• 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 (4,831 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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Piece of Art+History

It’s just pure gold. Reading this book not only gives you awareness of how a human being can basically embody hope, resilience and love, but also makes you a want to be and do better.

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Required reading for all

This book was an exceptional experience. Words cannot describe the wisdom contained here. Mr. Mandela was an amazing champion for equality and human rights and an extremely wise leader. His words have given me some much needed perspective on the issues that afflict us today and have opened my mind and my heart.

Michael Boatman did an excellent job of bringing this book to life as the narrator. I followed this audible reading with a paperback copy of the book for an immersive experience and it was a joy listening to him.

I strongly believe that if this was required reading for all of humankind, the world would be a more wise and compassionate place. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

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Yes it’s long bit it’s excellent!

Great book. Definitely recommending it.
I thought i knew Mandela but now I read this book i definitely know more about him, his strike and South Africa.

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A must read

This book is timeless and what Nelson Mandela embodies is something we can all learn from. I feel honored to just have gotten the opportunity to listen to this.

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A Must Read

Provided me with a "more personal" description of his political life and the sacrifices he made than I read in history books.

Superb Narrator: I felt as if he was actually Mr. Mandela.

Left me "thinking/rethinking" my perspective on
many things.

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Breathtaking Real Life Example

Incredible chronicles of Mr Mandela's life journey on his path to make South Africa free from apartheid.
This is a great auto biography.

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Sorely needed in this time of strife

The incredible struggles and injustices that Nelson Mandela faced in his lifetime, and the tolerance and love that he showed was unbelievable. We would all do well to remember his lessons shared in this inspiring book!!

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It’s long but it needs to be

I highly recommend this book! The story, writing, and narration is wonderful! I learned a lot about apartheid and South Africa

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Amazing, inspiring

More than amazing the story of amazing person. They will be never anyone like him again in history

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Great life!

Inspiring in every way. The courage the past of the boldness, the selflessness makes us want to be better.

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