Long Walk to Freedom

The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

By: Nelson Mandela, Sharon Gelman

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 antiapartheid 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.

Critic reviews

"Irresistible...One of the few political autobiographies that's also a page-turner."—Los Angeles Times Book Review

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.

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.

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.

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..

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.