Mandela

by Donna Faulkner

Nelson Mandela led a long and remarkable life. From his earliest days herding cows in a South African village, he became a child of privilege, a rebellious runaway, an impoverished student, a father, a successful lawyer, a political dissident, a rising star in the African nationalist movement, an underground saboteur, the chief defendant in three show trials, a political prisoner, a secret negotiator with South Africa’s rulers, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, president of his country, and a statesman who held South Africa together long enough to find reconciliation and the path to prosperity. But despite all this, Mandela saw himself as a pragmatic politician with one fixed the end of apartheid rule in South Africa. Apart from that one overarching aim, everything else was tactics. If non-violence worked, he was for it; when bombs and guns were winning, he would use them, too. He started or suspended negotiations as circumstances demanded and ignored grievances in favor of peace. If the cause required that he sacrifice his freedom and much of his personal life, so be it. He was always focused on the prize, and, in the end, he won it – and with it, the world’s adulation and the enduring love of his people. This is his story.

Genres: Biography

202 pages, Paperback

First published December 6, 2013

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This rather short biography is ok as a start or as a general intro. It mainly tells the story of Mandela’S life and the ANC struggle against apartheid. It does not really go deeper into details, reasons, ... However as a general intro I thought it was very readable and informative .

[M Pau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this book a 4.5 stars. The book is more like a history read than an autobiography, itgives you interesting facts in the life of Nelson Mandela, his political ideology, personal life, influence and his legacy. A brave man!

"No one is born hating another person because the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if the can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite"

[Denyse Loeb · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a disappointment. All this book does is recite events in quick succession. There's no depth, no real exploration of the man. I really was hoping for more. :/

[Hillary James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super quick but surprisingly good review of Nelson Mandelas life. I'm looking forward to reading more about him but this was the perfect bite size introduction. It really cleared up some of the miss understanding of what I had been taught in school. I recommend it.

[Nadine/Dina Bourne · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like a history book.

I thought this was like a biography but it is more like a history book. A little boring in the beginning, but it got better. I am glad there was a time line at the end as some dates were unclear. I was under the impression he was negotiating while in precision but after looking at the time line I see he was out for roughly 2 years. not a horrible read just a little dry.

[Gee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lacking Depth

This was well written summary, but this wasn't a an in-depth account of Mandela's life. The author often glosses over major events like the death of important figures. There are also sections that are repetitive and confusing. A significant part of the book quoted Mandela's autobiography or other biographers, so the content felt unoriginal. I would recommend reading Mandela's autobiography instead of this.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had expected more from this biography, but in the end concluded it is a good and short overview of the history of events in South Africa, suitable as an introduction for someone wishing to read Mandela's autobiography.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this book suffers in comparison to amazing books on Mandela such as "Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation" by John Carlin and "Long Walk to Freedom" by Mandela himself. It seems perfectly accurate but felt dry, short, and unoriginal to me.

[Pam Bergeson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so impressed with his ability to stay focused on the long term goal of ridding South Africa of apartheid and his great leadership skills. He was humble in spite of all he accomplished. Truly, a great man!

[John Vibber · Rating 2 out of 5]

After watching the film, "The Long Walk to Freedom" I wanted to know more about Mandela's life after his long walk. This book was helpful. It contained much that the film didn't mention and does a good journalistic style coverage of his political life after prison.

[Vicki Lohnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandela

Donna Faulkner has captured the essence of the man, times and changes of South Africa. When a person stands upon right principles and acts accordingly, their influence is felt and prospers within their society and throughout the world.

[Deborah Lanier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring story

Although I remember many things that happened , the book provided much more detail than I knew. Good read . He was an amazing man.

[Suzi Waltos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book! I learned a lot about the conflict in South Africa. Mandela's courage is astounding!