• Long Walk to Freedom

  • The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela
  • By: Nelson Mandela
  • Narrated by: Michael Boatman
  • Length: 27 hrs and 39 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (4,832 ratings)

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Long Walk to Freedom  By  cover art

Long Walk to Freedom

By: Nelson Mandela
Narrated by: Michael Boatman
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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)

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What listeners say about Long Walk to Freedom

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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.

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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.

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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 🙏

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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.

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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.

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Phenomenal!

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

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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.

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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.

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Valiosa

Hay que tener presente que esto es un relato más político que personal. Claramente, como Mándela mismo dice, no le gusta hablar de su intimidad. Lástima. Sin embargo es una historia fabulosa de todas maneras y un ejemplo para todo ser humano.

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Extraordinary HIStory

I had to listen consistently and with eagerness as I traverse Mandela's journey and vision for Africa. Great work in putting this together. My children and children will have a story to give them hope and inspiration.

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