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Let My People Go
218pages. poche. Broché.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1960
About the author
Albert Luthuli
8 books5 followersborn in 1898
Zulu leader Albert John Luthuli or Lutuli advocated nonviolent resistance against apartheid and won the Nobel Prize of 1960 for peace.
People awarded the prize to this first such African and first such person outside Europe and the Americas.
https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/sea...
Zulu leader Albert John Luthuli or Lutuli advocated nonviolent resistance against apartheid and won the Nobel Prize of 1960 for peace.
People awarded the prize to this first such African and first such person outside Europe and the Americas.
https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/sea...
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
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February 5, 2014If you were made to believe Indians were brought to South Africa to work on sugar plantation because Black people were lazy, read this book.
June 2, 2019
On recommendation from one of my former pastors, I read this book about 2 years late. This is the autobiography of Chief Albert Luthuli; Nobel Peace Prize winner, local Zulu chief and once president of the ANC.
Let My People Go tells of the great man's struggles for equality and justice for people of colour in South Africa. Buoyed by his Christian faith, Luthuli stood against the tide of segregation and oppression that was eventually formalised into apartheid legislation. For his efforts, he was imprisoned several times and even charged with High Treason in 1957.
The book, in part, narrates the author's life story - from being born in Bulawayo, returning to South Africa as a child, his early career as a teacher, getting married, becoming a chief and eventually being a key figure in the resistance to the Nationalist policies that ushered in apartheid. The book also tells of the reasons for the actions of the ANC, their methods, the goals they intended to achieve and ultimately, the South Africa they envisaged.
Informative, but not particularly engaging, this a decent enough read for insight into South Africa's dark past. It also shows how Christians can be actively involved in issues of governance, with the goals of bringing justice and reconciliation. Good book, but somewhat underwhelming in relation to what the author achieved and what he represents.
Let My People Go tells of the great man's struggles for equality and justice for people of colour in South Africa. Buoyed by his Christian faith, Luthuli stood against the tide of segregation and oppression that was eventually formalised into apartheid legislation. For his efforts, he was imprisoned several times and even charged with High Treason in 1957.
The book, in part, narrates the author's life story - from being born in Bulawayo, returning to South Africa as a child, his early career as a teacher, getting married, becoming a chief and eventually being a key figure in the resistance to the Nationalist policies that ushered in apartheid. The book also tells of the reasons for the actions of the ANC, their methods, the goals they intended to achieve and ultimately, the South Africa they envisaged.
Informative, but not particularly engaging, this a decent enough read for insight into South Africa's dark past. It also shows how Christians can be actively involved in issues of governance, with the goals of bringing justice and reconciliation. Good book, but somewhat underwhelming in relation to what the author achieved and what he represents.
March 7, 2021
I don't think I've ever become such a huge fan of a human being from just reading one of their books, but Albert Luthuli really impressed me as a courageous and morally consistent man. His ability to be calm, sensible and kind, especially given the enormous political and social challenges he faced, is staggering.
From a writing or speechmaking standpoint, I really like his aphorisms as well. While mild-tempered in some ways, he was not a passive or uncritical man. He has blunt and clear, witty insights.
In my view the book is powerful evidence against the idea that people with hateful views were 'just a product of their time.' Luthuli is writing in the early 60s and almost everything - except maybe one or two passages, e.g. where he calls certain tribal customs 'backward' - stands up perfectly outside of the context of that time. His views on the role of women, his views on the desirability of a pluralist society where people do not need to share his Christian beliefs to be good people, his views on the rights of workers, etc. ... all of these are still progressive and admirable today.
From a writing or speechmaking standpoint, I really like his aphorisms as well. While mild-tempered in some ways, he was not a passive or uncritical man. He has blunt and clear, witty insights.
In my view the book is powerful evidence against the idea that people with hateful views were 'just a product of their time.' Luthuli is writing in the early 60s and almost everything - except maybe one or two passages, e.g. where he calls certain tribal customs 'backward' - stands up perfectly outside of the context of that time. His views on the role of women, his views on the desirability of a pluralist society where people do not need to share his Christian beliefs to be good people, his views on the rights of workers, etc. ... all of these are still progressive and admirable today.
May 20, 2017
This is a very deep and exciting books, it opens a window through our past and ways of life as the segregated race in an epoch field with terror and rage.
The narrative is agastly motivating. Albert Luthuli has proven to be one of the best cadres in our struggle for recognition as to a reasoning race.
The narrative is agastly motivating. Albert Luthuli has proven to be one of the best cadres in our struggle for recognition as to a reasoning race.
March 11, 2021
I learnt more about the insidious history of apartheid from this 200 page book, and of the courage and perseverance of non-white South Africans against the regime (and of a too-small minority of whites), than I did in all my years of schooling in South Africa.
January 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this book for the following:
- it filled in historical gaps for me of the period before the Rivonia trials (I’ve read quite a few accounts of Rivonia and beyond)
- I love the principled integrity and discipline of the ANC leaders in the pre democracy struggle era. “The world wasn’t worthy of them.” Albert Luthuli was one of the greats.
