I'm in China right now and I just finished the novel Invictus. I'll admit I choose it because I had watched the trailer for the movie. However I want to take the time to emphasize how remarkable a story this book tells.
Being born in America in the mid-eighties does not render me the proper perspective on humanity at large. Indeed my understanding of the world was limited to the quaint peaceful American life granted me in the Pacific Northwest. However, that being said, it is with the utmost importance and enthusiasm that I recommend this book.
Life in South Africa, prior to the mid-nineties was not quaint and peaceful by any means. Apartheid rule in South Africa dictated every aspect of racial segregation and discrimination throughout that country. The reality that racism was prevalent in modern society confounded me. What more, the man of Nelson Mandela, what he did, how he did it, and the manner in which it came to fruition, is beyond comprehension and simply remarkable.
And it is a true story. Mandela revolutionized revolution. His revolution did not destroy the enemy and start from ground zero, no, he united his country. He upheld black aspirations for freedom and equality while addressing white fears and indeed redeeming them in the eyes of the world. Mandela united a country on the brink of war. I realize this sentence may not hold a tremendous weight in the mind of a secluded and ill-educated person, much as I was before reading this book. However, this story, what is represents, holds the utter most fascination and respect for humanity that I can remember feeling.
Please take the time to read this book. If you were ever looking for a inspirational book that touches the very heart of our humanity. This is it.
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