Rabble-Rouser for Peace: The Authorized Biography of Desmond Tutu

by John Allen

A survey of the life of Desmond Tutu describes his disadvantaged childhood in South Africa, his calls for peace during the worst years of apartheid at the side of Nelson Mandela, and his beliefs about such topics as AIDS and the war in Iraq.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, South Africa, Africa, History, Biography Memoir, Christianity

496 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Librarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find this a difficult book to review. A very thorough biography of a fascinating man. The person who gave me this book described Tutu's life as a great example of courage, integrity and faith in the public square. That is definitely true. South Africa would be much worse off today if it hadn't been for Tutu's bravery during and after the Apartheid years.

I wish Tutu held more tightly to the authority of the Bible and the uniqueness of Jesus Christ. You don't get the sense that his ministry was shaped by the eternal realities, the hope of a new heavens and a new earth, that are so central to the Bible. I am committed to those things, and so, it is difficult to praise Tutu as a Christian teacher and leader in the same way I would when thinking about his leadership in the political sphere.

Nevertheless, his work on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is a wonderful example of Christian forgiveness worked out on a society-wide scale. I am thankful to God that a man of such bravery rose up to political prominence during such a horrific time in South Africa's history.

[George Custodio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rabble-Rouser for Peace is a compelling and deeply researched biography of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, one of the most influential moral voices of the 20th century. Written by John Allen, a longtime associate of Tutu, this authorized biography chronicles his journey from a humble childhood in South Africa to his pivotal role in the anti-apartheid movement, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and his continued advocacy for human rights and justice.

With intimate access to Tutu’s personal and professional life, Allen presents a detailed portrait of a man whose faith, humor, and relentless commitment to justice made him both a beloved figure and a sometimes controversial leader. The book captures Tutu’s unshakable belief in reconciliation over revenge, making it a powerful testament to the impact of moral courage in the face of oppression.

Key Themes:
• Faith and Social Justice: Tutu’s theological background and its influence on his activism.
• Apartheid Resistance: His fearless stance against South Africa’s racist regime and his leadership in the fight for equality.
• Reconciliation vs. Retribution: His role in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, balancing justice with healing.
• Global Advocacy: His later efforts in human rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and international peace efforts.

Strengths:
• Well-Researched: Allen, having worked closely with Tutu, provides firsthand insights and access to key figures.
• Engaging and Inspiring: Tutu’s humor, wisdom, and unwavering faith make for an uplifting read.
• Balanced Perspective: While admiring, the book doesn’t shy away from Tutu’s struggles and challenges.

Weaknesses:
⚠️ Dense in Historical Detail: Some sections, particularly regarding political events, can be heavy for readers unfamiliar with South African history. You should be aware of some major events in South African history, however the book does a decent job in breaking these events down.

Final Thoughts:
For those interested in social justice, leadership, or modern history, Rabble-Rouser for Peace is a must-read. It not only captures the spirit of Desmond Tutu but also serves as a powerful reminder of how faith and activism can drive meaningful change. A moving and insightful biography of one of the world’s greatest moral leaders. I was brought to tears at one point.

[Benedikt Schäfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beeindruckende Darstellung eines beeindruckenden Menschen

[Meagan Stott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Desmond Tutu was the spiritual leader of a peaceful resistance to the Apartheid government in South Africa. I have respected his actions and have often considered him a person to look to in violent situations for a different approach to that violence. This book was a biography of Tutu. I thought that the book had valuable information, but the chapters were very long and there was an extreme amount of detail, that I did not find necessary. I appreciated the authors desire to tell all of Tutu's life, but at times it was a little dry. I particularly appreciated the chapter pertaining to the TRC (the second to last chapter in the book). I felt this was the climax of the book, and was my favorite chapter. The life of Desmond Tutu is quite amazing, the writing of his life left a little to be desired.

[Sally McRogerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Desmond Tutu is one of my heroes so I'm not the most objective reviewer here! Having said that I so much wish that he had written his own life story. It may have been much more self-effacing than this but I spent much of the time I was reading the book wondering how anyone could take such an interesting life and make the reading of it so dull! All the facts are, I'm sure, accurate and it's such a riveting life that I wasn't tempted to abandon it at any point but it lacks zing! The author is a journalist so maybe should stick to writing pieces of 1500 words and leave the longer stuff to others.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating biography of an inspiring man. John Allen's writing here might not be the most exciting, but he clearly preferred to let Tutu's own statements and speeches (which are quoted quite frequently) speak for themselves, rather than to drown them in literary gilding. And he was quite right.

From every page of this book emerges a picture of a person who, both by his experiences and by his faith, was moved to say and do quite extraordinary things. Tutu was very clearly instrumental in bringing about the end of Apartheid, but what the later chapters show is exactly how involved Tutu was in ensuring that the new South Africa didn't erupt into violence and bloodshed.

[Lutfiya F · Rating 4 out of 5]

In December 2008 I went to Spain for a soccer game although many will tell you that Barcelona vs Madrid is more than a soccer game. This book about a man who is so much more than an Archbishop was my holiday read. This book accompanied me exploring Spain and was a wonderful exploration of the history of my country. It was a hopeful book for a hopeful time. I remember the joy reading it on buses, discussing it with new friends in my tour-group and ultimately giving it to one of these new friends. It is a generous book about a generous man.