- Luthuli’s (and contemporaries’) dignity and humanity (and lack of pettiness or vengefulness) in the face of such gross injustice and depravity is exemplary
- It inspires me to dig deeper in working for justice in SA in the present.
- Most inspiring for me is how integral Luthuli’s Christian faith was to his involvement in the struggle and how he saw it as imperative to stand up to laws that undermined the human dignity of people created in God’s image.
- his careful processing of how being allied to the SA Communist Party related to his Christian faith is also interesting, though partially probably a function of the obsession of the times with communism.
- though highly principled, Luthuli was realistic and pragmatic about how long boycotts and campaigns could be sustained and when to call them off.
Of particular interest was the build up to and launch of the Freedom Charter, which has proved a steady and resilient inspiration to many in the SA struggle for human rights and democracy.
The book provides a significant amount of detail on the systematic and progressively cruel legislative program of the National Party from 1948; but also makes clear that this was building on foundations laid from the 1910 Union of South Africa and the Land Acts that followed in close succession. Smuts in particular, is singled out by Luthuli as complicit and oppressive. He somehow seems to have been judged more kindly by history than he deserved. Luthuli was under no illusion that whites would voluntarily relinquish their power and economic advantage afforded by apartheid, but was also clear in his mind that the growing harshness in its program and implementation was a sign of the beginning of its defeat.
The PAC split from, and differing perspectives to those of the ANC is interesting to read first hand. Luthuli was critical of (and somewhat agitated by) their decisions. His concern seemed to be mainly to maintain unity in standing up to apartheid, and he repeatedly mentions his expectation that various political parties would emerge once democracy was achieved.
- it filled in historical gaps for me of the period before the Rivonia trials (I’ve read quite a few accounts of Rivonia and beyond)
- I love the principled integrity and discipline of the ANC leaders in the pre democracy struggle era. “The world wasn’t worthy of them.” Albert Luthuli was one of the greats.
- Luthuli’s (and contemporaries’) dignity and humanity (and lack of pettiness or vengefulness) in the face of such gross injustice and depravity is exemplary
- It inspires me to dig deeper in working for justice in SA in the present.
- Most inspiring for me is how integral Luthuli’s Christian faith was to his involvement in the struggle and how he saw it as imperative to stand up to laws that undermined the human dignity of people created in God’s image.
- his careful processing of how being allied to the SA Communist Party related to his Christian faith is also interesting, though partially probably a function of the obsession of the times with communism.
- though highly principled, Luthuli was realistic and pragmatic about how long boycotts and campaigns could be sustained and when to call them off.
Of particular interest was the build up to and launch of the Freedom Charter, which has proved a steady and resilient inspiration to many in the SA struggle for human rights and democracy.
The book provides a significant amount of detail on the systematic and progressively cruel legislative program of the National Party from 1948; but also makes clear that this was building on foundations laid from the 1910 Union of South Africa and the Land Acts that followed in close succession. Smuts in particular, is singled out by Luthuli as complicit and oppressive. He somehow seems to have been judged more kindly by history than he deserved. Luthuli was under no illusion that whites would voluntarily relinquish their power and economic advantage afforded by apartheid, but was also clear in his mind that the growing harshness in its program and implementation was a sign of the beginning of its defeat.
The PAC split from, and differing perspectives to those of the ANC is interesting to read first hand. Luthuli was critical of (and somewhat agitated by) their decisions. His concern seemed to be mainly to maintain unity in standing up to apartheid, and he repeatedly mentions his expectation that various political parties would emerge once democracy was achieved.
November 30, 2010
the style of writng clearly indicates this book was written in the 60s. But in my hunger for SA history, i will continue reading it.
December 5, 2012
Someone whom experienced South Africa in the height of Apartheid. Nice read.
February 23, 2019
A bit dry, but amazing history behind apartheid in the early-mid 1900s
September 28, 2020
Profound. Brilliant. Wonderfully readable. My new favourite SA classic. Highly recommend
March 28, 2024
Excellent read, especially if you're interested in the early years of the anti-apartheid struggle before the more well known figures like Mandela or Tambo were on the scene. Luthuli bridged the gap between the early days of the ANC and it's evolution into an organisation leading an armed struggle against the state, and is very clear that he and the ANC at the time support non-violence (but definitely not compliance). He also very clearly outlines that apartheid wasn't something that suddenly appeared when the Nationalists came to power in 1948, but an evolution of the rules that existed long before under British rule and under Smuts and his United Party. His experience as a tribal Chief in the South African system is also clearly outlined, and he deals with many of the pressing issues facing rural Africans at the time. Overall an excellent read.
December 16, 2022
"The cause is so worthwhile that any risks and dangers confronting its realization sink into insignificance."
A brilliantly told account of Luthuli's life and struggle against Apartheid. I don't remember learning enough about him in school, and I certainly don't remember learning about how long ago the fight against the Apartheid regime began, in which Albert Luthuli was instrumental.
"Men doubtful of the inner strength of their own cause will put their faith in exclusiveness, discriminatory laws, apartheid, guns - their fear makes materialists out of them, the spirit is weak and they seek to make the flesh strong."
