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

Book description

Read the book that inspired the Academy Award and Golden Globe winning 2009 film INVICTUS featuring Morgan Freeman and Matt Daymon, directed by Clint Eastwood.

Beginning in a jail cell and ending in a rugby tournament- the true story of how the most inspiring charm offensive in history brought South…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Playing the Enemy as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

One of the many benefits of sports fandom I researched is its use in international affairs, nation-building, and the peace process. There is no better example of this than what has been called the “South African Miracle,” and in this great book, veteran English journalist Carlin, who was in the country for years covering its politics, shows how the late great Nelson Mandela, Nobel Peace Prize winner and South Africa’s first black President, used the intense fandom behind the nation’s beloved spectator sport, rugby, to ease the transition from apartheid to democracy and prevent an almost inevitable Civil War. The…

From Larry's list on Sports Fans.

My goal is to help clients identify and neutralize the power dynamic in any relationship or exchange. In this autobiography of Nelson Mandela's experience in prison and beyond, he deftly transforms one challenging situation after another. His ability to stay Partner under pressure results in consistently positive outcomes. This is an illustration of a very high level of emotional intelligence, which we are all capable of developing.

From Amy's list on kickass communication.

If you love Playing the Enemy...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like Playing the Enemy?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Playing the Enemy.

Browse books like Playing the Enemy

Book cover of Untamed
Book cover of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking
Book cover of The New Rules of Marriage: What You Need to Know to Make Love Work

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,395

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Playing the Enemy, you might also like...

Book cover of Lethal Legacy

Lethal Legacy by H.R. Kemp,

Buried Secrets. A web of deceit, betrayal, and danger. Can she survive her fight for justice and truth? Laura thought she knew everything about her late husband before he died. Now, her life and the lives of those she loves are in danger. As Laura delves into his previous role…

Book cover of The Everlasting Life of Charlie Wall

The Everlasting Life of Charlie Wall by Paul Wilborn,

It’s 1985, and Ronald Armstrong, known in the magic mushroom trade as “Trip,” takes a “sober” job as a driver for a retired Tampa mobster. His boss, Charlie Wall, has survived four attempts on his life, the last one in 1955. When Charlie falls into depression, Trip rebuilds his boss’…

5 book lists we think you will like!