The Power of One: A Novel by Bryce Courtenay
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Book Reviews of The Power of One: A Novel
Book Review: An amazing story
Summary: 5 Stars
The Power of One was recommended to me by a friend who has made the book required reading for his high school English class. I must say that the recommendation was a good one and I found myself alternatively amazed and distressed by the story. I must admit that I was under the wrong impression when I read the cover of the book which refers to The Power of One as "the classic novel of South Africa." I expected the protagonist to be African struggling perhaps against Apartheid. I leaned my mistake on the first page when I learned that the protagonist is an English boy named Peekay who finds himself as an outcast at the early age of five. Early childhood smiles very rarely on the boy, but when it does it is in the form of the love and generosity of adults who give selflessly to the boy, leaving an indelible impression in a world otherwise filled with distress. I would say this book is not necessarily a story of triumph, but of perseverance. A story of belief in ones self and ones dreams as well as self determination at any cost. The later is perhaps Peekay's one greatest character flaw.The story is well written and will hold your heart and mind despite the occasional unbelievable coincidence. Overall, a very good book and I have not hesitations in passing along my friend's recommendation to you.
Book Review: An unforgettable experience
Summary: 5 Stars
My only regret in reading 'The Power of One' is I wished I could have read it earlier! This book has created a turning point in my life and I'm glad, I have been enlightened about 'a flame of independence that must never be allowed to go out -- that as long as it exists within us, we cannot be destroyed.' Bryce Courtenay has created a vivid and brilliantly written story that both pulled at the heartstrings and encouraged quiet chuckles, with many unforgettable characters which have entered and exited Peekay's life. This 'colourblind' boy, both accepted and persecuted in his country of birth shows the reader that if one heart beats strongly above the rest, then that one heart can believe in his/herself to be able to achieve anything..'small can beat big.' I respect this book because I know that BC neither exaggerated nor underplayed the actions involved during apartheid and this fact in itself makes 'The Power of One' so vividly real, so much so I felt I had known the characters my whole life. Anyone who feels they are left hanging after reading this book, I advise you to read Tandia, the sequel, as this in itself is a unique story, continuing Peekay's life. I thank you, Bryce Courtenay, for writing such a wonderful book - the story itself is an experience that will stay with me forever.Book Review: The power to inspire!...
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to admit that this is one of the best books I've ever read. I happened to pick it up one day at a bargin store. It was in the middle of a bin full of books on sale for half price. The title caught my eye and I decided to buy it after reading the description inside the dust cover. Boy am I glad I did!!I couldn't put it down. I read the whole book cover to cover in two days. It was amazing!! The characters are so beautifully descriptive. Peekay becomes so real, you feel like your right there with him. You will cry and laugh with him and cheer for joy when he succeeds.
He learns some pretty hard lessens early in life and yet he still treats everyone, no matter what color or background, with equal respect (this should be a guide for us all).
He battles through adversity and every challenge and refuses to let it dampen his will to accomplish his ultimate goal. First with the head and then with the heart...!!
I know that some might say that this book is unrealistic, some might even call Peekay selfish. I, on the other hand, took the romantic viewpoint and saw the story of a small boy who grew into a forward thinking youngman that saw through racial blindfolds and followed his heart to fullfill his dreams.
Please do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK!... You will not regret it.
Book Review: Beautiful, moving, interesting, inspiring-loved it!
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm no fan of boxing, was not that interested in the history of South Africa, and have a hard time reading about children or subjugated races being mistreated. This was a book I had to read for a book club, and wasn't keen on getting started.That said, this book grabbed me from the first chapter and held me spellbound.
The protagonist, English boy Peekay, must first suffer in school at the hands of Afrikaaner bullies and an indifferent administration which offers him no protection. Soon, though, life gets better as he leaves school and benefits from various people, black and white, of various nationalities. The bad guys get their just desserts for the most part, and the good guys generally triumph.
Some may quibble that in real life, retribution is seldom served to brutal thugs as neatly and appropriately as it is in this book. Borman's rectal cancer was poetic justice. As for the Judge...!
This book ranks up there with "To Kill A Mockingbird", both in the fascinating way it gives the reader a strong sense of the time and place, and in the way the reader is able to empathize with even the most unsympathetic characters, even as they horrify us. It elevates the reader, even as it remains interesting and enjoyable.
Book Review: Possibly the best book I've ever read (and I've read a LOT)
Summary: 5 Stars
I first read this book at the behest of my English teacher at the time. I was 13 years old. Undaunted by the 800 or 900 odd pages, I plowed in. Little was I to know that Courtenay was to unfold a world before my eyes that would - and I say this completely free of hyperbole - change my life. The Power of One, at its core, is the story of Peekay - a young English South African at the onset of Apartheid. Peekay suffers injustice at the hands of bigger Afrikaaner school bullies, which sets him on a course for the rest of his life. He becomes a boxer, taught by Geel Piet - a black inmate at the local jail. Geel Piet becomes more than a boxing tutor to Peekay, and teaches him what I believe is the central tenet of this book - Little can beat Big.
Peekay goes on to become a very adept boxer, and also a great academic. This represents the two main adult influences in his life - Geel Piet and boxing, Doc and academia.
The Power of One could be said to be a love story, but not in the general sense of the term. It is a love story with South Africa - a love story with the land, the wilderness and the people. With the country's errors and violence and also its spirit to rise above that all.
Little can beat big.