BOOK BRIEF

Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation

John Carlin
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Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2008

Book Brief

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John Carlin

Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2008
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Biography
Setting

South Africa • 1990s

Topic
Politics & Government

Sports

World History
Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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Super Short Summary

Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation by John Carlin explores how Nelson Mandela leveraged the 1995 Rugby World Cup to unite a post-apartheid South Africa. The book details Mandela's strategic use of sports diplomacy to bridge racial divides, fostering national reconciliation and symbolizing the transformative power of unity and leadership.

Inspirational

Hopeful

Emotional

Heartwarming

Informative

Reviews & Readership

4.4

6,150 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

John Carlin's Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation excels in exploring Mandela's strategic unification of South Africa through rugby, blending history and sports. Critics praise its engaging narrative and insightful analysis. However, some find it overly romanticized. Overall, it is a compelling read on leadership and reconciliation.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation?

A reader who enjoys Playing the Enemy is likely interested in sports, history, and political transformation, similar to those who appreciated Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand or Seabiscuit. They value narratives showing resilience and unity, especially within contexts of social change.

4.4

6,150 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Biography
Setting

South Africa • 1990s

Topic
Politics & Government

Sports

World History
Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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