Long Walk to Freedom ǀ Book review

It is an old book now, the autobiography of Nelson Mandela, that didn't make me have any less desire to read it. Little did I know that just a few weeks after reading it the issue of racism would become so import once again, as it has with the case of George  Floyd.

The book gives a fascinating insight into the continent and culture of Africa, that many people, like myself, are so unfamiliar with. Of course, there is far more to the story than just that. You get a sense of the persistence and determination of ANC and all its leaders in the fight to remove apartheid and bring democracy and equality to South Africa. 

It is an emotionally real journey filled with stories that go from making you happy to incredibly angry. Alongside the blatant racism that many black people received, you also get a sense of the goodness, that is not swayed by the government's institutional propaganda, in some individuals. 

Mandela's story is inspirational to the highest degree. After being born into a relatively powerful position within his clan he manages to gain an education that so many people, with an upbringing similar to himself, might lack. This eventually leads to him being in a position where he realises change is necessary, so he proceeds to join with the ANC with the aim of creating said change.

The story, as so many people nowadays know, goes across the globe. From going underground, on the run, in South Africa for a year to speaking to Margret Thatcher - and other heads of state whom were more helpful - to being back in South Africa and imprisoned for 27 years...

In the current time, when racism is being brought back to fore front of societal awareness and changes are being pushed for, this is a throwback and reference book to how many sacrifices have been made to progress this battle, that is devastatingly not over, forwards before - and how we can push it forwards once more.

10/10