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4.45 AVERAGE
4.45 AVERAGE
inspiring
slow-paced
challenging
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
Nelson Mandela is a leading and notable figure in the fight against racial inequality and social injustice, but beyond a few vague facts, I found that I didn't know much about his life. That's why I decided to read this book.
In terms of educational value, Mandela's autobiography is gold, far outweighing the physical heftiness of the book. Beginning with his birth and childhood in the Transkei, moving through his schooldays and young adulthood, his introduction to and escalating involvement in the African National Congress (ANC), his work underground, the long years of imprisonment on Robben Island, his long-awaited release, and negotiations with the government, Mandela's autobiography is incredibly detailed. Yet, it was also readable and easily understandable. What I found most surprising was Mandela's stance on violence as an option in effecting democratic change to a nonracial society, as I had previously thought Mandela followed in the footsteps of Ghandi in advocating nonviolence as the only means of protest.
This is an important book and as a reviewer from the Boston Sunday Globe stated, it "should be read by every person alive." Mandela's life story, especially his descriptions of the political maneuvering of the ANC and other groups, would be particularly helpful for readers who are engaging in other movements for social justice.
My only complaint with the book is that I would have liked to read more of Mandela's contemporaneous writings and opinions during the times in which he was experiencing momentous events. While there are a few excerpts of his writings and speeches, it's not enough to really understand what he was personally thinking or considering at any given time. However, I hope this flaw will soon be remedied with the release in October of Conversations with Myself, which one publisher has described as "a look behind Long Walk to Freedom. This book, however, has provided an excellent foundation with which to move forward in understanding Mandela's lifelong struggle.
In terms of educational value, Mandela's autobiography is gold, far outweighing the physical heftiness of the book. Beginning with his birth and childhood in the Transkei, moving through his schooldays and young adulthood, his introduction to and escalating involvement in the African National Congress (ANC), his work underground, the long years of imprisonment on Robben Island, his long-awaited release, and negotiations with the government, Mandela's autobiography is incredibly detailed. Yet, it was also readable and easily understandable. What I found most surprising was Mandela's stance on violence as an option in effecting democratic change to a nonracial society, as I had previously thought Mandela followed in the footsteps of Ghandi in advocating nonviolence as the only means of protest.
This is an important book and as a reviewer from the Boston Sunday Globe stated, it "should be read by every person alive." Mandela's life story, especially his descriptions of the political maneuvering of the ANC and other groups, would be particularly helpful for readers who are engaging in other movements for social justice.
My only complaint with the book is that I would have liked to read more of Mandela's contemporaneous writings and opinions during the times in which he was experiencing momentous events. While there are a few excerpts of his writings and speeches, it's not enough to really understand what he was personally thinking or considering at any given time. However, I hope this flaw will soon be remedied with the release in October of Conversations with Myself, which one publisher has described as "a look behind Long Walk to Freedom. This book, however, has provided an excellent foundation with which to move forward in understanding Mandela's lifelong struggle.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Mandela's story was truly an amazing journey. I rarely get very emotional over a text, but I found myself tearing up multiple times. I would often have to put the book down for a while to digest his powerful words and the brave actions of himself and his fellow freedom fighters. Beautifully written, Nelson Mandela's story is one that I will carry in my heart for a very long time.
"I always knew that deep down in every human heart, there is mercy and generosity. No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. Even in the grimmest times in prison, when my comrades and I were pushed to our limits, I would see a glimmer of humanity in one of the guards, perhaps just for a second, but it was enough to reassure me and keep me going..."
A truly riveting read of the life of one of the greatest and humblest heroes the world has ever seen. RIP Madiba.
A truly riveting read of the life of one of the greatest and humblest heroes the world has ever seen. RIP Madiba.
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Easily one of my favorite autobiographies of all time! I didn't really know what to expect when I started this book but I was most interested in learning about Mandela's philosophy of protesting. His depiction of his 27.5 years in prison make up a large chunk of the narrative and largely define his role as an activist for political and social change. Upon his release at the age of 71, he is no more weakened by the struggle than the day he entered.
A very inspiring and necessary read about a difficult and triumphant life!
A very inspiring and necessary read about a difficult and triumphant life!