Long Walk to Freedom
Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

By Nelson Mandela
Read by Danny Glover

      Mandela’s candid autobiography tells of his life from childhood to presidency.

      From boy to man, Mandela took the time to listen to his elders, but in the end he cast his own judgment and carved his own path. In youth, he refused to be told who to marry, as was the tribal custom, and ran away. As a young man he disliked the English (“the whites”) and the control they had on Africa. He wanted more from his country and for his people. Mandela did not believe a multiracial government could be achieved through education and time. He had a severe opinion of Africans who chose this direction or an English Education. Madela felt the only way to get the English’s attention and begin the process of equality would be through violence and so he became a terrorist. As leader of the antiapartheid movement, his gift of persuasion and patience would benefit and cost him along the way. He did get the government’s attention, as well as the world's. He also got many followers; hence the government’s need to keep him alone when in custody. His sacrifice for his beliefs cost him two marriages and he spent 27 years in custody. Once free he was received as a hero and elected South African president.

      Mandela’s long walk to freedom is fascinating, but even more interesting is the recounting of the African history and politics. Actor Danny Glover narrates the audio book version. He reads it in the reflective, reserved tone of Nelson Mandela. Many will gain from this absorbing autobiography, so pass it around.