[Suzy Espersen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Selve Tutus historie er - naturligvis - spændende, og det var da også, hvad der fik mig til at kæmpe mig igennem bogen. Den er nemlig desværre ikke særligt velskrevet, hvilket må undre, eftersom forfatteren er Tutus tidligere pressesekretær. Han skriver usammenhængende og roder rundt i geografi og datoer, og passager er indimellem indforstået, hvilket er temmelig frustrerende for læseren. Det er svært at sige, om den er dårligt oversat, eller om oversætteren simpelt hen har haft et rædsomt materiale at arbejde med.

[Sister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic story of a deeply spiritual activist. It's clear from the book that his spirituality impels him to act. Sometimes I think the author engages in too much hero worship, as he rarely criticizes Rev. Tutu. Despite that flaw, his writing captures the energy of the institutionalization of apartheid and Rev. Tutu's role in dismantling it. I can imagine someone calling him a holy man, and his cackling laughter in response. I highly recommend!

[David A-S · Rating 3 out of 5]

At a NYC Presbytery a few years ago, I saw the man. He softened our already praise-filled hearts with humor, then hit us with charge after charge presented with impish wisdom. The book is a very thorough construction of a life and context that brought him to our meeting: the caricature and the person, the legend and prophet, the contemplative and the celebrity.

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dunno if I can count this as a "read" book since I could only make it about 1/6 of the way through.

Just couldn't do it, with all its agonizing detail of this religious office and that religious office...bleh.

[Grady Ormsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring. Tutu is a liver of the Bodhisattva vow. He has a vision of what a compassionate world should be like and devotes his life to trying to made that happen. The book was also provided an interesting view of contemporary South African History.

[Amelia]

Maybe I'll come back to this one some day. It's not bad, and Desmond Tutu is an inspirational person, but I just couldn't ever get into this one . . .

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot about African history and geography, including the existence of a town named Stanger!

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting, thorough, and well-written.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite lenghthy lots of political information but the human stories within are very emotional excellent a man with so much courage and beauty

[Armelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

great

[Andrew Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible book about an incredible man.

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story of an incredible life.

[Sidney Luckett · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting insight into the humanity of Desmond Tutu ...I lived part of it

[Marsha Valance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu spent years working against South Africa's Apartheid system and is credited by many for having played a major role in South Africa's truth and reconciliation process. For his commitment to non-violence he also was awarded the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism (1986), Australia's Sydney Peace Prize (1999), India's International Gandhi Peace Prize (2007), The J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding (2008), & the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom (2009). This book was over-long, but worthwhile.

[Steph Stern · Rating 2 out of 5]

Desmond Tutu is a fascinating man and I did learn quite a bit from this book. It's strong on research, but weak on narrative structure though (the author obviously did a lot of research and packed a lot of it into the book!).

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this was not a fun read, it was an important read. I was in awe of Desmond Tutu before reading this book, and I am even more in awe of him afterwards. He is one of the founding fathers of my country and I long for the day when we are living up to his vision of what we can be.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bishop Tutu was as instrumental in changing South Africa from Apartheid to democracy with no civil war as Nelson Mandela was.

[Rebecca wild]

Inspirational story about a man who inspired so many.

[Rushdan Rozlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another important figure in the History of South African liberation. The author tells the upbringing of Tutu. His happy personality and how the different section in the African community united to fight the oppressor. the transition process from apartheid to the newly elected government. And what happened during the release of Nelson Mandela. Good book!

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have previously read many of Tutu’s own sermons and speeches, but this was my first time reading this authorized biography.
What most impressed me is the way Allen describes how Tutu’s spiritual discipline informed his ebullient energy and humor, that infectious laugh that spread so much wisdom and joy. Tutu regularly spent six to seven hours a day in silent prayer. He fasted until supper on Fridays and observed a “quiet day” every month and a seven-day silent retreat once a year. He also instituted a calendar of silent retreats when he became head of the South African Council of Churches. During Lent, he ate only once a day. He wept copiously.
My most memorable quote: Tutu’s words of encouragement to the multiracial group of students who participated in the Standing for the Truth civil disobedience campaign in advance of the last whites-only election of F.W. de Klerk as President in September of 1989, when their nonviolent protest was met with whips, batons, water cannons, and tear gas. Seeing the red welts on their bodies and their beaten-down posture, he exhorted them:
“Say to yourselves, in your heart: 'God loves me.' In your heart: 'God loves me, God loves me…. I am of infinite value to God. God created me for freedom…. My freedom is inalienable. My freedom is God-given! I don’t go around and say, Baas [boss], please give me my freedom. God loves me, I am of infinite value because God loves me and God created me for freedom, and my freedom is inalienable, God-given.' Right! Now straighten up your shoulders, come, straighten up your shoulders like people who are born for freedom! Lovely, lovely, lovely!”
And let there be no mistake: Tutu's God was not a white God, nor a sexist God. Another favorite quote: "I would not worship a God who is homophobic. I would refuse to go to a homophobic heaven. No, I would say sorry, I would much rather go to the other place."

[Yoshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plenty of good details.