In Lessons from the Edge, Marie Yovanovitch tells the riveting story of her 33-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service, including her recent tenure as ambassador to Ukraine. From Moscow to Cairo and points beyond, she offers a unique window into global affairs and how they play out on the world stage. But more than that, Lessons from the Edge is an intimate account of personal resilienceāof overcoming derision and occasional disbelief to serve with distinction at some of America’s most crucial diplomatic posts (and under four presidential administrations). Honest, introspective, funny where it countsāYovanovitch has written an important memoir for our time I was provided a copy of this book by Blogging for Books in return for an honest review.
For who is this book for ?
Foreign service workers and people who want to know more about the life of a foreign service person What is this book like ? This books tells you Marie Yovanovitch’s journey through her 33 year career in the U.S Foreign Service. She has served at some crucial diplomatic posts under 4 Presidential administrations. This memoir gives an intimate look into resilience, overcoming obstacles, and having a distinguished career in the FS community. One thing I really enjoyed about this book was how funny it could be when describing certain events or relationships she’s encountered throughout her experiences as ambassador . It makes for great light-reading but also provides valuable insights for those interested in global affairs and diplomacy.
Pros :
- The author has a unique perspective on global affairs, as she has served in many diplomatic posts
- This book is introspective and honest, providing readers with an intimate look at the author’s life and career
- The writing is funny where it counts, making for an enjoyable read
Cons :
- The writing feels a little disjointed in parts
- The author spends a lot of time discussing her personal life rather than providing insights about her career
- At times it reads more like a journal than an autobiography
Learn more about the author
Marie Yovanovitch is a veteran of the United States Foreign Service, serving as an ambassador under four presidential administrations. She has also held ambassadorships in Armenia, Kazakhstan, and most recently Ukraine.
Reader Reviews
“Yovanovitch has written an important memoir for our time…. Lessons from the Edge is a fascinating, inside look at U.S. diplomacy and international relations.”
“Marie Yovanovitch has written a critically important book: Lessons from the Edge. Ambassador Yovanovitch’s long and distinguished Foreign Service career provides an unparalleled inside view of global events, as well as insights into what it takes to be successful in America’s diplomatic corps – courage, resilience, integrity and patriotism.”
“I cannot recommend Lessons from the Edge highly enough. Ambassador Yovanovitch has written a fascinating, insightful and important memoir which I guarantee will be one of the most hotly anticipated books of 2019.”
“Honest and introspective, Lessons from the Edge provides a unique window into global affairs. Ambassador Yovanovitch has written an important memoir for our time.”
