The first thing to be said about 'Prague Winter,' former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's new book, is that she very wisely chooses to confront early on in it her apparent surprise at learning late in life that she was born Jewish.

In this quote, Michael Korda, a noted author and editor, reflects on Madeleine Albright's decision to address her Jewish heritage in her memoir, Prague Winter. Korda highlights the wisdom of Albright’s choice to confront the surprise she felt upon discovering, later in life, that she was born Jewish. This admission sets the tone for the book, as it addresses the complexities of her identity and family history in the context of World War II and the political changes in Czechoslovakia.

Korda’s comment underscores the significance of Albright's decision to openly discuss her personal revelation. Albright's experience of discovering her Jewish background at an older age became a central theme in her memoir, illustrating how identity and heritage can shape one’s worldview and political actions, even if they are revealed later in life. Korda points to the surprise element, which suggests a deeper reflection on how we understand identity, especially in the context of family secrets and historical events.

The origin of this quote lies in Korda’s review or analysis of Albright's book, Prague Winter, which delves into her childhood experiences and the geopolitical events that shaped her views as she grew up. Albright's book intertwines her personal journey with the larger historical narrative of Czech history, the rise of Nazism, and her later diplomatic career. Korda recognizes that Albright's exploration of her newfound identity adds a deeply personal layer to the political insights she shares in the memoir.

Ultimately, Korda’s quote emphasizes the importance of Albright’s willingness to confront her Jewish roots in the book, not just as a personal revelation but as a reflection of broader themes of identity and historical legacy. This decision enriches her narrative, adding emotional depth to her political and historical analysis, and showcases her ability to reflect on her family history and its impact on her life and career.