I always knew that Nelson Mandela, or Madiba, as he was affectionately called, was a remarkable man: peace-seeking revolutionary, gifted leader, global citizen and tireless philanthropist.
That was his public persona. What was he like in private life?
Good Morning, Mr. Mandela
In her intimate new memoir, Zelda la Grange, Mandela’s personal assistant, protector and advocate, paints an honest portrayal of the man who became her boss and mentor, a man she called “Khulu,” or Grandfather.
The evils of apartheid.
A white Afrikaner, La Grange grew up in apartheid and never questioned it. She writes, “No person is born a racist. You become a racist by influences around you. And I had become a racist by the time I was thirteen years old.”
But fate changed the course of her life. As a young woman in her 20s, La Grange was hired as a typist in a government office. Shortly after Mandela became President, she was offered a position in his office.
Over the next 19 years her role grew from typist to secretary to spokesperson and one of Mandela’s most trusted and devoted associates. Upon his retirement, he requested that she remain in his services as an employee of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Her life was devoted to him.
She describes their working relationship and world travels in great detail. As part of his entourage, she was responsible for the mundane travel arrangements as well as dealings with heads of state and celebrities. As Mandela relied on her more and more, she willingly gave up her personal life to be on call 24/7.
Some other things I learned:
Mandela insisted on calling Queen Elizabeth “Elizabeth,” much to the consternation of his aides, who thought the familiarity was inappropriate. Moreover, he once told her she looked like she had lost weight.
He loved Indian food, especially biryani.
He refused to read a newspaper that had already been opened. La Grange had to carefully remove the ad inserts inside without opening the paper; otherwise, he wouldn’t read it.
La Grange was, in her words, “p-ed off with the Spice Girls after I had learned that they had boasted about stealing toilet paper from Madiba’s official residence when they visited him when he was President.”
Not a puff piece.
I suspect the book will be controversial. La Grange is blunt about the missteps of several world leaders, especially those whom she perceived as showing disrespect to Mandela. She is also unsparing in her criticism of the Mandela family’s handling of the funeral and their poor treatment of Mandela’s widow.
I found many parts of the book captivating. It was fascinating to have a peak into the private life of someone so renowned. But the story got sluggish with too many details of their many trips and public appearances, and I found my interest lagging until the very end, when the pace picked up again.
La Grange’s paean to this extraordinary man shows that fame and humanity do not have to be mutually exclusive, that each of us has the capacity to love and forgive, and that we all have a responsibility to do our part to repair the world.
I am pleased to be able to give a copy of this book to one of my readers. Please leave a comment below and I will make a random selection.
Disclosure: I was provided a copy of “Good Morning, Mr. Mandela” by Penguin Random House for review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.
This is just the kind of book I like. I will have to add it to my reading list.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) recently posted…The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in San Diego
I hope you enjoy it, Robin.
Looks good and will look for it!
Carol Cassara recently posted…How to choose the perfect hostess gift
Great, Carol!
This sounds fascinating. So interesting that she admits to at one time being racist – and amazing that she ended up working so closely with the man who probably did more than anyone else to fight that. Can’t wait to read the book and learn more.
Lois Alter Mark recently posted…whole foods market’s whole bodycare
Exactly. Her entire belief system was transformed. I think you would enjoy reading this, Lois.
Thanks for the scoop! Adding to my reading list!
Ellen Dolgen recently posted…How to Reach Your Ideal Weight (Without Uttering the Word ‘Diet’)
Excellent!
This sounds like an interesting read! The media doesn’t always give an accurate depiction of what people are really like so It is always interesting to learn more about the real person.
Jen V recently posted…Blog Giveaway Roundup â June 27, 2014
I agree, Jen. Thanks!
What an interesting read. I’m gonna have to go see if my library has it. Thanks for the recommendation.
Vanessa Barker recently posted…Google Analytics Tip – find where your traffic is coming from
Great, Vanessa! I hope you enjoy it.
I appreciate both the honest portrayal of him, and your honest portrayal of the book. Thanks for sharing the many sides of this important person in our world.
kim tackett recently posted…this week’s mojo to go :: 27 june
I appreciate YOUR comment, Kim!
