What do you think?
Rate this book
Long Walk to Freedom #2
Long Walk to Freedom - Volume 2: 1962 - 1994
From his imprisonment in Pretoria in 1962 to the long years on Robben Island and his eventual release, this second and final volume of Nelson Mandela's memoirs tells the extraordinary story of his quest for freedom and justice that saw him inaugurated as South African President. Long Walk to Freedom: Volume 2 brilliantly recreates the drama of the experiences that helped shaped Mandela's destiny and conveys the blossoming of a life that changed the face of South African politics forever. This volume concludes an awe-inspiring story that makes for compulsive - and essential - reading.
450 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published January 1, 2003
39 people are currently reading
1253 people want to read
About the author
Nelson Mandela
254 books2,287 followersNelson 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...
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...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 7, 2017
A remarkable journey of a remarkable man, in his own remarkable words!
The most striking thing about his personality is that despite the whole burden of the struggle, life-long imprisonment, he never lost his sense of humor.
The most striking thing about his personality is that despite the whole burden of the struggle, life-long imprisonment, he never lost his sense of humor.
February 13, 2021
This book is a great teaching story; forgiveness. resilience, strength, leadership, listening and how to respond to others. Mandela was always playing the long game in thinking centuries ahead and that is why his response to any situation was to act with generosity and bravery. In times of struggle, usually the regular man cant think like Mandela, but if you can stay rational, calm and maintain your set of core principles you can achieve something that mirrors him. If people could think more of the long term outcome of their beliefs and actions instead of the spur of the moment, the world would be a much better place. Ironically, Mandela mentioned a few times in both volumes that he does not want to be viewed as a saviour but as a regular man who wanted South Africa to be free from Apartheid and he went on to become the first president of democratic South Africa.
"Perhaps it requires such depths of opression to create such heights of character."
"I have walked the long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended."
"A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but it’s lowest ones…"
"Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farmworkers can become the president of a great nation. It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another."
"Perhaps it requires such depths of opression to create such heights of character."
"I have walked the long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended."
"A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but it’s lowest ones…"
"Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farmworkers can become the president of a great nation. It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another."
March 27, 2007
I think the cover quote from the boston globe says everyone should read this book. everyone should read this book. it's shocking and inspiring and seriously should be a part of everyone's literary socio-political vocabulary. I felt inspired to be a lawyer and and adovate, and even to exercise from reading this book. it's a stunning commentary on the human spirit.
October 27, 2016
you can gain more knowledge about the great south african nelson mandela from this book.
August 16, 2022
4,5 stars - English Ebook
Review follows later.
Review follows later.
November 11, 2019
Excellent
November 19, 2024
I'd been wanting to read this for a very long time, and I'm glad to have done so, finally. It's a multilayered autobiography: as much as it tells the story of a man's life, it's also effectively a history of the ANC, and of South Africa.
From a South African perspective, it's valuable to get a more nuanced view of a man who was so often vilified during the apartheid era, and subsequently idolised during the first decade or two of our democracy. It would have been easy for someone to write a hagiography, depicting Mandela as a saint. But because he doesn't describe himself in such a tone, and precisely because he includes tales of youthful folly and rebellion, it's a refreshing and more humanising portrait of the man. His descriptions of his early youth in the Eastern Cape made me very nostalgic for my home province.
For readers from other countries, I imagine this biography might offer a valuable insight into what the apartheid era was like. While almost everyone I've met during years abroad had heard of apartheid, relatively few had much knowledge of what actually happened during those decades, or the effect it had on the lives of Black South Africans. For those interested in broadening their knowledge, I believe Long Walk may be helpful. Even for a South African who was young when our democracy was born, while I may have been familiar with most of the history, it was still moving to read a firsthand account. There were also some bits that surprised me - specifically, accounts of the relationship between the ANC and IFP.
It's the story of a life that was largely lived during a painful and shameful period of SA's history, but because it's told by a man with remarkable integrity and a sense of humour, it's ultimately uplifting.
From a South African perspective, it's valuable to get a more nuanced view of a man who was so often vilified during the apartheid era, and subsequently idolised during the first decade or two of our democracy. It would have been easy for someone to write a hagiography, depicting Mandela as a saint. But because he doesn't describe himself in such a tone, and precisely because he includes tales of youthful folly and rebellion, it's a refreshing and more humanising portrait of the man. His descriptions of his early youth in the Eastern Cape made me very nostalgic for my home province.
