Lost and Found in Spain - by Susan Lewis Solomont (Paperback)

About the Book

"When her husband was appointed by President Barack Obama to be U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, Susan Solomont uprooted herself. She left her career, her friends and family, and a life she loved to join her husband for a three-and-a-half year tour overseas. In a story that is part memoir and part travelogue, Solomont recounts a time of self-discovery as she navigates a new life in a foreign country. She learns the rules of a diplomatic household; feeds her culinary curiosity with the help of some of Spain's greatest chefs; finds her place in the Madrid Jewish community; and discovers her own voice as she creates new meaning in her role as a spouse, a community member, and a twenty-first century woman. Lost and found in Spain is an insider's account of everyday life in an American embassy that reminds us we are all looking for our place in the world, whether on the international stage or in our own hearts."--Page 4 of cover.

Book Synopsis

"In these pages, Susan Solomont has shared an exhilarating story of the challenges and the special joys of representing America abroad, which will inspire, educate and delight."
--Nancy Pelosi

An insider's account of everyday life in an American embassy that reminds us we are all looking for our place in the world, whether on the international stage or in our own hearts.

When her husband was appointed by President Barack Obama to be U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, Susan Solomont uprooted herself. She left her career, her friends and family, and a life she loved to join her husband for a three-and-a-half year tour overseas. Part memoir and part travelogue, Solomont recounts a time of self-discovery as she navigates a new life in a foreign country. She learns the rules of a diplomatic household; goes on a culinary wanderlust with some of Spain's greatest chefs; finds her place in the Madrid Jewish community; and discovers her own voice as she creates new meaning in her role as a spouse, a community member, and a twenty-first century woman.

Review Quotes

"A vivid, honest, and loving account of life behind the scenes in one of the most coveted and dazzling institutions that represents the United States. That Susan and Alan Solomont quickly got labeled 'Team Solomont' among the diplomatic circles in town is a testimony to Susan's brilliance, easy charm, and delightful wit, which find ample expression in her book."
--H.E. Ana de Palacio, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain

"In Lost and Found in Spain, Susan Lewis Solomont provides the rare gift of revealing the world of diplomacy. She takes us behind the walls of the US Embassy in Spain and we get a portrayal of life through the lens of an entrepreneurial woman. She offers an in-depth tour into the world of protocol and the role that spouses make for themselves in this mysterious yet intriguing world. And did I mention the food? That alone is worth the ride--but there's far more in this fascinating book."
--Randy Susan Meyers, author

"In these pages, Susan Solomont has shared an exhilarating story of the challenges and the special joys of representing America abroad, which will inspire, educate and delight."
--Nancy Pelosi, former Speaker of the House

"One-part Madam Secretary, one part Eat, Pray, Love -- Lost and Found in Spain is a candid, personal, and often humorous account of full immersion in a magical, historic culture, and a crash course in public diplomacy, told from the perspective of a woman whose journey is marked by grace and goodwill."
--John Kerry, 68th US Secretary of State

"Susan's book is so much more than a memoir of the Solomonts' years in Spain -- it is about self-discovery, adventure, reinvention ... all through the eyes of an amazing, tireless woman."
--Chef José Andrés, ​Founder of World Central Kitchen

"Useful reading for those in a similar position, whether in the public or private sector, and a strong case for better defining the roles of diplomatic spouses, to say nothing of paying them for their work."
--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Susan Solomont has more than thirty years of experience providing strategic philanthropic counsel to private foundations. She frequently speaks with organizations and groups on topics such as women in business, diplomatic life abroad, travel, and philanthropy. In 2013, she was named International Woman of the Year by FEDEPE, the leading organization for female executives and directors in Spain. She holds a bachelor's degree from Cornell University and a master's degree in education from Tufts University.