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Lessons from the Edge

Written by: Marie Yovanovitch
Narrated by: Marie Yovanovitch
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Publisher's Summary

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER

An inspiring and urgent memoir by the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine—a pioneering diplomat who spent her career advancing democracy in the post-Soviet world, and who electrified the nation by speaking truth to power during the first impeachment of President Trump.

By the time she became US Ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch had seen her share of corruption, instability, and tragedy in developing countries. But it came as a shock when, in early 2019, she was recalled from her post after a smear campaign by President Trump’s personal attorney and his associates—men operating outside of normal governmental channels, and apparently motivated by personal gain. Her courageous participation in the subsequent impeachment inquiry earned Yovanovitch the nation’s respect, and her dignified response to the president’s attacks won our hearts. She has reclaimed her own narrative, first with her lauded congressional testimony, and now with this memoir.

A child of parents who survived Soviet and Nazi terror, Yovanovitch’s life and work have taught her the preciousness of democracy as well as the dangers of corruption. Lessons from the Edge follows the arc of her career as she develops into the person we came to know during the impeachment proceedings.

“A brilliant, engaging, and inspiring memoir from one of America’s wisest and most courageous diplomats—essential reading for current policymakers, aspiring public servants, and anyone who cares about America’s role in the world.”—Madeleine K. Albright

“At turns moving and gripping and always inspiring … a powerful testament to a uniquely American life well-lived and a remarkable career of dedicated public service at the highest levels of government.”—Fiona Hill, New York Times best-selling author of There Is Nothing for You Here: Finding Opportunity in the Twenty-First Century

©2021 Marie Yovanovitch (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers
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What listeners say about Lessons from the Edge

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Essential reading for all, especially Americans!

Thank you, Ms. Yovanonovitch, for your service and your courage. The story of your family, and your mother watching history repeating itself, with you in the thick of it, was fascinating and heartbreaking. Hearing the story that played out in the media from your point of view was so much more meaningful and clear. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with the next chapters of your life!

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Amazing story by an amazing public servant

I enjoyed the story and I wish this experience not to be repeated again by any other diplomat. It shows how toxic Trump was for democracy in general.

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a must read

for anyone wanting to understand the background and reasons for The initial impeachment of Donald Trump, am appreciation for the necessity of a professional civil service and the life of diplomats worldwide. much appreciated life story.

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a very inspirational and interesting true story

what a brave and beautiful person with an incredible story very well written and narrated with heart

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Stunning Memoir, WOMAN, Public Servant

I totally recommend the book. I am in awe of such a sensitive and in the same time powerful WOMAN! She found herself in the crosshairs of history, and she was able to speak truth to power. What a story!
Thank you for your service!

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Courage under Fire

The story and delivery by the ambassador is great. The American people were well served by her over her distinguished career. If you’re only looking for a blow by blow of the Trump/Ukraine affair, this isn’t it. It’s the last few chapters of the book. It covers her career in the foreign service and the struggles and sacrifices diplomats face. Great listen.

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A canary in the mine

The last chapter should required reading for everyone interested in what is happening in Russia

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Great insight to Ukraine

I chose to read Marie’s biography because she has spent to much of her life living in Ukraine, and helping the Ukrainian people. I thought it would help fill in some gaps in my knowledge, and it certainly did. On top of that,I enjoyed hearing about the experiences of a female Ambassador. How she was forced out was horrible, what a mistreatment of a lifetime civil servant. Her book is well written (“where is my sand garden when I need it?”) and I enjoyed her narration.

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A fascinating account of character, integrity, and patriotism.

I’m so inspired to have heard Ambassador Yovanovitch’s telling of her own story. It was very enlightening.

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