Long Walk to Freedom

Rating:
Summary: An intriguing insight into the mind of a great human being.
Review: Mr. Mandela epitomizes the struggle between the oppressor and the oppressed. The reader of this book is allowed an intriguing insight into the mind of a genius. This book magically captures all that Nelson Mandela stood up for and more. It is more than just an autobiography- it is a legacy of struggle, a source of inspiration for the freedom-fighters to come. "Long Walk To Freedom" is a picture of South Africa under apartheid - a picture painted by the man who was probably the person most influenced by the evils of a system which refused to allow people to enjoy the basic joys of life because of the colour of their skin or the nature of their beliefs. This is a 'must-read' for anybody who has ever been angered by injustice or, indeed, for anybody who has ever wanted to stand up for his or her beliefs. The style is lucid and simple and though the book is big the going is quite easy. In fact, I finished the book in four days.This book has influenced me beyond words. From afar, I salute thee, Mandela!

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating
Review: Mr. Mandela's autobiography is especially insightful and intriguing if read alongside Mr. F.W. De Klerk's autobiography, because in this way the reader is given "both sides" of the story of the controversial negotiations to end apartheid. We find that even in the cruel world of apartheid South Africa, humanity and decency was as strong as ever, even among those who had nothing.

The only thing which left me wanting was an adequate explanantion by Mr. Mandela as to how he made the emotional transition from apathy and conformism to being a radical revolutionary.

Rating:
Summary: A great book!!!
Review: This autobiography gives us a fascinating look inside the life of one of the greatest leaders of this century.

Mandela captivates us with his insights into his childhood in the Transkei, right up to his imprisonment on Robben Island and his subsequent release.

I myself do not read many autobiographies but 'Long Walk To Freedom' was a book that deserved to be read. A tale of a freedom fighter is always a great tale but Mandela's tale was even more exceptional due to his stunning rise to the presidency of South Africa.

This is a great book. Five out of five.

Rating:
Summary: There is a lot to gain from reading this book
Review: I have to admit that I began reading this book with aprehension, thinking that it was going to be dry and full of slogans. However, I was immediately surprised by Mandela's clear and concise style and his immense humanity. Mandela gives credit to those who deserve it and criticizes in a measured way those who opposed him. His exposition of what apartheid was and of the details of his struggle along with other black and white South Africans is, in many ways, heartwrenching, but--in part because one knows the outcome--one never loses hope. The book should be read not only as an important historical document, but as a text to teach tolerance among races. I cannot recommend it enough.

Rating:
Summary: He is like every one of us afterall
Review: I spent the whole of last weekend reading 'Long Walk to freedom'. For two days I didnot leave the world Nelson had trapped me in. As I finished the book and took a walk outside, I stopped seeing people as Hausas or Yorubas, Northerners or Southerners(ethnic groups in Nigeria). All I saw were brothers who could bury the hatchets of ethnicity and forge a country of love and peace. Before I read the book I saw Mandela as a super human with no flaws at all. In the book he painted himself in true colours; accepting his flaws and proclaiming his successes. He is afterall human. I have always believed that life is worth nothing if one can not stand up for what one believes in. I have always advocated to the Marcus Garvey/ Malcolm X forms of freedom fighting. I always thought that peaceful protests were for the spineless. Why would I like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., watch while the enemy unleashes violence on my people? Nelson in the book took me through the intricacies of peaceful civil disturbance and I have come to realise that this form of protest is even more demanding than sheer brute force. 'Long walk...' is a must-read for any one who still has humanity in his being... If you want to share more on 'Long Walk to Freedom' or the struggle of African progressives against oppresive governments, you can reach me at [e-mail]

Rating:
Summary: Political autobiography rather than a personal autobiography
Review: It was fascinating to learn of his committment to the cause of freedom. However there was little in the way of what in his inner life - his ideals, his aspirations - drove him to make the sacrifices he made.

Rating:
Summary: The best book I've ever read
Review: Certainly, as stated on the cover, a book to be read by every person on earth. Truely, Mr. Mandella gave his own personal life for the life of his people. I could not put this book down and selfishly, didn't want it to end! When you read this book, you will never look at your life the same again.

Rating:
Summary: Read this. You owe it to him.
Review: This book will not only make you respect Mandela more than you thought possible, but it will also, most certainly, make you look at your own life differently. (And shed a tear.)

Hero is a gross understatement.

Rating:
Summary: Magnificent
Review: He is certainly a true statesman in every sense

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding, gribbing, tale of epic portions.
Review: After meeting him in person in South Africa just last week I found myself engrossed in the most dramatic piece of writing I have read since the Thorn birds. Nelson Mandela should be awarded the nobel prize for his achievements. Never in my life have I been taken more by a book, capivited by it's spirit, and enchanted by it's depth and simplicity.