Book review: Good Morning, Mr Mandela, by Zelda la Grange
A memoir, being a personal account, often evades the critical rigour that a reviewer might apply to, for example, a novel or historical non-fiction
by Zelda la Grange
Viking
3.5 stars
Victoria Burrows
A memoir, being a personal account, often evades the critical rigour that a reviewer might apply to, for example, a novel or historical non-fiction.
While a reader expects a memoir to be factually correct, there is more allowance for personal and emotional musings than for, even, an autobiography. As a memoir isn't fiction, the work can't be held to the same standard on character formation or plot development. That's why it is often the art form of choice of non-writers who feel they have a story to tell, that's interesting enough to compensate for the fact that they will not be producing great literature.
In the case of Zelda la Grange, the story is indeed captivating. As the most trusted aide to Nelson Mandela for almost two decades, she had the kind of access to the South African statesman and anti-apartheid fighter that few others could boast.
In Good Morning, Mr Mandela, La Grange offers insight into what being one of the world's most revered individuals was like. Constantly bombarded by adoring well-wishers, Mandela was unable to do simple things such as buy a pen or go on holiday to anywhere but the most secluded places.
While other celebrities might face the same lack of privacy, Mandela's humility and gentleness meant he was also relentlessly approached for help in all manner of ways, from brokering international peace deals to providing advice in the family disputes of strangers.