The Power of One: A Novel by Bryce Courtenay
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Book Reviews of The Power of One: A Novel
Book Review: Beautiful, tragic, and inspiring
Summary: 5 Stars
"The Power of One" is one of the most amazing books I've ever read. There are moments in the book where you will cry; and others where you laugh aloud with happiness. The story tells an amazing tale of a young South African child (white) named Peekay as he grows mentally, spiritually, and physically against overwhelming odds. Along the way he meets many characters, all so detailed and life like that the reader feels like they know them. The vivid detail of the landscape and places Peekay goes puts the reader right there with him. There is a soft touch of mystism in the book that adds more to the adventure.
There is a common misconception that Peekay was the only white child in a black boarding school, and this is why he was picked on. However, Peekay was in an all white boarding school and was picked on because he was English (a rooinek) and the other children were of Dutch (boer) descent. Thought I'd clear that up as I saw a couple other reviews state otherwise. Get your facts right!
I will not write another summary for the book, because there are already many. Instead I will say this:
Bryce Courtenay, the book's author, has written a lot of amazing novels. Sadly, "The Power of One" is the only one published in the US. The sequel to "The Power of One" is title "Tandia" and I'd be willing to bet many will seek it out after reading "The Power of One" due to Peekay withdrawl!
Have a great time with this book; I assure you it will be among your favorites!
Book Review: A harsh world through the eyes of a child
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is truly a great work. For those of you who have loved the movie, starring Morgan Freeman and Stephen Dorff, you will notice some significant differences throughout the novel. But those differences in NO way detract from the power of the story.Peekay is an English boy growing up in South Africa during World War II. He grows up attending a boarding school run by the other white tribe of South Africa, the Boer's, who are pro-Nazi and hate all things English. Perhaps because he's a small child, or because he faces such hatred at school, Peekay develops an iron will to become a winner. His best weapon being the "power of one", which he defines as the power to believe in oneself, which goes above and beyond any strengths which are readily apparent. And throughout his life, Peekay demonstrates over and over again just how believing in himself helps him through life's greatest dangers.
The book is very real. It is written from Peekay's viewpoint, as he witnesses first-hand death, loneliness, friendship, hatred, and all the emotions we all face every day. Set in such an explosive time and area, these emotions and the events that shaped them are all the more apparent. At times, I cried. Others, I was fuming inside at the injustice done to Peekay, and the Black South Africans he befriended. Other times, I could not help but burst out laughing. I hope that many others will take the chance to read the book and enjoy it as much as I did.
Book Review: We could do with a few more "Tadpole Angels." Absoloodle!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book qualifies as one of the best novels I have ever read. I am forlorn that I finished it yesterday. Apart from being exceptionally well written, with characters of flesh and blood, it was definitely uplifting in this world of senseless viciousness and greed, showing how courage and single-minded intent can succeed against the odds. I think I fell in love with the natural "goodness" of the central character, Peekay. Peekay's charisma is polished by his natural strength as a leader amongst men. He is loved by all sorts of men, Africans, Africaans, English, German, Jewish - with all the contradictions that this implies... When he is oppressed and bullied, he finds a way to overcome his weakness or small size and outwit the bully to come out on top. When he is priveleged, it is natural to him to be generous and fair spirited. Thus he becomes a cult warrior hero, the Tadpole Angel, to the "People."I was intrigued that the loss of his only friend at the age of five, Granpa Chook, a native chicken, was one of the milestones of his life. My only regret was that he did not search for his beloved Zulu nanny and find her earlier.
This is not only a good read, it is a must read. If only we had a few more Peekays stewarding the world, then I would be more confident of a healthy and peaceful outcome to the future of humanity.
Book Review: A Great South African Tale
Summary: 5 Stars
I think this book is an excellent book. It is a book for those who like to learn while they read. This is not a true story, but it is based in a time that really did happen. It is the story of a boy growing up in South Africa. He is not included, because he is English, so he finds friendship with the Blacks living there. He finds his place in boxing as well. He soon discovers that not everything is perfect as well. The Blacks are being mistreated, and when he sees that, it touches him. He knows he must do something about it. He grows up to be a smart student who has the potential of doing anything he wants, and uses that to help the Blacks. I thought I could relate to some of the parts in the book. I've been picked on and made fun of before. I think we all have. He discovered this inner courage and strength through boxing, we find our strengths everyday in what we do. This story is just very moving. It really shows the injustice of the South African blacks. I think it also helps us be more aware of what did really happen in South Africa. Some people may not have known that this injustice was happening, so this book could help them understand. I knew I had a small idea of what had happened before I read this book, but when I read this, I knew more about the situation down there. Some parts are more graphic than what you want, but it is still an excellent book.Book Review: I have only one problem with this book...
Summary: 5 Stars
...I've read it so many times that almost every page in the last section is falling out, and believe me, it's a pain to have to put the last hundred pages or so in order to reread your favorite book. But this one's worth it.I saw the last hour or so of the movie and was transfixed, and so I bought the book. Then I saw the movie again, and I didn't like the changes any more--the book was so simple, so succinct, so perfect in its narrative frankness, that the changes they added to the movie (e.g., a love interest) could only take away from the power of Courtenay's story.
Specifics--a young boy growing up in South Africa in the infancy of apartheid straddles the boundaries between academic success, athletic honors, and a driving conviction to deal with the forces of racism and discrimination in the best way he knows how--and he succeeds in all three. Trite? Hardly. Peekay is characterized brilliantly, and the supporting players--Doc, Morrie, et al--are believably complex. You'll become almost as attached to them as you do to Peekay. Courtenay achieves a tour de force I've probably never seen matched in contemporary prose.
This is one I've recommended to almost everyone I know, and I know a lot of people :). Do yourself a favor and *read this book*. I guarantee you, you'll be glad you did.