Long Walk to Freedom

The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

By: Nelson Mandela

Narrated by: Michael Boatman

Length: 27 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

The autobiography of global human rights icon Nelson Mandela is "riveting...both a brilliant description of a diabolical system and a testament to the power of the spirit to transcend it" (Washington Post).

Nelson Mandela was one of the great moral and political leaders of his time: an international hero whose lifelong dedication to the fight against racial oppression in South Africa won him the Nobel Peace Prize and the presidency of his country.

After his triumphant release in 1990 from more than a quarter century of imprisonment, Mandela was at the center of the most compelling and inspiring political drama in the world. As president of the African National Congress and head of South Africa's anti-apartheid movement, he was instrumental in moving the nation toward multiracial government and majority rule. He is still revered everywhere as a vital force in the fight for human rights and racial equality.

Long Walk to Freedom is his moving and exhilarating autobiography, destined to take its place among the finest memoirs of history's greatest figures. Here for the first time, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela told the extraordinary story of his life - an epic of struggle, setback, renewed hope, and ultimate triumph.

The book that inspired the major motion picture Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©1995 Nelson Mandela (P)2011 Hachette

Critic reviews

"Narrator Michael Boatman has a gentle but insistent voice that suggests a certain grace and is well suited for the memoir of this worldwide symbol of persistence and justice. Boatman’s authentic pronunciation of South African tribes and other words also lends great credibility to his reading. He narrates at an unhurried pace and lingers on certain words throughout the book in order to let us inhale Mandela’s meanings." (AudioFile)

beautiful, graceful, a must listen

this book is something everyone should hear. his story is incredible. it is relevant still to all of our lives. it is written with Grace and respect. it shows how one person can choose to be a leader and then can change the world. it is no wonder he was such a profoundly loved leader. this book is also read immaculately. yes, it is a long book. but it is all the better for it. I would give it a hundred stars if I could!

Excellent book and narration

This was a long book but worth it. An amazing life and story told with honesty and insight. I kept telling my friends about it as I worked my way through it. It also made me want to read even more about Mandela. The narration was also excellent. Funny how I just wrote a negative review about a book that was less than 3 hours and how I could barely make it through it and yet this was over 27 hours and I wished it wouldn't end.

wonderful book

So inspiring, a true example of living one's life purpose. we are in this world for a reason and the story of Nelson Mandela inspires me to fight for mine ❤

Insight that you must have!

This book was one of the most wonderful books I have ever read! It lends a view into one of the most ugly travesties that occurred last century. The experience you receive in this performed narrative is invaluable!

Great Book!

If you could sum up Long Walk to Freedom in three words, what would they be?

Inspirational. Educational. Impactful.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved learning how human Mandela was, and yet how exceptional. I loved how much I learned about the native tribes in South Africa and saw them through different eyes after reading this book. Although he was not just one person in the fight for freedom, he was a game changer in their success. Yet he always gave credit to others. I loved that.

Have you listened to any of Michael Boatman’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

So many I can not list. His prison experiences. I was torn about the sacrifices made by him and his family, who lost so much in his devotion to the cause.

Any additional comments?

This book taught me so much. It opened my eyes to racism in a deeper way. It taught me how much one person can influence others through dogged persistence and fairness. I am old enough that I remember apartied. But it was in a distant land and I never realized how oppressive it was. Racism is a horrible thing.

long but good...

to get a different perspective on South Africa and the struggles people over there have had to go through to be able to have the freedom to vote

An amazing book about an amazing man!

I recommend this to everyone. You will not be disappointed. I may even listen again because it was so rich.

Mandela and Boatman weave a masterpiece!

Long Walk to Freedom is much more than an autobiography, it's a biography of a country on the brink of disaster, and a story of perseverance of heart and justice. See behind the scenes of one of the largest transformations a nation has seen in recent decades, and how one man can go from a outcast prisoner to the leader of a Nation and gain the admiration of the world.

Great Book

A story of a true leader who sacrificed so much for freedom. Very moving to understand all of the sacrifices Mr. Mandela made in having to choose between his conviction to fight Apartheid and having a life with his family. He was even denied time with his family when tragedies occurred with them. True heroism and courage that spanned a lifetime.

Phenomenal

Well worth the time to listen to. I highly recommend the audio. What an incredible man!