Spouses of the World

Diplomats and their families live a truly global life constantly on the move. It can be a rewarding journey full of challenges and dramas. It can also be a traumatic experience, which is rarely discussed. The glamorous, exciting but often dangerous world of diplomatic life is brought to life by Linn Eleanor Zhang in this compilation of experiences by diplomatic spouses, from fourteen countries across four continents, who sometimes risk their lives following their hearts.

This moving book, written by diplomatic spouses around the world, reveals the unexpected highs and lows of lives lived in the service of their country, relocating often, travelling constantly and facing unexpected dangers.

Diplomatic spouses deal with the realities of life in war zones, in countries ravaged by pandemic or poverty, or in unfamiliar and intimidating big cities. They are expected to present an unruffled face to the world as they support their diplomat, sometimes at great cost to themselves. 

Spouses of the World, Bullet Dodging Behind Diplomatic Glamour offers unique insight into the life of the diplomatic spouse and includes forewords by prominent figures in the diplomatic world: Marina Wheeler QC; Lady Amanda Barton, Philip McAuliffe, Markku Keinnen, Tiina Soini, Jonathan Sweet, Janet Whitelaw Smith and Mojca Stropnik.

Images are contributed by the spouses themselves and by award-winning photographer Margarita Mavromichalis.