Thank you Zeldina.

Beautiful story. An essential strand of the Nelson Mandela life story is now told. Excellent.

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An amazing story, and a beautiful tribute

Would you listen to Good Morning, Mr Mandela again? Why?

Yes, Zelda learnt so much from Mandela, and I am sure that each time I reread this book, I will always pick up something new from it. I also loved accompanying Zelda through her journey with Madiba. It is a journey I would enjoy taking again.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Good Morning, Mr Mandela?

It is very hard to pick just one. For example, I enjoyed the sweet funny moments with Mandela that just made me smile, for instance he was giving a talk that involved MacDonalds which he simply referred to as "the people who make the sandwiches". (He simply didn't eat at fast food restaurants so he would not have really known about Macdonalds). As well as those moments there are some real heart jerking moments when you remember just what Madiba has been through on Robin Island as a prisoner. In addition to this, you are seeing things through his secretary Zelda's perspective, who herself is being made free from the chains of apartheid that divided South Africa.

Have you listened to any of Adjoa Andoh’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I have not, but I do think that her voice was perfect for this book. I also loved the Afrikaans click every time she said Xhosa and some names that would usually be pronounced with that sound.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both! As I said there where those sweet funny moments with Madiba that just made me smile but I felt very emotional, especially towards the end of the book. I could really sense Zelda's heart ache around the time of Madiba's death. I felt especially sad in the way she was treated towards the end as it was not only insensitive but would not have been what Madiba would have liked. It did make me feel very sad, but then I was also happy looking back throughout the book at the amazing things this man and his secretary had accomplished. I do think it takes a very special book to make you both laugh and cry and this one certainly does!

Any additional comments?

This is a beautiful book, and I feel after reading it I appreciate who Nelson Mandela was that much more. It is personal without being intrusive. It is sensitive without being overly sentimental. It is a balanced account of an incredible journey between a President and his secretary in very challenging times as South Africa overcame Apartheid which is something that affected both whites and blacks. It is also a very important book in the history of South Africa and the world. I love it!

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2 people found this helpful

Powerfully Insightful

Zelda la Grange recounts her journey with Marina in words that heal, challenge and inspire. I listened with rapt attention and deep intrigue. Zelda really shares her story and lays out the powerful journey of an icon. Her candour is refreshing.

Ajoah Andoh made this book powerfully. I already have this in hard copy.

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Wonderful

Having lived in South Africa for two years I fell in love with the country and it's people. This book took me back and along the way taught me some valuable life lessons. Fabulous and well worth listening to.

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Simply put and fascinating

Really enjoyed the openness and simplicity of the factual account, read with clarity and emotion. A humble and emotional read

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Inspirational!

I really enjoyed listening to it. I find it very very interesting especially how’s Madiba’s life unfolded and evolved.
She met prominent people on Earth e.g. head of estate, prime minster, kings and queen, the pope, celebrities and so on.
I can’t imagine being Zelda. She had a prestigious opportunity that changed her life forever and cannot be repaid by money.

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An interesting book terribly narrated

Would you try another book written by Zelda la Grange or narrated by Adjoa Andoh?

Interesting account of Mandela's Life. Terribly narrated, the strong accent and slight speech impediment makes it difficult and awkward to listen to and detracts from the actual story. The audible also cuts out several times throughout the book for a few seconds at a time. The story starts off great but a bit dull midway through the book with uninteresting recollections of hotel visits and embarrassing moments for the author. If you are interested in Mandela there are other far more interesting and better books written about him.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Accent and slight speech impediment made the for an un-enjoyable listening experience.

Could you see Good Morning, Mr Mandela being made into a movie or a TV series? Who would the stars be?

Yes

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Personal insight into the life of Madiba

A truly fantastic book! A real insight into a beautiful relationship between these two people

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Insight from Mr Mandela's right hand

Great insight from Mr Mandela's right hand man (lady). As always the performance from Adjoa was top notch! 

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fantastic read. struggled with the narrator

As a South African I was amazed by the detail and things I did not know.

i did however struggle with the narrator . she could not pronounce the words and sounded like she was over trying. This made it hard to finish the book.

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