For readers from other countries, I imagine this biography might offer a valuable insight into what the apartheid era was like. While almost everyone I've met during years abroad had heard of apartheid, relatively few had much knowledge of what actually happened during those decades, or the effect it had on the lives of Black South Africans. For those interested in broadening their knowledge, I believe Long Walk may be helpful. Even for a South African who was young when our democracy was born, while I may have been familiar with most of the history, it was still moving to read a firsthand account. There were also some bits that surprised me - specifically, accounts of the relationship between the ANC and IFP.
It's the story of a life that was largely lived during a painful and shameful period of SA's history, but because it's told by a man with remarkable integrity and a sense of humour, it's ultimately uplifting.
September 18, 2018
A Man's Contribution To The World Is What Announces Him And Not Wholly His Title Or Position-
I did an explorative study on the life of late Nelson Mandela via his autobiography, ''Long Walk to Freedom,'' and one fascinating truth I found out from studying this autobiography is that a man's contribution either takes him to stardom or leads him to obscurity.
For late Nelson Mandela, his singular agenda was to put an end to APARTHEID regime in South Africa.
Years to come, the name Nelson Mandela would still be heard in South Africa and even beyond because of his contribution - bringing the reign of a few set of people, having dominance over a majority to an end.
A daily look at one's contribution to humanity is very important - (See Galatians 6:7)
I did an explorative study on the life of late Nelson Mandela via his autobiography, ''Long Walk to Freedom,'' and one fascinating truth I found out from studying this autobiography is that a man's contribution either takes him to stardom or leads him to obscurity.
For late Nelson Mandela, his singular agenda was to put an end to APARTHEID regime in South Africa.
Years to come, the name Nelson Mandela would still be heard in South Africa and even beyond because of his contribution - bringing the reign of a few set of people, having dominance over a majority to an end.
A daily look at one's contribution to humanity is very important - (See Galatians 6:7)
August 5, 2025
4⭐️
🎧 What an absolutely inspiring life. I was in awe of the grace in which he recounted his struggles. His never-ending fight for freedom and equality for all South Africans is beyond admirable. I am so glad I read both parts of his memoir; it was so full of hope and kindness, while also outlining the atrocities that were so normalized. My 4 star rating is absolutely not about his life, as I truly have so much respect for Mr. Mandela, but more for the extreme details that sometimes read as more academic textbook than memoir. This book is important, and I highly recommend it.
🎧 What an absolutely inspiring life. I was in awe of the grace in which he recounted his struggles. His never-ending fight for freedom and equality for all South Africans is beyond admirable. I am so glad I read both parts of his memoir; it was so full of hope and kindness, while also outlining the atrocities that were so normalized. My 4 star rating is absolutely not about his life, as I truly have so much respect for Mr. Mandela, but more for the extreme details that sometimes read as more academic textbook than memoir. This book is important, and I highly recommend it.
March 27, 2020
It's a remarkable journey of a remarkable man. Finally there was equality between blacks and whites. In inauguration ceremony Mandela pledged as the first Black President of South Africa and promised to unite the country from poverty, and all sort of discrimination .
July 20, 2020
A must-read for anyone
I could not put this book down and it should be read, by at least every South African. Nelson Mandela's voice and stories draw you in. Exceptionally written and inspiring.
I could not put this book down and it should be read, by at least every South African. Nelson Mandela's voice and stories draw you in. Exceptionally written and inspiring.
July 1, 2023
Quite possibly the most important book I’ve ever read in my entire life. Endlessly inspiring me to be better than I am. What an extraordinary gift to humanity this man was. What a miracle modern South Africa is. Reading his book in his own words feels like a lesson in grace.
June 1, 2017
A riveting and searing account from Robben Island prison to South Africa's highest office from one of 20th century's most enduring global icon.
September 16, 2019
Not necessarily engaging, but a fundamental testimony.
January 11, 2021
quite interesting :)
July 9, 2021
Mandela had the emotion and power to describe a survivor into his jail. It is really a inspirational history, where the love of liberty is speaking. Fabulously history of nationalism ! 🌟
November 9, 2021
Not quite as gripping as Volume 1 but then for most of it he was in prison! Amazing read about an absolute legend.
