• 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 (4,833 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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A great book about a secular saint

Anyone interested in politics and race relations will find this book fascinating. Also, any one interested in the life story of a great man will find this fascinating. The narrator was excellent especially in the way he seemed to channel President Mandela’s essence.

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Fantastic read

Such a powerful story, I almost cried at the end. This is a must read!

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Long suffering

I didn’t like that Mr, Mandela ,had to be away from his family for so long. I did like as Mr. Mandela got older he realized how much he missed his family. With age comes wisdom, thank you Jesus.

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Should be required reading

High school or college this should be required reading. Not to mention an outstanding narration and compelling account of his life and South Africa’s history.

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Great book, great narration.

When I started this book, I thought "Wow, a 27-hour long book! I'll probably be sick of it by the end." But, in fact I found myself wish it had been much more detailed and much longer.

Nelson Mandela's life makes for a fascinating and inspiring story.

Michael Boatman's performance was amazing. Most of the time, it felt as it was Nelson Mandela himself talking.

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Mandela's Long Walk to Freedom

Would you listen to Long Walk to Freedom again? Why?

Yes, in order to review the stages in his life.

What did you like best about this story?

His determination to find freedom for the natives of South Africa.

What does Michael Boatman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voice in giving life to Mandela's words.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Fighting apartheid and finding freedom in South Africa

Any additional comments?

One fine book which took Nelson years to write, which he started in prison. Very touching to an American who distains prejudice and strongly admires this freedom fighter.

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wonderful inspiration for anyone's life

amazing story of a man with more integrity than any freedom fighter in history except Gandhi. this is told powerfully.

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Excellent read

A great book of a great man.. Enjoyed every bit of it.. Gives a good picture of South African history.. Madona’s courage is truly inspiring..

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inspirational Master Piece

listening to this story is truely inspiring. it gives a chance to better understand the history and present South Africa and how truely great this man was.

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wonderful book

hard to believe such a noble man lived and served so selflessly inspiring hopeful and challenging

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