Sounds fascinating, I’ve always admired him tremendously. I’ll look for this book!
Claudia Schmidt recently posted…Cleaning The Pool
Excellent, Claudia, thank you!
I have always found him to be a fascinating man. I’ll definitely have to pick this book up!
Rebekah recently posted…Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar Celebrates National Ceviche Day with 3-Ceviche Flight Special
Another interesting book Helene. Mandela is certainly an exceptional man that deserves such attention and devotion. Thanks for sharing!
Kathy @ SMART Living 365.com recently posted…7 Reasons Why Play Needs To Be A Part Of A Happy & SMART Life
Absolutely, Kathy, I totally agree. Thanks for stopping by!
This sounds like an interesting read. He was such an intriguing man.
Virginia @thatbaldchick recently posted…Top Travel Hashtags for Instagram #ilovetravel #igtravel
He was quite amazing, wasn’t he? The more I learn about him the more I am astounded by all he did.
I love to read and this looks like a great book, I dont know very much about Mandella but Id love to find out.
christy karch recently posted…“LIVE HEALTHIER” Family 6-Pack – $86 Value! Giveaway TBA!!
I hope you read it and enjoy it, Christy!
I loved Nelson Mandela and what he stood for. I am glad someone wrote an honest book about him, making him seem more “real” to us rather than almost godlike. Great review, Helene. It was so honest and no “fluff”!!
Cathy Chester recently posted…Wordless Wednesday: The Magic Of A Garden
He was a fascinating man, and this book showed how genuine he was. Thanks, Cathy!
He is a true icon. I look forward to reading this myself and gaining new insight into his legacy. Thank you for sharing.
Laura (Lauras Little House Tips) recently posted…Delicious And Nutritious: Hummus Recipe
Indeed, Laura. Thank you!
I’ve admired Mandela for years I think even when he is gone n body his spirit remain. I love how he didn’t look for a take over or wanted revenge just build a new place with love and perseverance.
Yes, we can all learn so much from the way he led his life. Thanks, Maria!
I think this would be a great book to read, as Mr Mandela endired so much for the people of his country.
Thanks for your comment, Cyndie!
I am sure this would be a great one for the hubs thanks for the review
maria @ close to home recently posted…4th Of July Recipes: Red White and Blue Fruit Salad
Great, thanks, Maria!
This sounds like such an interesting read. Who wouldn’t want to get a peek behind such important doors?
Jazmin recently posted…Our Job Layoff Story
Absolutely, Jazmin, thank you!
I suspect that I enjoyed your review more than I’d enjoy the book itself. But if you give me that copy, I’ll donate it to the library where I work!
Thanks, Roz!
This definitely sounds very interesting! A book I would read!
Great!
Interesting read for sure. I love some non fiction!
Thanks for stopping by, Annie!
THIS looks fabulous. an inside peek at such an amazing man?!
Yes, Brett, and you see how the private and public man are one and the same. Not always the case.
This sounds like a excellent read! I have it on my must read list!
Such a fascinating man. Will be adding to my list/
Debbie Denny recently posted…5 Summer Deck Contests, Promotions and Giveaways!
Thanks, Debbie!
As a big fan of Nelson Mandela I think I need to get this book. He was such an amazing person.
Amanda @ Growing Up Madison recently posted…Grilled Blackened Mahi Mahi with a Spicy Mango Salsa – Recipe
Oh, you definitely should, Amanda!
Nelson Mandela has always been interesting to me. I love books like this and will definitely have to add this to my summer reading list! Thanks for the giveaway, too!
Laurie – Steals and Deals for Kids recently posted…Learning Resources Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register $18.99 {reg. $39.99}
Thanks, Laurie!
Fascinating man. Fascinating topic!
Diane recently posted…Bogged Down
Agreed!
The way you described this really makes me want to read it also. I’m looking forward to it.
Liz Mays recently posted…Transformers: Age of Extinction In Theaters June 27th
Wonderful, Liz!
Thanks for stopping by, Amy!