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4.45 AVERAGE
4.45 AVERAGE
It took me three weeks to finish this book, but it was most definitely worth it. The reason why it took me so long was first of all it’s complex language, which makes me understand why some readers may quit it early on. Reading this book does need some patience and dedication, and I was willing to give it that. The second reason is that I needed time to contemplate on everything I read. It was that deep.
I truly wish this book was obligatory for all to read, not just to know on Mandela’s life, the history of South Africa and what the apartheid indicated, but because the difficulties he faced are many we unfortunately still have in our day and age when it comes to racism, injustice, inequality, restriction of freedom, and inhumanity. And yet, despite the great struggles, Mandela never strode away from his ideals no matter the cost. Even inside the prison cell.
I truly wish this book was obligatory for all to read, not just to know on Mandela’s life, the history of South Africa and what the apartheid indicated, but because the difficulties he faced are many we unfortunately still have in our day and age when it comes to racism, injustice, inequality, restriction of freedom, and inhumanity. And yet, despite the great struggles, Mandela never strode away from his ideals no matter the cost. Even inside the prison cell.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
A captivating and inspiring autobiography of one of the most famous "freedom fighters". When I started reading I knew very little about South Africa and apartheid, and Mandela's account definitely worked as a crash course into the unbelievably racist and eventually fascist regime of South Africa in the 20th century. The strongest message here, for me, is the absurdly every-day nature of deeply institutionalised racism and its terrible consequences. Also, I always feel a bit uncertain with biographies' accounts of events, as there's always the niggling doubt that the author might embellish or play down certain parts of his tale. But here, even reading with a somewhat critical eye, you simply cannot remain unimpressed by the willpower, intelligence and calm humanity of Nelson Mandela. This is echoed in his flowing prose, and I found myself reading for long periods, promising myself "just one more chapter" - always the sign of a book well worth reading.
It's a good book for anyone, but especially those studying in politics like me. You do have to remember he published this book while running for president so he had an interest in promoting his achievements. There's a lot to be said about this book as I've written about it, but I would simply recommend it as a point of view about his journey. Also, it looks like a heavy read, but it's not... The reading is really enjoyable, especially if you've been reading a lot of scientific essais for school.
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Just blown away with it. I felt as if I had been along side him on that journey, every event enthralled me and transported me. Cannot stress enough how much you should read this, such an important book to understanding others and also a reflective book which will challenge the way you think
Un libro muy interesante, muy lejos de lo que suelo leer pero que enseña mucho sobre el mundo y sobre los ciclos.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Long Walk to Freedom is an excellent read. However, multiple times throughout the book I questioned why Mandela felt that it was necessary to vouch for the humanity of white Afrikaners that he met in the government and prisons. It isn't the responsibility of the oppressed to convince us that the oppressors are good people. If they want to show that they have humanity, they can demonstrate that through their actions.
I have always admired Nelson Mandela for his commitment to freedom and equality, as well as for enduring so many years of unjust imprisonment without succumbing to bitterness and anger. After reading his 600+ page autobiography, I'm even more in awe of this man who sacrificed so much for what he believed and maintained an incredible optimism throughout the hardships.
While it was fascinating to learn more about Mandela's early formative years - how he became the freedom fighter he was - I was completely captivated by his retelling of his trial and incarceration. His dignified attitude and continued commitment to freedom were inspiring. "Prison," he says, "was a kind of crucible that tested a man's character. Some men, under the pressure of incarceration, showed true mettle, while others revealed themselves as less than what they had appeared to be." Mandela was one of those refined by the "pressure of incarceration" and his unshakable faith in basic human decency, even among those who would be seen as his enemies, is evidence.
Despite all of his accomplishments, there is a wistful strain that runs through the book whenever he talks about his family, who he said "paid a terrible price, perhaps too dear a price for my commitment."
To read the rest of this review, visit Build Enough Bookshelves.
While it was fascinating to learn more about Mandela's early formative years - how he became the freedom fighter he was - I was completely captivated by his retelling of his trial and incarceration. His dignified attitude and continued commitment to freedom were inspiring. "Prison," he says, "was a kind of crucible that tested a man's character. Some men, under the pressure of incarceration, showed true mettle, while others revealed themselves as less than what they had appeared to be." Mandela was one of those refined by the "pressure of incarceration" and his unshakable faith in basic human decency, even among those who would be seen as his enemies, is evidence.
I always tried to be decent to the warders in my section; hostility was self-defeating. There was no point in having a permanent enemy among the warders. It was ANC [African National Congress] policy to try to educate all people, even our enemies: we believed that all men, even prison service warders, were capable of change, and we did our utmost to try to sway them.
Despite all of his accomplishments, there is a wistful strain that runs through the book whenever he talks about his family, who he said "paid a terrible price, perhaps too dear a price for my commitment."
I wondered--not for the first time--whether one was ever justified in neglecting the welfare of one's own family in order to fight for the welfare of others. Can there be anything more important than looking after one's aging mother? Is politics merely a pretext for shirking one's responsibilities, an excuse for not being able to provide in the way one wanted?
To read the rest of this review, visit Build Enough Bookshelves.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced