'A great accomplishment . . . A wonderful reflection of an extraordinary sweep of history'
Barack Obama Timely intimate and important the long-awaited memoirs from one of the most
influential leaders of our times For 16 years Angela Merkel was Chancellor of Germany. She
led the country through numerous crises shaping both Germany and international politics with
her actions and attitudes. In her memoirs co-written with her long-time political advisor
Beate Baumann she reflects on her life in two German states - 35 years in the German
Democratic Republic 35 years in reunited Germany. More intimately than ever before she talks
about her childhood youth and studies in the GDR and the dramatic year of 1989 when the
Berlin Wall fell and her political life began. She also shares recollections and insights from
her meetings and conversations with the world's most powerful people. Discussing significant
national European and international turning points she shows how the decisions were made
that shaped our times. Her book offers a unique insight into the inner workings of power - and
is a compelling plea for freedom.
