Zelda la Grange worked for Nelson Mandela for over 20 years and grew to not only adore him but also rely on him. This book is both history - a traditional Afrikaner who believed in Apartheid - grew to believe in Nelson Mandela's case of equality for all in South Africa - and a woman who respected someone with a very special character.
Mandela led by example but could be tough on his staff who didn't take the lesson. He learned to speak the language of his enemies - literally - and was courteous to all (including his jailers). Reading the book and seeing a great man behind the scenes I was overawed. I've known many successful people, including politicians, but none who lived as a better person the way Mandela did. So many play nice in public but behave badly in private. Not Mandela.
La Grange is a credible witness to this part of history. Sometimes I wish she'd added more depth to her insight. Too often she's driven more by logistics than insight. But I still very much enjoyed the book and recommend it.
Learning about this great man - really - changed me.
Mandela was a truly great man and la Grange was witness to that greatness.
