The Power of One: A Novel by Bryce Courtenay
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Book Reviews of The Power of One: A Novel
Book Review: Enjoy this book for what it is: Well-written.
Summary: 5 Stars
The Power of One moved me in a way few books ever have. The ending did indeed leave me wanting more, but when I turned the last page and closed the back cover, I felt as though I had just completed something very important, that I had been introduced to a truly brilliant writer. When I took a voiceover class recently and we were required to read a passage from a novel, there wasn't a moment's hesitation: I knew exactly what passage I wanted to read, and it was from The Power of One. I was discussing books recently with a new friend and when I told her the title of this, my all-time favorite book, her jaw hit the floor. It was her's too, and she had never met another person who had read it. I recommend it to everyone. And almost everyone loves it. It's unfortunate that it wasn't more widely received in the States. I certainly don't begrudge anyone their opinion, but I do think that some people read novels looking for flaws. I've read some truly awful stuff (Does anyone dispute the fact that Mario Puzo did the world a disservice with The Fourth K?), but when a novel comes along that draws me in with its rich use of language and imagery, I go with the flow and don't try to distract myself by looking for problems.Book Review: Excellent Moving Story
Summary: 5 Stars
What an amazing piece of literature! This book is a riot of emotions that sweep you up and transport you deep into the clash of apertheid in South Africa. Your empathy towards the main characters is astounding, as you read you suddenly find that your body is reacting to the book with out you realising. As Peekay fights so your fists are clenched, as he learns so too is your brow furrowed and as he hurts you find that you can not see the page for the tears.I have read a hell of a lot of books in my time, and as a hardened reader I find it difficult to get one that inspires so much feeling in me. The Power of One did. I read it when I was quite young, and was glad that I did. It opened my eyes up to the problems in South Africa, made me understand a little more about what had actually happended out there and is still apparent today. I would recomend that all secondary school children read this book.
All in all if you are looking at these reviews to see whether or not you will buy this book, I would whole heartedly recommend that you do. You woill not be dissapointed. (However if you do, ensure that you haven't anything planned for a few days, as you will not be able to put it down!)
Book Review: The Power of One (Novel)
Summary: 5 Stars
The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay is one very special novel. It would be nearly impossible to review this book, even dispassionately, and not sound effusive. Courtenay writes of a young boy growing up in South Africa during WWII. But it is in the richness of his story, and of his prose, that true life comes though in a vibrant fashion. While it is primarily about the coming of age of a young, white English boy the author places young Peekay squarely in the jaws of a racially devided country.
The writing is wonderful. "My camouflage, begun so many years before under the persecution of the Judge, was now threatening to become the complete man. It was time to slough the mottled and cunningly contrived outer skin and emerge as myself, to face the risk of exposure, to regain the power of one. I had reached the point where to find myself was essential." "You either disappear into a plebian background or move forward to where most others fear to follow."
This book, recommended and given to me by a friend, was on my "to be read shelf" for too long. Take it of yours, buy it, borrow it, but READ it. It was one of the finer "new" novels (1989) I have read in a long time.
Book Review: This book should be on eveyone's must-read list.
Summary: 5 Stars
A gift from a friend, the Power of One became my favorite book. The story concerns Peekay, who is white, growing up in South Africa in a time of racial hatred. Picked on and ostracized because of his nationality, skinny frame, and precocity, Peekay's childhood is spent mostly alone. However, along the way, he meets people who will have later on have an influential impact on his life. Although the subjects of the book concern racism and the sport of boxing, to me the prevailing theme embodied in the Power of One is above all an affirmation of the individual - the recognition of the inner strength and courage that comes with acting upon one's own beliefs and initiative in a largely conformist society. I identified with Peekays's individuality, his ability to think for himself, and his heightened sense of intellectual curiousity. This is a book that will tug at the heartstrings, but one that will also bring a smile to your face at its comic moments. It will also make you think, as some profound insights into the philosphy of life are offered. The novel inspires awe at the sheer beauty and power of Coutenay's prose. The Power of One is a compelling read, it will leave few readers unmoved.Book Review: The most amazing book I have ever read!!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Astonishing!! I was hooked on this book within the first 3 pages. Of the literal hundreds of books that I have read this is one of the few that makes me want to meet the characters. In only 500 pages these characters felt like family. I was rooting for them to win, and upset when they lost or were hurt. Not only is is a character driven book it is a plot driven book. The story is amazing, and I felt like going to south africa just to see all of the things that were described in the book, from the cactus to the mining. It was absolutly riviting. I guarantee that everybody will find this book at least entertaining, and not regret reading it. But more than likely they will love it and want to reread it time and again. Get it yourself, or give it to a student, friend, family member. My outlook on life is diffrent, and I truly was moved by the quotes and feelings that this book gave me. "First with the head, then with the heart, that's how a man gets ahead from the start." Life quotes like this were thrown in all over the place during the events that evoke feelings of anger, hatred, relief, sad, joy, excitement, and many more. Do yourself a favor and read this book.