Book Review: Long Walk To Freedom: The Autobiography Of Nelson Mandela, An Essay.

Long walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

A book review is a description, critical analysis, and an evaluation on the quality, meaning, and significance of a book, not a retelling. It should focus on the book's purpose, content, and authority. A critical book review is not a book report or a summary. It is a reaction paper in which strengths and weaknesses of the material are analyzed. It should include a statement of what the author has tried to do, evaluates how well (in the opinion of the reviewer) the author has succeeded, and presents evidence to support this evaluation.

The following are standard procedures for writing book reviews;

1. Write a statement giving essential information about the book: title, author, first copyright date, type of book, general subject matter, special features (maps, color plates, etc.),

2. State the author’s purpose in writing the book. Sometimes authors state their purpose in the preface or the first chapter. When they do not, you may arrive at an understanding of the book’s purpose by asking yourself these questions:

3. Why did the author write on this subject rather than on some other subject?

4. From what point of view is the work written?

5. Was the author trying to give information, to explain something technical, to convince the reader of a belief’s validity by dramatizing it in action?

Essential Information About the Book

The title of the book is Long walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela written by Nelson Mandela (President, Rep of South Africa).It is an Autobiography published first in the year 1995 by Macdonald Purnell (PTY) Ltd, Randburg, South Africa. The journey of the Nelson Mandela from prison to President of South Africa, his contribution against the regressive system of apartheid and its abolishment earned him to win Noble Peace prize in 1993.

Nelson Mandela was a progressive political and anti-apartheid leader of the 19^th century in South Africa. He chronicled his experiences of early childhood, racism encountered in his adolescent days, imprisonment in Robben Island and ultimately his greatest accomplishment to abolish apartheid and become the first black president of South Africa (Mandela, 2013). Mandela stands as a stalwart of patience and perseverance whose undulating life is presented to inspire the generations about the darkest stories of apartheid prevailing in South Africa.

The author has decoded his battle against all odds including dire charges of terrorism, sabotage and incitement of violence. This has been profiled to enthuse the patriotism, leadership and an undying indomitable spirit for a progressive and forward looking generation. The author has dedicated this book to children, grand-children and his family with whom he was alienated for twenty seven years during imprisonment to the deserted island. The author has chosen this subject to present to his countrymen of South Africa the immense sacrifices suffered by their ancestors and revive the embittered experiences in the nerves of the people so that they value the a apartheid freed country.

The author has used a greater degree of informal language and tone mostly to reflect his point of view of his turbulent journey from childhood to a renowned political leader. Embarking his book with an in-depth insights of Themu tribe, kingship, Xhosa people and cultural life of Xhosa fighting the book enables the reader to relive in the rustic life of South Africa. Gradually the story emerges into his adolescent life, his transition to a political leader of freedom movement, his contribution to uphold the human rights as an activist of African National Congress, a leading organization for mobilizing people in the freedom movement (Mandela, 2013). His radical ideas are articulated in precision striking a deliberate balance with an accurate play of words. An incessant charm of patriotic sentiments are recharges the readers to realize their freedom in truest sense. The intense focus on apartheid forms a central idea of the book the biased racial laws.

The Purpose of the Author in Writing the Book

The genre extends to describe the political as well as social conditions of the South Arica and their embittered feelings of racism in South Africa. South Africa witnessed racial discriminatory laws which aggravated later in 1948 when the conservative National Party was voted in power by all-white community. The National Party established an aggressive system of racism by codifying extreme unjust laws to encourage separatism in the country. The white people confined all power and privileges to thereby keeping the socially and politically alienating the black people in separate group (Mandela, 2013). The author present a horrendous life of subjugated people in quite lucidly to paint the terrible laws imposed on the people. The author arouses deep interest and sympathy for people and their inability to fight against the oppressive laws which prevented Africans from entering into recreation parks, public transport and employment was meant for all-white people only. Dinning or interacting with the white people was also outlawed thereby creating a superior class of white at the expense of black, Indians of South Africa and other races. The homelands which were called as reservation also prevented the black South Africans to enter employment legally(Mandela, 2013). They were given minute reservation only on the condition if they could prove through a pass document of holding an employment in an area designated for whites (Mandela, 2013). The author gives a detailed description of discriminatory policies of National Conservative Party in education, as poor quality of education standards were meant only for blacks while whites were given the highest quality of education.

Mandela moves ahead to describe his collaborations with various organizations and African National Congress against the brutal system of apartheid. Defiance campaign of 1951 is depicts a non-violent mobilization of people against apartheid and their peaceful method of breaking the apartheid laws (Mandela, 2013). Their efforts garnered much attention from the world as well as progressive whites of South Africans. Mandela touches on the critical aspects of the non-violent campaign which awakened the people of South Africa from their deep slumber of agonizing governance. Though the campaign was unsuccessful in repealing the regressive laws yet the massive political consciousness it aroused cannot be ignored says Mandela.

