Winnie and Nelson: Portrait of a Marriage

Winnie and Nelson: Portrait of a Marriage by Jonny Steinberg

Nelson and Winnie Mandela were married for almost four decades. However, Nelson was in jail for the majority of that time. That can make for some interesting marital relationships. Nelson was married when the two first met and was known for having affairs. Winnie had various relationships, especially when Nelson was in jail. Both were active in politics and in trouble with the law. Their marriage did not last long after Nelson's release from jail. 

The separation leaves this book as a biography of two separate characters with a couple periods of connection. It also covers the end of Apartheid in South Africa. While it is often portrayed as a "bloodless" revolution, there were thousands of people that died. South Africa remains a fairly violent country. The overall feel from the book is that Nelson is dapper well-to-do figurehead that likes looking good and feels that everyone should have some opportunity. Winnie comes across as much more of the opportunist. If she will be known as the spouse of a revolutionary politician, she will work hard to also be a revolutionary politician on her own.