and that whole section had just been a waste of time.
I would not recommend this book, as the only thing it's good for is an entertaining story, but frankly something like Game of Thrones would be better for that. It was the most recent book in English I found however (apart from the authorised biography), so I guess I'll have to wait until Merkel has retired to get a decent historical review of her ascent and career.
November 5, 2023
Hmmm I'm sorry that I cannot rate this higher because I could feel that the author put a lot of effort and soul into this book. There were SO MUCH details on the context surrounding Merkel's growth and decisions that anyone interested in her as a political figure and as a person would benefit so much from reading this book. Anyone interested in the changes in Germany's position in the world, their internal political landscape as well as the larger scene in Europe/Russia would enjoy this book as well. I also very much enjoyed reading about another empowering female figure.
However, I found that I only enjoyed the first half of the book, which was more related to how Merkel grew up, her personality, how she got into politics etc. I guess personally, I haven't quite acquired the taste for reading about politics, which as what the second half of the book revolved around. The book was very rich with details about elections and motivations of different parties/countries which totally lost me 😂 the book is long and thick as well so I can't exactly simple skim the boring parts and expect to say I have read the book (because them I'd have skimmed half the entire book). All in all, it was a bit painful to finish reading this book. Thankfully the language was good and hardly a difficult read, barring the dry content.
I would only recommend this book if you are like me, a reader that wishes to widen their reading repertoire into the politics realm. Or if you are already very interested in reading about politics, the changing landscape surrounding Germany and to some extent, Europe and Russia, during and after the times of the 'Great Wall of Berlin'.
However, I found that I only enjoyed the first half of the book, which was more related to how Merkel grew up, her personality, how she got into politics etc. I guess personally, I haven't quite acquired the taste for reading about politics, which as what the second half of the book revolved around. The book was very rich with details about elections and motivations of different parties/countries which totally lost me 😂 the book is long and thick as well so I can't exactly simple skim the boring parts and expect to say I have read the book (because them I'd have skimmed half the entire book). All in all, it was a bit painful to finish reading this book. Thankfully the language was good and hardly a difficult read, barring the dry content.
I would only recommend this book if you are like me, a reader that wishes to widen their reading repertoire into the politics realm. Or if you are already very interested in reading about politics, the changing landscape surrounding Germany and to some extent, Europe and Russia, during and after the times of the 'Great Wall of Berlin'.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2017
In this surprisingly accessible and readable biography (albeit not official) of Angela Merkel, the author takes us on a fascinating journey of Angela Merkel's life, honing in on her rise in the political world of Germany. It is an account that reveals a woman of great political genius, strength and cunning. Several details about the personal life of Merkel described in the book were eye-opening for me as I knew almost nothing about her prior to reading the book, other than the fact of course that she is the Chancellor of Germany. I had always been fascinated by and was sanguine upon reading the news that she had won her fourth term as Chancellor. However, reading the news is rarely ever a great way to really understand a public figure. This book came to my attention at a local independent bookstore in California; I might not have ever come across it otherwise. Not only did the book meet my expectations in terms of content and coverage of Merkel's rise to power, it confirmed my suspicions all along that this is a woman of high intelligence, poise, and fortitude, and one who deftly navigates the tricky world of politics, and who negotiated her way around some of the most pressing problems the world faced in recent years. Granted there will be more books about Angela Merkel in the future to analyze her legacy, I do thank the author for writing this richly detailed book now so that readers who are interested in learning about other countries' leaders can keep up with an immensely important global figure in the history of the most populous country in the EU.
April 5, 2018
I’m giving this book 4 stars because ultimately I really like Angela Merkel and I liked reading about her life. This is not an official biography, which Qvortrup makes clear from the beginning, but he has solid sources and seems to have used a wide variety of sources to support his research on her life. Still, I would like to read an official biography (or maybe someday a memoir, Angela?) just to contrast this book with one written using facts supplied directly from Merkel herself. Also, Qvortrup kept bringing up the Syrian migration crisis, so I thought that would be a large part of the book. However, he only dedicated about 10 pages to it at the very end. I just thought that was an odd event to continually plug and then not extensively address. Overall, I enjoyed reading about Merkel’s rise to political power. The strength of her character is truly inspiring. She has had to make some tough decisions, but she remains true to her character every time. This book is solid reading for anyone who wants to love, or already loves, Angela Merkel.
