Libraries Of Leaders: On The Bookshelves Of Europe’s Most Powerful Women 

Being the leader of a powerful European nation entails grappling with daunting economic and political challenges, myriad public appearances and diplomacy, among other things. One would imagine that such a demanding schedule would leave little time for anything else. Unless you happen to fracture your pelvis on a cross-country ski and are ordered to bed for three weeks by your physician.

That’s exactly how one of Europe’s most powerful women found the time to read a 1,500-page tome on history. Here are a few books that German Chanellor Angela Merkel and U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May read and recommend.

Angela Merkel

Angela Merkel was rated the most powerful woman in the world by Forbes magazine in 2016. She has been the Chancellor of Germany since 2005, and is now seeking a fourth term in office. She won wide international acclaim for her strong leadership during the European debt crisis that began in 2009. Here are some of her favourite books.

1.The Transformation Of The World: A Global History Of The Nineteenth Century by Jurgen Osterhammel

Merkel read the book while recuperating from a skiing accident she suffered in 2013. The book deals with 19th century history, and a wide range of issues inluding migration, globalisation, the decline of China and the emergence of European powerhouses. Merkel later invited Osterhammel to her 60th birthday party to deliver an hour-long lecture, a few months after she read the book, the Guardian reported.

2. Madam Curié: A Biography by Eve Curie

Written by the daughter of the two-time Noble Prize-winning Polish scientist, the book chronicles Curie’s work with radiation and the discoveries which lead to elements such as polonium being used in cancer treatment. It also dwells on her professional life, including her marriage to Frenchman Pierre Curié – also a scientist – and the couple’s life-long commitment to their work. Merkel made a special mention of the book during a Q&A session with students at Trinity College, according to the website favobooks.com.

Theresa May

Theresa May replaced David Cameron as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and leader of the Conservative party in 2016 after Britain voted to leave the European Union. She called a snap general election in June 2017 to consolidate her party's standing to be able to negotiate Brexit on her own terms. The result though was below expectations, leaving a hung Parliament.

1. Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austen

May told The Statesman that she loves reading detective novels, but Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice was her favourite book. It is the story of proud and 'headstrong’ Elizabeth Bennet, who through her spirited romance with William Darcy, learns the error of making hasty judgements and comes to appreciate the difference between appearance and reality.

2. The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling

May read the entire series and found it enjoyable. Though she dodged a question by The Telegraph on which Harry Potter character she thought resembled, she said the series was a fascinating read for adults and children alike.