No Easy Walk to Freedom

by Nelson Mandela

‘There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountain tops of our desires.’

After twenty-seven years in prison, Nelson Mandela finally walked free in February 1990. This collection of his articles, speeches, letters from underground, and the transcripts from his trials, vividly demonstrate the charisma and determination of a towering figure in the struggle for racial equality in South Africa. Now in a new edition, No Easy Walk to Freedom is both a vital historical document, and a chronicle of the life and thoughts of one of the greatest campaigners for freedom the world has known.

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

170 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a former President of South Africa, the first to be elected in a fully representative democratic election, who held office from 1994–99.

Before his presidency, Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist, and the leader of the African National Congress's armed wing Umkhonto we Sizwe. The South African courts convicted him on charges of sabotage, as well as other crimes committed while he led the movement against apartheid. In accordance with his conviction, Mandela served 27 years in prison, spending many of these years on Robben Island.

In South Africa he is often known as Madiba, an honorary title adopted by elders of Mandela's clan. The title has come to be synonymous with Nelson Mandela.

Following his release from prison on 11 February 1990, Mandela supported reconciliation and negotiation, and helped lead the transition towards multi-racial democracy in South Africa. Since the end of apartheid, many have frequently praised Mandela, including former opponents. Mandela has received more than one hundred awards over four decades, most notably the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/nelson...

Reviews

[Raschid · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that truly highlights the power of humanity to defy the odds and fight against oppression. It demonstrates that as human beings we are more powerful than we think we are.

[Shelley Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

In these difficult times, it helps to read history and remember how many people have fought tyrants before and how long it took to defeat them. Mandela is such an inspiration to me right now. He knew it would not be easy and he just dedicated himself to doing whatever it took. He was an attorney working with a partner in a law firm right across the street from the court, doing community organizing to fight the system for almost 20 years before he was put in prison and then he was in prison for 27 years.

Are we willing to do whatever it takes? Are we willing to go to prison for years? Start getting prepared to do a whole lot more than we ever had to do before because that may be what it takes.....

[Shaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am privileged to have read this book and gained insight into the man Nelson Mandela and into the movement called the ANC. His concluding remark remains an inspiration: "During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against White domination, and I have fought against Black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die" (pp. 259-260)

[Lamees Alrasheed · Rating 2 out of 5]

لم يعجبني الكتاب أبدًا فلم أجد فيه ضالتي المنشودة بالاطلاع على سيرة الفائد والمناضل نيلسون مانديلا.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read. Mandela is a hero - his experience, resistance and hope in the face of adversity is a model.

[Aja Baajour · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!! You can find every detail about Nelson Mandela's life under apartheid, and South Africas struggles to end apartheid. I Really recommend this book !!!

[Israa · Rating 3 out of 5]

شخصية استثنائية نحتاجها اليوم

[Georgette Rizqallah · Rating 4 out of 5]

كفلسطينيين يجب علينا التعلم من كفاح جنوب أفريقيا لأقصى حد لأن ليس سهلاً الطريق إلى الحرية ولكنه ممكن!

[Haifa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 الكتاب رائع ولكن لغته جافه بعض الشيء كما ويفترض وجود معلومات كافيه عند القارئ عن الشؤون الداخليه في جنوب افريقيا في فتره الفصل العنصري

"انني قد اديت واجبي تجاه شعبي وبلدي في جنوب افريقيا ، ولا يساورني أدنى شك من أن الاجيال القادمة ستعلن برائتي وستؤكد ان المجرمين الذين كان ينبغي لهم ان يمثلوا امام المحكمه ، هم اعضاء في حكومة فيرورد "

" اي نوع من العدالة هو هذا ، الذي يمكًن المتضرًر من الامتثال للمحاكمة امام من لفقوا له التُهم "

" علينا كأفارقه ؛ ان نتبنى الموقف القائل : اننا لسنا ملزمين أخلاقيا وقانونيا ان نطيع قوانين لم نشارك في صنعها ، كما انه لايمكن لنا ان نثق بالمحاكم التي تطبق قوانين كهذه "

[Nana Fredua-Agyeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mused over some texts in this book. I was irked so much that I couldn't finish this little book. The following link leads to my review on my blog.

http://freduagyeman.blogspot.com/2009...

thanks

[Rhonda Hankins]

Nelson Mandela is a hero so I was eager to read his No Easy Walk to Freedom speech, which is one of the many speeches/writings/essays of his included in this short book.

It left me wanting to read his auto-biography. There is much we can all learn from him.

[Garryvivianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nelson Mandela's life in a not too easy environment.

[Jennifer]

For Book Riot 2015 Read Harder Challenge #8.

[Anuj Dubey · Rating 4 out of 5]

"No Easy Walk to Freedom" - Nelson Mandela's Inspiring Journey Through Adversity and Triumph

"No Easy Walk to Freedom" provides readers with an intimate and profound insight into the life of one of the world's most iconic leaders, Nelson Mandela. In this captivating autobiography, Mandela reflects on his extraordinary journey from anti-apartheid activist to President of South Africa, offering valuable lessons in resilience, courage, and forgiveness along the way.

At the heart of the book is Mandela's unwavering commitment to justice and equality. He recounts his early years as a young lawyer fighting against the injustices of apartheid, his role in the African National Congress (ANC), and his long and arduous imprisonment on Robben Island. Mandela's narrative is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

One of the most compelling aspects of "No Easy Walk to Freedom" is Mandela's reflections on forgiveness and reconciliation. Despite enduring decades of oppression and hardship, Mandela emerged from prison with a spirit of forgiveness and a vision of a united and democratic South Africa. He shares his experiences in negotiating the end of apartheid and his efforts to build a new, inclusive society based on the principles of equality and justice for all.

