Long Walk to Freedom

The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

By: Nelson Mandela

Narrated by: Michael Boatman

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)

A book to be revisited

I felt as if Mr Mandela were keeping me company throughout these very long hours, and decades. Now I must read the book itself. What a journey.

Every person should read this book

This is well writtena and well spoken, possibly my new favorite book. I might read it again right away. It brought me to tears multiple times. His struggle, persistence, grace, humanity, forgiveness, negotiation skills, skills in timing and personal sacrifice are so endearing and so wonderful, I believe I will use the lessons I learned from this book to make myself a better person. If for no other reason than to emulate such a great man in my own small way. I have a new hero and I knew hardly anything about him before he died. For that I am truly sad. I would have celebrated him to the fullest and I now will posthumously. 🙏❤✊🏻✊🏿 RIP Nelson Mandela

Great story, unfortunately Americanised

Fantastic autobiography of such an unbelievable life, it almost feels like fiction.
Did not appreciate the American reader, whilst they did their research on Xhosa pronunciations, they did very little work on pronouncing the Afrikaans names and converted measurements into the imperial system which is ridiculous.

Well written and read

Amazing story of patience and sacrifice. I enjoyed being immersed in the history and culture of South Africa. I was disappointed to hear of Mandela’s struggles with this family though.

Perspective

A story of a life time of sacrifice, commitment to purpose, the history of his work from a personal perspective is deeply appreciated during these current events 🙏

So Many Reasons!

An autobiography; a commentary and history of modern South Africa; a treatise on ethics, moral decision making, forgiveness, tolerance, patience, long suffering, hope, reconciliation, and so much more. A great book about a great man.

Fascinating

The story of Mandela's life is extraordinary and fascinating. I think, however, that the performance is so great that even some of the slower parts are still engaging. Boatman's accent, pronunciation, and flow are always intriguing yet never distracting.

Phenomenal!

This is definitely one of the best autobiographies I’ve read. Well written, very informative and profound.

My new favorite.

A must read for any egalitarian. It's as close to having a conversation with the man himself as I will ever experience.

Best ever!

This is my most favorite book of all time! I am so inspired by it. I believe this should be required reading/listening.