A Long Walk to Freedom: Triumph of Hope, 1962-1994 v. 2

Mandela's tales of prison life (of 27 years) also give an insight into the way that the political mind works. Where many would have succumbed to desperation and terminal introspection, Mandela is still compelled to debate, to organise, to protest and to educate. Finally, Robben Island was widely considered an "ANC University", and the authorities were still afraid of Mandela and his colleagues even after they had been in prison for two decades.

A fascinating personal history of one the key conflicts of the 20th century, and a must for students of democracy.


Amazing!!   July 22, 2006
C. Ferranti-Donavellas (Surrey, UK)
21 out of 21 found this review helpful

I will admit that as a twenty year oldguy i have not really read a whole book in my entire life..with other media like television stealing my mind, books have not really appealed to me. I dont know why i bought this book, but i can tell you that from the first page i becam glued!!! I read it at every oppurtunity i had from when i had breaks at work...to when i was goin to sleep. This book has a hook in every chapter that makes you want to read on. My friends and I knew nothing of Nelson Mandela ebfore i read this book, apart from this image that he was a hero. I now understand why, and idolise this man who dedicated his life to give the people of South Africa the right to live. This book covers everything from his early childhood, through to the ANC, His imprisonment at Robben Island...right up to the freedom that he achieved. I am not a professinal crtic, and i have no real great words in my mind that could the describe this book to its fullest...so all i will say is its AMAZING, and that if you havent read this book...do...it will make you think twice about the world we live in and understand the goodwill in people throughout this world...my next task is to read up on Winnie Mandela..who would of thought i would become a book freak!!! ;-)


No ordinary man.   January 7, 2004
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

Looking at the book I was daunted by its size. But once I started reading I couldn't stop. It’s a fascinating tale and what’s more – it’s real.

Mandela takes us through the development of his political views, who he was influenced by and why he became so passionate about his cause. He explains how he and his colleagues came to be in the positions they were in, the personal sacrifices they made, and how they coped with seemingly unbearable circumstances forced upon them.

He is an example to everyone, as a man who, like many other South Africans, fought endlessly for his cause every day of his life. And yet he writes without bitterness for his enemies and with sincerity. His story is told with excitement and is highly readable, and the end result is the current day South Africa – a country far from perfect but for once with a true democracy and a hope of moving forward.

An excellent and insightful introduction for those interested in South African politics, or simply a fascinating and inspiring read for anyone.


This book makes you THINK!   May 13, 2002
14 out of 15 found this review helpful

This was an enthralling read, not just because of the importance of the subject matter, but also because this book makes you THINK.

It absorbs you into the simple, but rich, life of his early youth, grips you with the brutality and hardship of the struggle, and then enriches you with the hope that comes with freedom after such diversity. It is written with the humility of a man who gave up his personal life for the struggle of the masses and never sought personal recognition. It is written with humour, even when describing unimaginable cruelty. And it is written by probably the most prophetic and humble being of our times, Mr. Nelson Mandela.

This book has made me reassess my priorities. It has made me appreciate life more, to question the accepted norm, and to return to a more simple way of being. This may sound a little theatrical, but I am certain that anyone who has read this book and followed the life of this great man cannot but be affected.

I cannot criticise this book. Of course I would have like a little more on his personal relationships with his wives and children, but, as he says in the book, he is uncomfortable with discussing such intimate topics, and I think one has to respect that.

Humility, selflessness, tolerance, wisdom, and a yearning for life ... those are the keywords of this valuable reference.


A must read for every South African   February 2, 2004
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Being a white South African male living in London and having lived through the toughest times in South African history mostly as a young boy and a national serviceman in 1992 makes reading this book essential to tieing all the lose ends of ones beliefs about the country together.

I remember the speeches 'Die Groot Krokodil' made and the massive bannings and the township violence and the struggles in Angola and Mozambique. I remember the propoganda of the government of the day. I remember the voting in the 1992 referendum and voting in the 1994 first democratic elections. I remember Madiba's release and his inauguaration as president of the GNU.

Every South African has a special place inside them for Madiba and remembers his calming influence in our countries time of turmoil. This book is cover to cover a gripping read, one that I couldn't put down until finally completed. He describes his life, his beliefs, his passion and in all this you see his humour, his strength, his beliefs. These never got left behind through the struggle. His compassion and understanding shine through and are a clear example to the world leaders today.

Having grown up in SA, studied in SA and visited Robben Island makes all the happenings in the book that much more special and closer to the heart. This book is truely inspiring and has built a strong sense of belief and love for our country while we are away.

I don't think I will find a more beautiful book (non-fiction or fiction) in a long long time.

It all makes sense now.