The Power of One

Bryce Courtenay

Mar 2011 · Laurel Leaf

About this ebook

In 1939, hatred took root in South Africa, where the seeds of apartheid were newly sown. There a boy called Peekay was born. He spoke the wrong language–English. He was nursed by a woman of the wrong color–black. His childhood was marked by humiliation and abandonment. Yet he vowed to survive–he would become welterweight champion of the world, he would dream heroic dreams.
But his dreams were nothing compared to what awaited him. For he embarked on an epic journey, where he would learn the power of words, the power to transform lives, and the mystical power that would sustain him even when it appeared that villainy would rule the world: The Power of One.

Ratings and reviews

This was an amazing book and i am glad that i read it, but when i found out that it is the young adult edition and only contains half of Peekay's story I was severely disappointed. This is a good book but if you want a more fulfilling experience then i suggest getting the full version somewhere else.

This masterfully-written book completely captures the spirit of Africa during apartheid, as well as "the power of one." Simply for the author's talent as a storyteller and a poet, I am giving this book 5 stars. Bryce Courtenay provides vivid depictions of every element of this novel - from the the African landscape, to boxing matches, to the main character's emotion. And although a beautiful tale was told, I often viewed the main character (Peekay) simply as an inspiration, and a metaphor for strength, tenacity, intelligence, diversity, and soul.

I didn't realize until I got to the end of the book that I accidentally purchased the young adult condensed edition... Careful... But it was a great book.

About the author

Bryce Courtenay was born in South Africa, is an Australian, and has
lived in Sydney for the major part of his life. Visit him on the web at www.brycecourtenay.com.