June 15, 2024
Matthew Qvoptrup has undertaken a lot of research to produce a detailed tome on one of the world's most influential leaders.
Angela Merkel's rise to Chancellor was swift and the way she constantly learned and pivoted to climb the leadership ladder was impressive. She certainly transformed herself from the junior politician who cried at being snubbed or put under pressure, to one who calculated her risks, toughened up and developed an insight into her opponents so she could outplay them - many underestimated Merkel.
I would have like a bit more on the personal side - so more about her life growing up in East Germany, her studies and work. As with when she changed direction and entered politics, I would have liked more insight into her decisions, her alliances and her drive to succeed. It is well known that Merkel is a very private person, so this depth into her life may not have been possible.
Overall, an insightful book that shows the combative world of politics and how tough you have to be to survive.
Angela Merkel's rise to Chancellor was swift and the way she constantly learned and pivoted to climb the leadership ladder was impressive. She certainly transformed herself from the junior politician who cried at being snubbed or put under pressure, to one who calculated her risks, toughened up and developed an insight into her opponents so she could outplay them - many underestimated Merkel.
I would have like a bit more on the personal side - so more about her life growing up in East Germany, her studies and work. As with when she changed direction and entered politics, I would have liked more insight into her decisions, her alliances and her drive to succeed. It is well known that Merkel is a very private person, so this depth into her life may not have been possible.
Overall, an insightful book that shows the combative world of politics and how tough you have to be to survive.
September 23, 2018
"Cometh the hour, Cometh the Woman"
This biography traces her life all the way from her childhood in East Germany to her becoming the Chancellor of Germany. Prior to which, she was also the first woman to lead ANY political party in Germany.
The book is an easy and interesting read. The reader gets to relive historical events such as the building and the fall of Berlin Wall, and more current ones like Ukraine and Greek economy bailout....and learns what made the leader. From the woman who cried in her first job to the woman who now holds her office for the 4th time, Angela Merkel has come a long way. Does not have the bombast of male politicians. In fact approaches every problem and her opponents with a mix of mumsiness and studious preparation. A good example of what happens when preparation meets opportunity. The overall tone of the book is admiring (or maybe that's just me) although the author does criticize her where necessary.
Worth a read.
This biography traces her life all the way from her childhood in East Germany to her becoming the Chancellor of Germany. Prior to which, she was also the first woman to lead ANY political party in Germany.
The book is an easy and interesting read. The reader gets to relive historical events such as the building and the fall of Berlin Wall, and more current ones like Ukraine and Greek economy bailout....and learns what made the leader. From the woman who cried in her first job to the woman who now holds her office for the 4th time, Angela Merkel has come a long way. Does not have the bombast of male politicians. In fact approaches every problem and her opponents with a mix of mumsiness and studious preparation. A good example of what happens when preparation meets opportunity. The overall tone of the book is admiring (or maybe that's just me) although the author does criticize her where necessary.
Worth a read.
December 27, 2018
Old fashioned.
I refer to the author, not Mutti. This is apparently the only biography of her in English in which case may somebody translate something good. I had to give up reading it, a rarity for me! It's written for the New Cold War I guess where everything Russian is evil and the issue is whether Merkel was 'infected' by the Communist influence. When she says she enjoyed her childhood in the East where she was well educated; the author describes this as "strange" because the society she lived in was a 'vicious barbaric authoritarian communist Soviet inspired police state" bla bla. Not for a nanosecond does he admit other governments at the time, principally the US, was an even more efficient spy state even assassinating President Kennedy when he questioned the Cold War. The crude bias in this book makes it totally untrustworthy.
I refer to the author, not Mutti. This is apparently the only biography of her in English in which case may somebody translate something good. I had to give up reading it, a rarity for me! It's written for the New Cold War I guess where everything Russian is evil and the issue is whether Merkel was 'infected' by the Communist influence. When she says she enjoyed her childhood in the East where she was well educated; the author describes this as "strange" because the society she lived in was a 'vicious barbaric authoritarian communist Soviet inspired police state" bla bla. Not for a nanosecond does he admit other governments at the time, principally the US, was an even more efficient spy state even assassinating President Kennedy when he questioned the Cold War. The crude bias in this book makes it totally untrustworthy.
