Nelson Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

Today's recommended book on Bookaholic is not for the faint hearted as it is almost 900 pages long. However, I can assure you it is one that is wroth taking the time.

Overall I found this book to be an excellent insight into the life of Nelson Mandela. Through it's pages you learn more about the man who became the first black President of South Africa. You also discover the forces which shaped him and made him the man he is. It takes you from his early years in Africa and how his early upbringing and development helped to develop his character. Whatever happens in his life he rises above it and moves forward. It is obvious that Nelson Mandela was a remarkable man, powerful, and yet humble and staying true to his African roots. His faith in God is obvious but the book does not focus on this so it does not overwhelm. This book is at times emotional but at the same time inspirational. It demonstrates the courage of one man to rise above his circumstances.

This book is so much more than an insight into Mandela's life, it is also an in depth overview of life in South Africa from the early 20th century to the turn of the 21st Century. It covers a period in history which cannot, and should not be repeated. It demonstrates the struggles that Black South Africans went through to get to be the nation they are today.

There is one thing which I must point out before you pay out good money for the book. As I said at the beginning of the blog this is a very long book as it goes into a great deal of detail and description. Whilst this is necessary to set situations and decisions into context, at times it went on for too long. This book could have been a couple of hundred pages shorter without losing any of the flavour of the book. This may put some people of and they may not complete the book. Other than this it is a book which I would highly recommend.

I now have another 800 page tome to read which is the latest murder mystery by Greg Iles. I love his books and will be back with a review soon. Until then keep reading. If you have downloaded and are reading this book then I literally mean keep reading. See you all again soon.