Mandela's Way

Richard Stengel, an editor at TIME magazine, collaborated with Nelson Mandela on his autobiography, LONG WALK TO FREEDOM. He continues his fascination with the African civil rights leader with this homily on Mandela, which is loosely organized around 15 lessons. The book begins with a preface by Mandela, highly complimentary to Stengel, which Stengel delivers in a tone filled with admiration and what comes off as a bit of self-congratulation. The opening sets the tone of the narration, which is overpowering through many sections of the book. The work is strong enough to survive the distraction but would be better served by a narration that places less emphasis on the author's personal relationship with Mandela. J.E.M. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine