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4.45 AVERAGE
4.45 AVERAGE
Mandela is truly someone committed to his values and principles. He’s also generous with acknowledging the work of other people but also doesn’t downplay his contribution to the struggle. I dont think the book paints a full picture of the struggle since mandela spent so much time in prison. However, I think it was still interesting too see how he adjusted to his circumstances and fought in other ways.
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
Excellent book! 4.5 stars. I learned so much about this amazing man and the history of South Africa.
Nelson Mandela. Someone you'd always heard about but didn't necessarily know that much about. At least, if you're me. Apartheid, South Africa, prison, Desmond Tuto... all things that come to mind when thinking of Nelson Mandela, but oh, there is so much to the story!
This is a lengthy autobiography, the longest I've ever read so far as I can remember... But not one page is worth tossing out.
I had underlined a few quotes from Mandela. Quotes that would make you nod your head in awe at the way the man is, or sadly, was. But if I were to include those here this would be a damned near 20 page review... And trust me, you would benefit far more from starting this book.
Nearly three decades of his life spent in prison and he harbors no resentment towards his captors? Umm, Jesus who? But Mandela does not shy away from recounting times when he erred or harbor end the king of bitter thoughts that any of us in his shoes would.
But enough. You know all that already. This is a book as good as you expect it to be. And that's a good thing!
This is a lengthy autobiography, the longest I've ever read so far as I can remember... But not one page is worth tossing out.
I had underlined a few quotes from Mandela. Quotes that would make you nod your head in awe at the way the man is, or sadly, was. But if I were to include those here this would be a damned near 20 page review... And trust me, you would benefit far more from starting this book.
Nearly three decades of his life spent in prison and he harbors no resentment towards his captors? Umm, Jesus who? But Mandela does not shy away from recounting times when he erred or harbor end the king of bitter thoughts that any of us in his shoes would.
But enough. You know all that already. This is a book as good as you expect it to be. And that's a good thing!
It was indeed a VERY long walk to freedom, but I really enjoyed getting to know the man and story behind the icon.
despite the extraordinary accomplishments and character of Nelson Mandela i could only rate this a three because it read more like a list and only occasionally gave glimpses into the person behind the persona.
Also reviewed on my Youtube channel.
This was definitely not an easy book to read. It's nearly 70 years worth of Mandela's life and South African history packed into 650ish pages. But it's definitely worth the read, especially for those of us who grew up only knowing Mandela as a world leader and an old man.
Twentieth century history has never really interested me. I've always been far more fascinated by the nineteenth century, and if I can't get that, I'll go back further and read about the Renaissance or the eighteenth century. So reading this was something of a new experience for me. In a not-at-all-shocking piece of white girl privilege, I've always thought of civil rights as something that was mainly a concern in the 1960s (which isn't to say that I thought everything was fixed in the 1960s. I'm not a total moron). But when I think of civil rights, I've always thought of the March on Washington, of Martin Luther King Jr, of Mississippi Burning. Hell, even the referendum that forced the Australian government to view Aboriginal Australians as actual people was in 1967.
All of this is a really long winded way of saying that this book made me horrified over my white girl privilege. Because Mandela was released from prison when I was seven. He was elected when I was ten. Apartheid in South Africa existed throughout my childhood. Yes, Mandela went to prison in the 1960s. But the problem continued. Duh, Past!Kirsti. He wouldn't have been in prison if apartheid had ended in the 1960s, you numpty.
This is a fairly terrible review. Basically, this book forced me to confront my preconceived notions while also educating me on South African history and politics. Sure, it wasn't easy to read, and a glossary to keep track of all the people and organisations would have been really handy. But books that are IMPORTANT aren't always easy to read. And that's precisely why I'm doing this project.
This was definitely not an easy book to read. It's nearly 70 years worth of Mandela's life and South African history packed into 650ish pages. But it's definitely worth the read, especially for those of us who grew up only knowing Mandela as a world leader and an old man.
Twentieth century history has never really interested me. I've always been far more fascinated by the nineteenth century, and if I can't get that, I'll go back further and read about the Renaissance or the eighteenth century. So reading this was something of a new experience for me. In a not-at-all-shocking piece of white girl privilege, I've always thought of civil rights as something that was mainly a concern in the 1960s (which isn't to say that I thought everything was fixed in the 1960s. I'm not a total moron). But when I think of civil rights, I've always thought of the March on Washington, of Martin Luther King Jr, of Mississippi Burning. Hell, even the referendum that forced the Australian government to view Aboriginal Australians as actual people was in 1967.
All of this is a really long winded way of saying that this book made me horrified over my white girl privilege. Because Mandela was released from prison when I was seven. He was elected when I was ten. Apartheid in South Africa existed throughout my childhood. Yes, Mandela went to prison in the 1960s. But the problem continued. Duh, Past!Kirsti. He wouldn't have been in prison if apartheid had ended in the 1960s, you numpty.
This is a fairly terrible review. Basically, this book forced me to confront my preconceived notions while also educating me on South African history and politics. Sure, it wasn't easy to read, and a glossary to keep track of all the people and organisations would have been really handy. But books that are IMPORTANT aren't always easy to read. And that's precisely why I'm doing this project.
I have also been really interested in Nelson Mandela and his story. I knew the basics about him, and wrote a speech on him once for English. (I also watched Invictus) :)
This book was very good. Long and not something you just whisk though, but still very good. (This is what I usually find with non-fiction) I learned a lot, and it was very well written. It was full of information, and I found it actually pretty un-biased and honest sounding, which I thought wouldn't really be apparent in an autobiography.
His life is so remarkable, and it is the first autobiography I've actually been interested in. I really wish I could meet this guy in real life. I think he is just so wise and fascinating :)
Sometimes I got a little bored, or confused. (It's not like I know a ton about politics) But I am really glad I chose this book as my non-fiction read. I'm good for a while now :)
This book was very good. Long and not something you just whisk though, but still very good. (This is what I usually find with non-fiction) I learned a lot, and it was very well written. It was full of information, and I found it actually pretty un-biased and honest sounding, which I thought wouldn't really be apparent in an autobiography.
His life is so remarkable, and it is the first autobiography I've actually been interested in. I really wish I could meet this guy in real life. I think he is just so wise and fascinating :)
Sometimes I got a little bored, or confused. (It's not like I know a ton about politics) But I am really glad I chose this book as my non-fiction read. I'm good for a while now :)
Buku paling tebal dan (salah satu) paling berkesan yang kubaca di tahun ini.
Incredible heartbreaking story of so many people. The last few pages contain important messages we all must remember.