The author portrays the strength of politically aroused masses in a progressive light thereby emphasizing on the ideals of unity and courage of the people to take a stand against the unjust government which did shake the white in shock (Mandela, 2013). The importance of the freedom, equality and democracy the pivotal force in the book which moves the readers to understand essential element of life of human dignity which the people were deprived of. Mandela attended a summit to advocate the ideals of democracy and presented a document called Freedom Charter demanding democratic government for the people which later culminated into police raid and arrests. The document was declared as illegal document of communists thus nulling the purpose of the Congress. The apartheid leaders took months to bring in legal case and evidence to charge Mandela against sabotage and terrorism (Mandela, 2013). The author described how he popularized the guerilla tactics to the volunteers and activists and undertake underground organizations for fighting against apartheid.

The Author's Battle Against Apartheid

Mandela was sentenced imprisonment for five years in 1961 for inciting the public to organize strike and leave South Africa without prior documents like passport. The Rivonia Trial was a turning point in book as well as in the life of author where he was charged for sabotage for which he was imprisoned for life. The prison life of Robben Island is described which marks the emotional element. The unimaginable and cruel the actions of African guards, the labor and tiny sleeping cells imposed on him evokes a dives the story in the dark light where the horrifying life he led in the remote island is described. The book has triggered all possible emotions to move leave the reader in awe. Mandela has perseverance and patience is thought-provoking to imagine how far a human can sacrifice for the good of his nation. Catering to the young generation the author propagates the message of upholding human rights, dignity and freedom as a quint essential element to live a life of integrity. Passion for achieving one’ dream and never give up attitude is what the youth need to acknowledge eternally. The work is no less of an erudite as it attracts audience from all ages and every nook and corner of the world. The autocracy with all it racist laws can never be for general good is the major takeaway from the book.

The author is unique in his style of writing signifying a clear thought process throughout the story thus upholding the mood through its informal tone and language. The author has moves the story right from his early childhood to adulthood thus giving a panoramic view of his life span. The coherence in the wordplay is grabbing much attention coupled with orchestration of the thoughts that are well organized and commendable. The originality in the whole story is very well defined and articulated in coherent language. The fluidity in the process in maintained in the correct sequence which rarely allows the readers to digress from the current emotion. The story develops and holds the curiosity and reaches to peak when he is convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. The heroic moment of his release and his exhilarating words at once startles and captures attention. When asked about his experience in prison, his words radiates a confirmed voice that this robbed him his family life yet a silver lining reflects when he says that he does not hate them as they would have him even after his release. His words have a nostalgic effect and lingers on mind when he says that they can take everything away from him but not his mind and heart. He still have his control on it and denies that this space cannot be intruded. Finally comes his contended words to let go as he cannot hate them. Mandela stands as real hero not only in the story but also in the book which makes the reader to admire his personality, deeds and positive attitude towards life (Mandela, 2013).

The Use of Language and Tone in the Book

The book has motivated and aroused my deep interest in the ideals of democracy and good governance plays an axial role in the growth of the nation. The immense strength of the masses and the indomitable spirit had a deep firing effect on be to understand the responsibilities of citizen towards nation building. A country is built upon the sacrifices of the people and it’s the masses who can take immense sacrifices for their self-respect and integrity (Mandela, 2013). . To set a goal in life is easy but to be consistently chasing that dreams demands vast courage and sacrifice. The book has made me a self-aware and politically conscious person. The freedom which the current generation enjoys need to be acknowledged, appreciated and celebrated. The ideals of freedom and equality is inherent to human rights which must not be comprised in any way. My earlier understanding now stands clear and perception of being flawless is demolished but helped me to understand a leader can through his immense sacrifices can bring a revolution in the country. My initial thought process of a leader is at the epitome of perfection seems nulled. A leader is a person who can channelize all the energies in a positive direction and can withstand all odds. The book has been a great learning lesson for building my opinion to be persist and preserve despite all odds. Nelson Mandela is a torchbearer of justice, self-respect and equality and his greatest accomplishment is to the President of South Africa, the nation for which he has given his heart and soul.

