Long Walk to Freedom

English language

Published Nov. 20, 1995

ISBN:
978-0-316-54818-2
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5 stars (1 review)

Long Walk to Freedom is an autobiography credited to South African President Nelson Mandela. It was ghostwritten by Richard Stengel and first published in 1994 by Little Brown & Co. The book profiles his early life, coming of age, education and 27 years spent in prison. Under the apartheid government, Mandela was regarded as a terrorist and jailed on the infamous Robben Island for his role as a leader of the then-outlawed African National Congress (ANC) and its armed wing the Umkhonto We Sizwe. He later achieved international recognition for his leadership as president in rebuilding the country's once segregationist society. The last chapters of the book describe his political ascension and his belief that the struggle still continued against apartheid in South Africa.Mandela dedicated his book to "my six children, Madiba and Makaziwe (my first daughter) who are now deceased, and to Makgatho, Makaziwe, Zenani and Zindzi, whose support …

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Review of 'Long Walk to Freedom' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

An autobiography that is both moving and inspiring. I had read about very early struggles against oppression in South Africa in Mahatma Gandhi's biography by Ramachandra Guha. When reading it I wondered what happened to the struggle in South Africa after Gandhi left. This book tells us the inspiring story about the period after Gandhi in South Africa.

Mandela has a wonderful way of telling his story which gently takes us to a tour of the time, the place, the emotions. One never gets bogged down in detail. He also has a great way of convincing us the logic behind his opinions without being forceful. That might be one of the factors that made him a great leader.

Highly recommended!