Island in chains: Prisoner 885/63 : ten years on Robben Island

by Indres Naidoo

As an activist for the African national Congress, Indres Naidoo was arrested for sabotage in 1963. "Island in Chains" is his account of the ten years he spent as Prisoner 885/63 on Robben Island. First published in 1982, he reaffirms that the fight against apartheid would be won. This updated version follows the path his life has taken since his release and his subsequent appointment as a Senator for the first democratic government.

278 pages, Paperback

First published March 25, 1982

Reviews

[Nate Hendrix · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was mentioned in Escape From Petoria by Tine Jenkins. Naidoo was arrested for his antiapartheid activities and did time on Robben Island around the same time Mandela was held there. I was amazed by how uneducated the guards were. The prisoners frequently had to explain current events to the guards. I was also surprised by the concessions the prisoners were able to obtain by acting together. By the time Naidoo was released the food was better, they had access to better clothing, movies once a week, rugby and Ping-Pong. I know it doesn't sound like much, but I was astonished the prisoners were able to get anything considering the hatred of apartheid.

[Rallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good read. It's particularly interesting to hear someone speak so frankly about inter-party conflict at the prison, because what usually gets talked about is coming together to overcome differences and Mr Naidoo doesn't seem to be of the opinion that PAC prisoners were capable of unity. A very good book for those interested in learning more about the anti-apartheid fight and about life in prison.

[Oviya]

4.5-5*

[Sergio GRANDE · Rating 3 out of 5]

The history of Robben Island is primarily about Nelson Mandela.

Only then, a long long way behind Mandela, other characters become important: Walter Sisulu, Robert Sobukwe, Toivo Ja Toivo, Mac Maharaj, Ahmed Kathada, Govan Mbeki and many others.

Unfortunately for Mr. Naidoo, many of them have written books on the topic of their incarceration. Even Mandela's jailer, James Gregory wrote an interesting book of the subject. Indres Naidoo's personal experiences from his 10 years on the island don't stand tall when compared to other works.

[Niels Lodewijk]

Tales from the inside of Robben Island during Apartheid. Shows the persistence of humans that you can find in many other books. Lacks a good background of the situation in South Africa at that time, its purely a documentary about the horrifying situation in that prison, which we can be happy, is no longer there.