Apartheid is a worst form of exercise and it is equally difficult to imagine how a person can be discriminated by the government on the basis of human skin color. The psychological impact it can impact in one’s personality can be emotionally wrecking and depriving of the person of his human dignity (Mandela, 2013). The repercussions of such discrimination can provoke any person but the masses have been non-violent and peaceful in the campaign. My earlier perception about masses to withstand immense sacrifice against all odds seems demolished now. The subject helped me to understand the foundation of good governance vital for the stability in the political situation of a nation. I could relate how in America the fundamental rights of a citizen are the upheld in priority. I realized the freedom which our ancestors has bestowed upon us needs to be cherished and protected. The toiled efforts to attain freedom is not easy and any kind of yoke of the nation hampers the nation to progress. The social and political life becomes stagnant and basic human rights are infringed depriving the citizens of the very dignified life to live. It is essential the younger generation to acknowledge these ideals and propagate to the coming generations so as to keep the democracy alive. Democracy as subject was once difficult to understand but this book has helped me analyze the nerve and pulse of the subject to its core. His message to overcome fear is to conquer it. To challenge an authority, a government demands huge courage which Mandela has displayed exquisitely. The book has achieved its utmost goal to tell the tale of the long walk to freedom and his experiences. It has helped me to understand the common phenomena of foreign yoke plaguing the countries in their past history. The racism is prevalent phenomena in many parts of the country. Many foreign students who come to a new country often struggles and are dejected due to prominent racism advocated by some educated person. Racism  was not unique to South Africa many countries are still witnessing racism but perhaps South Africa epitome of racism in the form of a regressive system called apartheid. Apartheid as system not only subjugates people but also deprives them of a free mind. Their rationality become a slave and they suffer from inferiority complex. In such a situation people cannot grow mentally and cannot find their own path become slave of the superior class. While the whites keep enjoying their and live a free life at the cost of the blacks of South Africa.  

The Genre and Social Conditions of South Africa

I would recommend the book to read to the peer group and my friends who are studying international law and political science as their subject as it will help a lot. History students will also learn a lot from the text and understand the political struggle. The youth of today era who aspire to lead the country can read this book as it brings out the aspects of leader in more comprehensive and draws a living example from a vibrant history of South Africa.  

The brevity of the book dwells on its prominent message of the brutal impact of the apartheid it greater objective to paint a picture of a liberal leader. The world today is bound by their selfish goals which needs to look back to the glorious past and implement noble ideas in their life and lead a worthy life. The audience will be stimulated by these liberal ideals and move on a path to glory. The author’s opinion illustrates that a person has no limitations if he possess the immense capability of endurance. The mind of a person needs to be insulated from all negativity. A person should not be a slave of his mind rather have accurate control over it for mind is everything. Despite all hindrances if a person is resolute and determined he can achieve anything. To become a President of nation after 28 years of imprisonment is something beyond imagination. Our mind is an effective weapon which can endure the direst of hardships if we have the endurance capability. The current era have an escapism attitude where if obstacles arises person shifts and resorts to other option. They find contention in them but hard is to find people who persists and face all challenges with a brave face.

On being critical the book dwells much on the details like that of Themu dynasty but it helps to bring in the flavor ion tribal culture which the author was integral to it. The author has also depicted the whites and their constant discrimination but lesser we know that there was vibrant section of liberal whites who protested against the cruelty done to the minorities (Mandela, 2013). Mahatma Gandhi is also depicted playing a pivotal role working against the discrimination faced in the train. The audience finds a correct balance of the foreground activities in the backdrop of intensifies political situation.

 “I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed toward the sun, one's feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.” These words of Mandela has a hammering effect on the audience for his ideas echoes the morals of humanity, faith and optimism. Conversation with myself is another book of Nelson Mandela which highlights his personal notebooks, diaries and letters presenting an insight of the life. In comparison to the book the author has elaborated more on the early life and addressing to the subject apartheid. Mandela books intends to inspire generation to chase their goals and aims, to believe and have faith in one’s belief because life is an experience to learn every day. Nelson Mandela have also brought the cultural aspect of the life of Africa in his famous book “Favorite African Folktale” where he shares some unique stories of different countries of Africa thus tribal culture and life has been an influencing part in books of Mandela. “Nelson Mandela in his own words” is also crucial in the genre of political freedom as the life breathe of the nation. His life experiences reflects vibrantly in his text which helps to understand him as a person, a leader and an author in him. The driving force behind his books is the principles of democracy, freedom, nation-building, religion which hold the reader throughout. After finishing the book the story still lingers in the reader’s mind and the haunting experiences of the Nelson Mandela of his life motivates a person to face the challenges of life more confidently. The author is exhorted the readers on a journey of his life and the readers grows with the author which explore the prevailing injustices. The readers are triggered to think and ponder upon the ethics of a just society. The reader might discover a maturity in their thought process drove by the author. Nelson Mandela has fulfilled the demands of a writer and justified his autobiography in the truest sense. He is chronological in the thought process and heightens the emotion at various places which is commendable quality of a writer. The author has also equalized the effect of the overall idea in the right sections of the text where a reader may find living the moment of the book in the right essence. The emotion is held throughout and reader is swayed through roller coaster life of the President of South Africa – THE NELSON MANDELA.  He rightly says “A Nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but it's lowest ones” 
? Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom.

References

Mandela, N. (2013). Long walk to freedom. Hachette UK.