A brilliantly told account of Luthuli's life and struggle against Apartheid. I don't remember learning enough about him in school, and I certainly don't remember learning about how long ago the fight against the Apartheid regime began, in which Albert Luthuli was instrumental.
"Men doubtful of the inner strength of their own cause will put their faith in exclusiveness, discriminatory laws, apartheid, guns - their fear makes materialists out of them, the spirit is weak and they seek to make the flesh strong."
August 24, 2022
Väldigt intressant och bra bok där man får en riktigt fin insikt i Sydafrikas historia kring Apartheid och vad som gjordes av motrörelsen fram till 1962.
November 1, 2022
Memoir Of A Rebel Chief In Apartheid South Africa
May 8, 2022
The book is interesting because it is written from a Black African perspective by someone who was not only present during many important South African events but also helped to shape them. Albert Luthuli writes in a very rational, clear and reasonable voice appealing to a wide spectrum of readers. This book illuminates the hard work and sacrifice of a great man whose accomplishments helped to pave the way for the likes of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, whose legacies are way better known than his. This book filled in a lot of gaps I had about the details of South African history from 1948 to 1960.
July 12, 2020
This was a profound read. Luthuli tells his story from becoming a teacher to being called to be chief of Groutsville to leading the ANC. He was a man with an incredible gift for leadership but never fought for his place at the top. He was asked to lead because of his strength of moral character, integrity + passion to make South Africa a free and equal country.
Luthuli describes the discriminatory laws used by the apartheid government that prevented black South Africans from receiving a proper education, being able to vote and participating in society as equals to white South Africans etc.
He saw the discrimination and hardships of his people and wanted better for them. So he helped organise and participated in peaceful protests against these laws. He stood firmly for what he believed and played a huge role in leading South Africa into a new future even though he never got to experience the freedom he fought for.
This book showed Luthuli’s humility and love for God as well as his fellow man. I was reminded of my country’s heartbreaking history and inspired by Luthuli’s example to be better.
I would recommend all South Africans read this important book.
Luthuli describes the discriminatory laws used by the apartheid government that prevented black South Africans from receiving a proper education, being able to vote and participating in society as equals to white South Africans etc.
He saw the discrimination and hardships of his people and wanted better for them. So he helped organise and participated in peaceful protests against these laws. He stood firmly for what he believed and played a huge role in leading South Africa into a new future even though he never got to experience the freedom he fought for.
This book showed Luthuli’s humility and love for God as well as his fellow man. I was reminded of my country’s heartbreaking history and inspired by Luthuli’s example to be better.
I would recommend all South Africans read this important book.
May 19, 2016
This is probably the first time i ever say anything about Luthuli and not use a superlative. I grew up in an era that revered Luthuli,infact if my family ever finds out im describing something related to him and not gushing all things good, i might find myself disowned!
For a political autobiography this book was quite shallow. For a book about the life of such a legendary man, it was very underwhelming.
Not enough detail is given to his thinking and decision making. This might be the agnostic in me talking, but i found that he spent a lot of space explaining the alignment of his religious convictions and his political standpoint.
I feel he made a concerted effort to avoid getting personal and really whats the point of an autobiography if it is not going to unmask the subject?. This is like a collection of all his public appearences, re affirming what is already in newspaper articles and history textbooks.
It really deserves 2 stars but the 3rd one is simply because its a book about a great man.
For a political autobiography this book was quite shallow. For a book about the life of such a legendary man, it was very underwhelming.
Not enough detail is given to his thinking and decision making. This might be the agnostic in me talking, but i found that he spent a lot of space explaining the alignment of his religious convictions and his political standpoint.
I feel he made a concerted effort to avoid getting personal and really whats the point of an autobiography if it is not going to unmask the subject?. This is like a collection of all his public appearences, re affirming what is already in newspaper articles and history textbooks.
It really deserves 2 stars but the 3rd one is simply because its a book about a great man.
August 20, 2026
I never knew that Albert Luthuli wrote an autobiography. As one of South Africa's recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize, Luthuli is a towering historical figure with global significance. The book provides a painful window into the past and documents a lot of historical events that Luthuli was part of, including the treason trials and the adoption of the Freedom Charter. The book was clearly also written with the aim of making a political statement. A big chunk of the text is concerned with exposing the injustices of the apartheid regime. Of course, there is also much information on Luthuli's life, his youth, his years working as a teacher, and his rise as a politician and ultimately the leader of the African National Congress. Luthuli favored the process of passive resistance against apartheid, for example boycotts, but the younger generation of leaders were becoming more militant. The book also documents the rise and the role of the PAC in this regard. Anybody that is interested in South African history should read this book.
November 23, 2020
This book gave me a great insight into a period of South African and apartheid history that I knew very little about. It is sobering and saddening to find some parallels to current events (particularly in 2020). I also noticed some parallels to American history, which I have been learning more about recently (partly through the documentary "13th" (2016)). I found the writing style formal and rather dry, which meant it took me a long time to finish this book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews