Photo inserts follow pages 116 and 244.

Includes bibliographical references (pages [285]-288) and index.

One. The background and beyond -- Two. An introduction to politics and parliament -- Three, Opposition politics, United Party style -- Four. The birth of the progressive party - and keeping it alive -- Five. Confronting Verwoerd, Vorster, and Botha -- Six. The years alone 1961 - 74: I. Fighting for the rule of law -- II. Fighting against apartheid laws -- Seven. In and out of the house, 1961 - 74 -- Eight: Prison and prisoners -- Nine. Robben Island - University for leaders -- Ten. Back in business: opposition politics, prog style 1975 - 1977 -- Eleven. Opposition to apartheid in and out of parliament, 1977 - 87 -- Twelve. Three martyrs: I. Robert Sobukwe -- II. Steve Biko -- III. Neil Aggett -- Thirteen. The tricameral parliament - a flawed constitution and its wake -- Fourteen. Sanctions - pressure from without -- Fifteen. The end of my parliamentary career.

"A brave, one-woman clarion for liberal values during many of her 36 years in South Africa's parliament, Suzman recalls her life in a forthright, energetic voice. The author, whose father went to South Africa at the turn of the century in order to avoid pogroms in Lithuania, was born in 1917. She first became truly aware of the plight of black South Africans when she taught economic history at Wits University in Johannesburg during the '40s. An admitted "late starter in the field of race relations," Suzman won her first parliamentary election in 1953. Despite anti-Semitic baiting from apartheid supporters, she used her position to expose miseries like detention and the forcible removal of people from their land. Though occasionally overemphasizing insider politics, Suzman incisively portrays such important individuals as former Prime Minister P. W. Botha and the then-imprisoned Nelson Mandela. Defending her anti-sanctions stance, unpopular with the anti-apartheid movement, she emphasizes the importance of economic growth to combat unemployment and housing shortages. Her assessment of the current situation is sketchy but she remains optimistic that rich resources and "innovative citizens" will ultimately allow South Africa to prosper." -- Publisher's Weekly

"In 1989 Suzman resigned from the South African parliament after serving for 36 years as a member of the opposition; she now heads the South African Institute of Race Relations. This memoir describes the period from 1948, when the National Party came to power, until the present. Meticulous and readable details outline the ruthless and racist path of the Nationalist government. The preface by Nelson Mandela shows the respect many people have for Suzman even while differing with her over the appropriateness of working within the undemocratic government. Suzman's strength and integrity emerge in lengthy quotations from her remarks in parliament. Her ability to retain hope in the future is surprising and inspiring. Those with little background in the history of apartheid can gain here an understanding of its development and complexity within the society of South Africa." -- Library Journal

"The memoir of one of the most extraordinary women of our century. From 1953 until 1989, as a member of South African Parliament, Helen Suzman was the conscience of her nation. In the face of intimidation, hostility, and anti-Semitism, she used the forum of Parliament brilliantly to bear witness to and to challenge the monstrous policy of apartheid. Her memoirs reflect the weapons she used most effectively ; intelligence, wit, mastery of facts, compassion and a commitment to justice." -- from dust jacket