Viva Mr Mandela: A Celebration in Words and Pictures
by Jomarié Dick, designed by Michelle Staples
(Human and Rousseau and Tafelberg, R180)
Every new Mandela book is looked at with suspicion simply because publishers seem to be scrambling to get their pound of flesh. Having said that, this one has seen the gap and filled it smartly. What they have done is taken the great man, given an account of his life from childhood to retirement, but done it in a way that will capture the imagination of children. It’s aimed at early teens but is accessible to younger readers as well as adults because of the clever way it has been put together.
Some of the issues discussed include anything from the meaning of the name Rolihlahla to quotes from the great man that make your heart stop.
Now many may think this is a simplistic way to go, but when you speak to youngsters and discover how hungry they sometimes are to learn about what we may think is obvious, this makes total sense.
What happened in other places in the world when he was born: putting someone and something into context is a very contemporary thing to do, to give readers an idea of what was happening in and around the life of the individual in the spotlight.
The book is divided into different sections: his early years in the Eastern Cape; his Joburg years from 1941 to1963; Robben Island (1964 to 1990); release, president and retirement; and finally Madiba the celeb, which includes the 46664 charity and concerts as well as the iconic book Long Walk to Freedom as well as the authorised comic book which has also started a trend.
There’s a Madiba blog and quizzes that ask sassy questions throughout and what the author and her designer have achieved is to get youngsters intrigued and involved in the life of one of the greatest men who ever lived.
So while we might sigh at yet another Madiba biography in whatever form, this one has captured a time and a place for young people who might not know what all the fuss is about.
Just in case we start taking the man who led the country through a peaceful revolution for granted, this is a great way to capture his spirit. – Diane de Beer
l The book is available in Afrikaans as Beste Mnr Mandela.