September 9, 2021
I like to think that I follow the news, and I like to think that I'm fairly familiar with the career of Angela Merkel, but I learned a lot from this book, beginning with her East German upbringing.
The book showed how Merkel is often taken for granted by American commentators. I especially liked the description of Merkel's role in the 2014 Crimean/Ukraine crisis.
The two "drawbacks" to this book are that it was published in 2016, so there is nothing about Merkel's relationship with Donald Trump. Also, it tends to skim over her relationship with the US more generally.
However, this was informative and interesting. I would be happy to read a follow-up volume by Qvortrup on Merkel and Trump.
The book showed how Merkel is often taken for granted by American commentators. I especially liked the description of Merkel's role in the 2014 Crimean/Ukraine crisis.
The two "drawbacks" to this book are that it was published in 2016, so there is nothing about Merkel's relationship with Donald Trump. Also, it tends to skim over her relationship with the US more generally.
However, this was informative and interesting. I would be happy to read a follow-up volume by Qvortrup on Merkel and Trump.
January 4, 2018
an exceptionally accessible political biography. The author is obviously sympathetic to Merkel, but not completely uncritical. It's no small feat to make the intricacies of German politics sound interesting, but Qvortrup managed to do just that, at times even veering into page-turning territory, thanks to his journalistic style in approaching the subject matter (in spite of being an academic!)
A great way to get an overview of German politics of the last few decades. Even if you're not that interested in the details, the first part about Merkel's upbringing in East Germany is worth a read and explains a lot about her values.
A great way to get an overview of German politics of the last few decades. Even if you're not that interested in the details, the first part about Merkel's upbringing in East Germany is worth a read and explains a lot about her values.
September 10, 2023
A well-researched book about the life of Angela Merkel from her early age, the book covered how she was raised in East Germany by a Pastor father and an English/Latin teacher mother, how her life was after and before the fall of Berling well, and when she was adolescent, and how she raised to become a chancellor, and how she dealt with most crises.
It's a very inspiring book about leadership, truly Angela was very charismatic and a great leader.
My only complaint about this book is that the author interprets some of the events that happened but they may not be true. it would have been great if Angela herself wrote about her inspiring life.
It's a very inspiring book about leadership, truly Angela was very charismatic and a great leader.
My only complaint about this book is that the author interprets some of the events that happened but they may not be true. it would have been great if Angela herself wrote about her inspiring life.
January 20, 2021
The one-star rating is not because of the subject matter, but because I think the book was very poorly written. I've read many biographies, and what was missing here was the spark and beauty of those personal stories and anecdotes that depict a life--even if partially. The book felt more like a long, dry academic paper, with the author trying to put together facts to support an argument, i.e., the uniqueness of Merkel's story and career. That's fine, but the academic style, coupled with the reliance on secondary sources, made for a dull and uninteresting reading. The only reason I kept going was that I wanted to learn more about Merkel's later work; but I think everything I learned here I could have easily gotten from Wikipedia or a thorough search through news archives.
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January 24, 2021This is an unofficial Merkel biography culminating in the 2015 refugee crisis. The author describes Merkel as someone who ‘thrives on strife’ and wouldn’t have achieved greatness had she lived in quieter times. From her improbable rise from an apolitical, divorced, 30-something research scientist in East Germany, through party power plays and machinations and internal politics in Germany to international topics like the euro-crisis, Greece, and the Ukraine, the book is packed with conflict and political mastery. Hoping I’ll manage to read Merkel's eventual autobiography in German!
November 26, 2021
This book was a mix of Angela's biography and German political history, with more emphasis on the latter. I found this book to be a little boring since it was hard to follow going back and forth on different historical points. I stopped reading around a quarter way through the book. Although this book didn't meet my reading taste, I still am intrigued by Angela's personality, her career as a physicist, and how her education and background prepared her to become the most powerful female politician in the world. I hope I could find a book that shares her story better.
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