Hell and Other Destinations

“Richly detailed. . . an intimate portrait of a diplomat.” —New Yorker

From the seven-time New York Times bestselling author and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright—among history’s most admired and tireless public servants—a revealing, funny, and inspiring reflection on the challenge of continuing one’s career far beyond the normal age of retirement

In 2001, when Madeleine Albright was leaving office as America’s first female secretary of state, interviewers asked her how she wished to be remembered. “I don’t want to be remembered,” she answered. “I am still here and have much more I intend to do. As difficult as it might seem, I want every stage of my life to be more exciting than the last.”

In that time of transition, the former Secretary considered the possibilities: she could write, teach, travel, give speeches, start a business, fight for democracy, help to empower women, campaign for favored political candidates, spend more time with her grandchildren. Instead of choosing one or two, she decided to do it all. For nearly twenty years, Albright was in constant motion, navigating half a dozen professions, clashing with presidents and prime ministers, learning every day. After leaving the State Department, she blazed her own trail—and gave voice to millions who yearned for respect, regardless of gender, background, or age.

Hell and Other Destinations reveals this remarkable figure at her bluntest, funniest, most intimate, and most serious. It is the tale of our times anchored in lessons for all time, narrated by an extraordinary woman who had a matchless zest for life.

This unforgettable memoir about life’s third act offers timeless lessons on leadership, resilience, and public service:

• An American Stateswoman’s Story: Go behind the scenes with America’s first female Secretary of State as she navigates a new chapter, clashing with presidents and prime ministers long after leaving office.
• Life Beyond Retirement: Discover how Albright redefined her career after 60, proving her own words that “every stage of my life [should] be more exciting than the last.”
• A Champion for Women’s Empowerment: A powerful narrative of blazing a new trail and giving voice to millions of women who yearned for respect, regardless of gender, background, or age.
• Timeless Lessons on Leadership: From starting a business to teaching and fighting for democracy, Albright shares candid, funny, and inspiring reflections on a life of tireless public service.