June 25, 2022
A must-read for all Safricans.
January 4, 2023
KSKS
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2024
Everyone should read this book.
November 25, 2024
I said this in my review of vol. 1, but what an incredible, inspiring man, and what a history South Africa has. I was absorbed throughout, and cried at the end.
November 29, 2016
Even though I read this truly numinous memoir in two separate volumes a couple of weeks apart, Mandela's 'Long Walk to Freedom' still struck me as one of the premier political autobiographies of the 20th century.
His undaunted spirit, personal sacrifice to the cause, his stalwart dignity and courage and unbending love of his country and people, both black and white, all in the face of one of the most odious regimes on the planet. He always knew that deep down in every human heart, there was mercy and generosity, but he had to dig down deep to expose those qualities in the Afrikaner state of mind.
To describe this book as 'a truly inspiring work' may be utilising a much over used phrase, but in this case it is perfectly apt.
His undaunted spirit, personal sacrifice to the cause, his stalwart dignity and courage and unbending love of his country and people, both black and white, all in the face of one of the most odious regimes on the planet. He always knew that deep down in every human heart, there was mercy and generosity, but he had to dig down deep to expose those qualities in the Afrikaner state of mind.
To describe this book as 'a truly inspiring work' may be utilising a much over used phrase, but in this case it is perfectly apt.
December 5, 2014
People toss around the word "leader" very easily nowadays. I would recommend any school which advertises itself to teach classes for leaders to have this book on its bibliography list.
Even though it's not an easy book to read, it makes you realise it shouldn't be an easy book to read - Mandela's and the people's fight in South Africa was not easy. Nelson Mandela did not take the easy road, there wasn't one. He fought all his life for his ideals with courage, generosity, self-sacrifice, compassion, understanding and forgiveness. This book truly inspired me.
Even though it's not an easy book to read, it makes you realise it shouldn't be an easy book to read - Mandela's and the people's fight in South Africa was not easy. Nelson Mandela did not take the easy road, there wasn't one. He fought all his life for his ideals with courage, generosity, self-sacrifice, compassion, understanding and forgiveness. This book truly inspired me.
Read
August 8, 2011As someone who has always looked up to people like Ghandhi, MLK and Mandela it was fascinating to read Mandela's story as told by himself. It was very interesting to see how his philosophy grew and changed and a good reminder to me that my heroes are all human beings and not perfect gods.
Read
August 9, 2011As someone who has always looked up to people like Ghandhi, MLK and Mandela it was fascinating to read Mandela's story as told by himself. It was very interesting to see how his philosophy grew and changed and a good reminder to me that my heroes are all human beings and not perfect gods.
March 23, 2007
Its a very long but very good read...everyone knows him - but it was interesting to learn more about how he started out and the complexities of the time and the ANC itself.
May 7, 2007
Amazing, shocking, inspiring, saddening and hopeful. Just started and I can't put it down. Don't be put off by the size of the book, this is the WHOLE of his very well filled life!
July 20, 2007
It's simply amazing that he isn't just broken-down in bitterness!
January 30, 2013
Un fantastico e completo ritratto della vita di una delle persone più importanti dell'ultimo secolo. Imperdibile!!!
Read
August 2, 2018This book tells of the price paid to be a black in a racially prejudiced society. It is the reality that every black African will learn to acknowledge. The repulsion of the white race towards the presence of 'Melanin' in the black skin is a great evil in our very civilized world. Here, the leader was not afraid to meet his fears and never was he to discard his hope. He remained strong, bull-headed and calm in his ordeals; not for once did he strayed off his humanistic ideal for South Africa.Many died in the struggles to end apartheid in South Africa. Nelson Mandela dusts himself from the dusts of humiliation to the corridors of powers. Unlike his predecessors, he did not allow hatred to take better hold of him. Power to him was an opportunity to nurtured the common man in the streets. Here again, unlike his African brothers, he was adequately educated in heart not to cling to power forever. He lived a simple life. Such a man who has sacrificed his life for the freedom of South Africa and the ideals of freedom is worth our mention in this generation and generation to come.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews