The Chancellor: The Remarkable Odyssey of Angela Merkel

Written by Kati Marton

‘An intimate, insightful portrait of an extraordinarily private leader’ WALTER ISAACSON From the bestselling author of Enemies of the People

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 twenties working as a research chemist, only entering politics after the fall of the Berlin Wall. And yet within fifteen 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 from these pages 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Release date: Oct 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9780008499488

Kati Marton

Kati Marton is the New York Times bestselling author of nine books, including True Believer: Stalin’s Last American Spy and Enemies of the People: My Family’s Journey to America, which was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. An award-winning former NPR correspondent and ABC News bureau chief in Germany, she was born in Hungary and lives in New York City.

Reviews for The Chancellor

[michelle esberg · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautifully written and narrated.
A very engaging and insightful account of an inspirational person.

[Karen Mndez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Merkel is really a lidership inspiration.
She is one really conscious, cold headed and heart leader.

[lynnb_64 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked this book's focus on Angela Merkel as a person and leader. Yes, it was uncritical and very accepting of her, but I didn't mind that because, like so many, I admire Ms. Merkel. I found the book inspiring in terms of being true to your values and that actions mean more than words. The book provides a brief, recent history of Germany, a look at Angela Merkel as leader and a little geopolitical context. It is really about leadership. It must be hard to write a biography of someone so private, so there are gaps. It is unclear how she transitioned from being a scientist to a politician, for example. I was struck by how much the German media, in this day of 24-hour news and tabloids, largely respected Ms. Merkel's privacy. I was also struck by how Ms. Merkle's experiences as an East German shaped her decisions, at times even more than her rational, scientific bent; for example, in allowing one million Syrian refugees into Germany. This book is very easy to read and accessible. We'll have to let a little more time pass before we can see a definitive biography of Ms. Merkel, but this book is a good place to start that reflection.

[jonerthon-437513 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In 2021, one event that I never really expected to occur did: Angela Merkel stepped down as Chancellor of Germany. She'd been in that role since I was in college, outlasting other world leaders and becoming the known steady hand in foreign policy that so many depended on. Here is an insider's view* of how Merkel got there and how she was so successful that many people hoped--or just assumed--that she would remain Chancellor for life. I had no idea that her pre-2005 political career was a short, steep climb into leading the CU. But Merkel has always been a canny negotiator and political operator, and early chapters offer that crucial play-by-play. This is a pretty inspiring read for someone looking for that one-in-a-million story that no one expected. *Kati Marton is a longtime journalist moving in diplomatic circles that met Merkel multiple times.

[tytania-2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"WIr schaffen das.""We can handle it" is the translation given here. It is what Chancellor Angela Merkel said at a news conference about how Germany was going to handle the surging refugee crisis in 2015. I remember hearing this. In my memory, which may not be perfect, the question was particularly what was going to happen if the rest of Europe did not step up to the challenge. The emphasis was on the "Wir," "we", meaning Germany. If the rest of Europe did not step up, well, Germany would handle it. Germany would do what was right. And they did. This is when I first considered Merkel a personal hero."The fact that one million refugees had been allowed into Germany was, of course, the headline of 2015. However, an equally startling figure...: six million to seven million Germans helped them.""For Germany's self-image - and how the rest of the world regards the former Third Reich - Angela Merkel's regugee policy has been transformational. Nothing short of astonishing is the fact that the country responsible for the Holocaust is now regarded as the world's moral center."This book is really a gem. It never devolves into a boring litany of Germany political mundanity ("first the Socialist Democrats formed a coalition with the Democratic Socialists who in turn..."). It has a somewhat chronological arc without being strictly chronological; after some straightforward early life biography, the book is divided into chapters which showcase different aspects of Merkel's chancellorship: a chapter on the refugee crisis; one each on her relationships with W. Bush, Obama, and Trump; one on Ukraine (written alas before the latest invasion); etc. It really sustains interest.Merkel has a doctorate in physics, as does her husband (who avoids all media attention and just likes to do his physics in peace). She honestly doesn't seem to have gone into politics for any reason other than to get things done. She does her own shopping. The most lovable photo is captioned thus:"Shortly after her heartfelt warning to the nation regarding the looming Covid pandemic, the chancellor was seen shopping in her neighborhood grocery store. Note that there are more bottles of wine in her cart than rolls of toilet paper. Merkel beseeched her countrymen not to hoard."Hero!

[gbelik_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It was indeed a remarkable journey to success by a remarkable woman. This is more her personal story than her political story. A good read.

[kenkarpay · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fast paced biography of one of the most important global political figures of the last 30 years. Author Kati Marton expertly blends together the history of East and West Germany, and the fascinating narrative involving Merkel's highly unlikely life trajectory. Marton has managed to provide a lot of relevant personal information to help a reader understand the drives, likes and dislikes of one of the longest serving Chancellor in German history. As an American male reader, I enjoyed many examples of how Merkel bested both her male politics competitors both in Germany and outside.

[c.archer · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a wonderful depiction of a unique woman who was the undoubtedly the right leader at the right time for Germany and the EU. The book shares not only her attributes and successes, but also her idiosyncrasies and weaknesses. This woman from the East was able to understand and defend the struggle for democracy; making tough choices and being willing to compromise and put aside her personal agenda. It is a fascinating read that describes events and people in a way that brings them to life. Highly recommended for those interested in modern European history and a clearer insight into the private leader, Angela Merkle.