But "No Easy Walk to Freedom" is more than just a chronicle of Mandela's political career—it's also a deeply personal story of triumph over adversity. Mandela reflects on his relationships with family, friends, and fellow activists, offering insight into the sacrifices and challenges faced by those who fought for freedom and equality in South Africa.

In conclusion, "No Easy Walk to Freedom" is a powerful and inspiring book that offers readers a rare glimpse into the life of one of history's greatest leaders. Nelson Mandela's wisdom, compassion, and humanity shine through on every page, making this autobiography essential reading for anyone interested in the pursuit of justice and liberation. Whether you're a scholar of history or simply someone seeking inspiration and guidance, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

[Reem Kandeel · Rating 5 out of 5]

يتحدث هذا الكتاب عن مسيرة مانديلا قبل الحكم عليه هو و سبعة من زملائه بالسجن المؤبد سنة ١٩٦٤ فيما يعرف بمحاكمة ريفونيا

فهذة ليست المرة الاولى الذى يحكم عليه بالسجن ، فقد مر بكثير من الاعتقالات و الزج باسمه فى محاكمات اخرى مثل محاكمة الخيانة و تم تبرئته منها ، و محاكمته بعد ان تم القبض عليه فى اغسطس عام ١٩٦٢ بتهمة تحريض العمال الافارقة على الدعوة للاضراب (( الدعوة للاقامة فى المنزل )) التى لقت نجاحا باهرا ادى الى تدخل الجيش وقتها و التهمة الاخرى مغادرة جنوب أفريقيا بدون حيازة وثيقة سفر و حكم عليه بخمس سنوات على كلا التهمتين
الكتاب يسرد بعض الخطب و الرسائل الخاصة بمانديلا الى شعبه و الى حكومة جنوب افريقيا و ايضا مرافعاته للدفاع عن نفسه بنفسه ، ينم كل ذلك على شجاعة مبهرة و اعتزاز حقيقى بالنفس و ايمان قوى بالمبادىء الخاصة به و بالحرية الغير مشروطة

و لكن هناك سؤال ماذا كان موقف مانديلا من اسرائيل و القضية الفلسطينية ، لقد ذكر كل الدول التى تدعمه و هوه يدعم حريتها فى افريقيا و العالم كالجزائر و هو منبهر بحركة النضال فيها ضد فرنسا و لكن ماذا عن فلسطين
فقد اعترف فى اخر محاكمة له انه من مؤسسى ( رمح الامة ) الجناح العسكرى للمجلس الوطنى الافريقى
و اشار الى انه وضع اساس القياده العامة و القيادة الاقليميه لحركة ( رمح الامة ) تيمنا بمنهج المنظمة اليهودية العسكرية القومية ( إيرغون تسفائى لئومى ) و هى منظمة شبة عسكرية وجدت فى الفترة السابقة لإعلان الكيان الصهيونى بفلسطين
و علاقتك بآرثر غولدريتش الذى حارب مع البالماخ و هوه الجناح العسكرى لحركة اليهودية القومية فى اسرائيل
ما هوه موقف مانديلا من قضية فلسطين ؟
أليست قضية فلسطين تجسيد اخر لما يمر به هو من عنصرية بل أيضا قضية إبادة واضحة و صريحة ؟؟ ام هناك ازدواجية معايير

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0

This collection of Nelson Mandela’s speeches from the late 1940s to the early 1960s offers a powerful insight into life for black South Africans under apartheid. It highlights the extreme measures the white minority government took to maintain control, from silencing political figures like Mandela and Chief Lutuli through "banning" orders to enforcing oppressive systems like Bantu Education, denying black South Africans voting rights, government representation, and union participation.

While the lack of contextual information—such as longer footnotes or an introduction at the start of each speech providing historical background—sometimes made it difficult to fully grasp certain speeches, the collection was still incredibly worthwhile. It deepened my understanding of Mandela’s struggle and left me eager to read his memoir.

[Beth]

BOOK 23 (OUT OF 23 ) OF MY HOLIDAY READS - AUGUST 2024
BOOK 55 (OF 100) OF THE 100 PENGUIN CLASSICS TO READ BEFORE YOU DIE

I can't rate this book because this book is an important capsule of history and strength.

I completely understand why it's on the 100 Penguin Classics to Read - it deserves its place on that list.

[Ken Dachi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a masterpiece in understanding Mandela's political philosophy

[William Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aspirational.

[Marco]

fdsffdsfdsfds

[Haifa Busamra · Rating 3 out of 5]

توقعته سيرة ذاتية عن مانديلا.. اقتنيته بحسب عنوان الكتاب دون النظر إلى محتواه، ولكن بعد قراءته تبين أنه عبارة عن مجموعة من المقالات.. آخر مقالتين وجدت فيهما شيئا من ضالتي، ولكن لم تشبعا فضولي

[Dhara Muliya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned new aspects of racism and learned how it became part of politics.

[Cathy Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

When truth is worse than anything we can imagine and one man is a bigger hero than any we read about in fiction then it is definitely worth writing about.

[Betty-Ann]

Nelson Mandela's speeches before being hauled off to jail is documented in this book. These speeches made his government and the government of the USA label him a terrorist. I am sure asking for freedom from oppression from your oppressor must be terrorizing indeed...how is he ever going to torture, humiliate and exploit if he is being made to stop? Terrifying indeed! Reading about this great man's speeches and ideas on how and why the African must reject all forms of regulation from the government to prevent him from enjoying the fruits of his labour, the provisions of his land and equal opportunity is inspiring. I am thinking of visiting Robben Island soon to see where this great leader was kept for 27 years defending the rights of his people...I am inspired indeed!