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Pages are clean with normal wear. May have limited markings & or highlighting within pages & or cover. Includes dustjacket if applicable. May have some wear & creases on the cover. The spine may also have minor wear. Does not come with CD DVD if applicable. Access code has been used if applicable. Does not come with any supplementary materials. Pages are clean with normal wear. May have limited markings & or highlighting within pages & or cover. Includes dustjacket if applicable. May have some wear & creases on the cover. The spine may also have minor wear. Does not come with CD DVD if applicable. Access code has been used if applicable. Does not come with any supplementary materials. See less
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The Power of One: A Novel Paperback – September 29, 1996

4.6 out of 5 stars 4,957 ratings

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“The Power of One has everything: suspense, the exotic, violence; mysticism, psychology and magic; schoolboy adventures, drama.”
–The New York Times

“Unabashedly uplifting . . . asserts forcefully what all of us would like to believe: that the individual, armed with the spirit of independence–‘the power of one’–can prevail.”
–Cleveland Plain Dealer


In 1939, as Hitler casts his enormous, cruel shadow across the world, the seeds of apartheid take root in South Africa. There, a boy called Peekay is born. His childhood is marked by humiliation and abandonment, yet he vows to survive and conceives heroic dreams–which are nothing compared to what life actually has in store for him. He embarks on an epic journey through a land of tribal superstition and modern prejudice where he will learn the power of words, the power to transform lives, and the power of one.


“Totally engrossing . . . [presents] the metamorphosis of a most remarkable young man and the almost spiritual influence he has on others . . . Peekay has both humor and a refreshingly earthy touch, and his adventures, at times, are hair-raising in their suspense.”
–Los Angeles Times Book Review

“Marvelous . . . It is the people of the sun-baked plains of Africa who tug at the heartstrings in this book. . . . [Bryce] Courtenay draws them all with a fierce and violent love.”
–The Washington Post Book World

“Impressive.”
–Newsday

“A compelling tale.”
–The Christian Science Monitor
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Editorial Reviews

Review

The Power of One has everything: suspense, the exotic, violence; mysticism, psychology and magic; schoolboy adventures, drama in the boxing ring.”
The New York Times

From the Publisher

In the Ballantine publicity department, we have an informal book club. It usually gets started is when one of us reads a book, loves it, and then passes it on to a friend in the department. Once one person has read a book and loves it, then we ALL have to read it too! THE POWER OF ONE by Bryce Courtenay was one of those books. You may have seen the movie with Morgan Freeman, but I urge you to read the book because it was much better than the movie. It's a coming-of-age story of a young boy in South Africa. He has such a hard time of things! He's picked on as a young boy, then he befriends an older man who teaches him the wonders of life. The book is beautifully written, and the story is extremely compelling. If you liked Anna Quindlen's OBJECT LESSONS or Edward Albee's A DEATH IN THE FAMILY or John Irving's A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY, you will love this book too.

Jennifer Richards
Ballantine Books Publicity

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ballantine Books
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 29, 1996
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Media tie-in
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 544 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 034541005X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0345410054
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12 - 17 years
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1.14 x 8.2 inches
  • Part of series ‏ : ‎ Power of One
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 940L
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 4,957 ratings

About the author

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Bryce Courtenay
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Bryce Courtenay, AM (14 August 1933 – 22 November 2012) was a South African novelist who also held Australian citizenship. He is one of Australia's best-selling authors, notable for his book The Power of One.

Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Photo by Yahoo! Blog from Sunnyvale, California, USA [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4,957 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a must-read, praising its well-written narrative and inspiring story of a focused young boy overcoming hardships. The writing is engaging, with one customer noting how the author's imagination makes it almost poetic. Customers appreciate the book's pacing as an eye-opener and its rich historical content, while also highlighting its themes of compassion and determination of the human spirit. Customers enjoy the book's humor, noting it will make them laugh at times.

298 customers mention "Readability"292 positive6 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a must-read that's worth the page turning, with one customer noting they were so engrossed in it.

"this book is THE BEST BOOK EVER. i have given it as a gift maybe ten times and everyone agrees!!!!! i have read it three times...." Read more

"...A great book and learning tool to understand racism of every sort, to understand ignorance, and to read about love, redemption and acceptance...." Read more

"...Altogether, this book is great, especially for young adults, and although it does have minor issues, it is definitely worth the time to read." Read more

"...a lengthy novel, the following of the protagonist's tale is worth the page turning...." Read more

156 customers mention "Uplifting story"153 positive3 negative

Customers find the book's story uplifting, describing it as an inspiring tale of a focused young boy who overcomes hardships, filled with life lessons.

"...In addition, the lush, inspiring, beautiful and harsh descriptions of South Africa make the reader feel as if they are there and is not only the..." Read more

"...Such a well crafted masterpiece, it almost felt like reading a true story. Entertaining, insightful and educational..." Read more

"...The relationships between Peekay and everyone he encounters are so interesting, inspirational and a teaching tool. A wonderful read...." Read more

"...It is an amazing story of strength, resilience, and redemption." Read more

54 customers mention "Character development"51 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one noting how it shows both the best and worst in people, while another highlights the mentoring from unique and genuine individuals.

"...Courtenay has produced rich characters that come to life on the page...." Read more

"...Through Peekay, Doc and a host of other well crafted characters, Courtenay scrutinizes the logic of born again Christians, the ordained superiority..." Read more

"...First, I enjoy this book because I can relate to his young character because I am a young person as well...." Read more

"...The characters are unique and intriguing--Peekay is coached, taught and enlightened by the grizzled African criminal; the German ex-patriot..." Read more

53 customers mention "Pacing"50 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, finding it endearing and thoughtful, with one customer describing it as an eye-opener that captures the beauty and pain of South Africa.

"...In addition, the lush, inspiring, beautiful and harsh descriptions of South Africa make the reader feel as if they are there and is not only the..." Read more

"...He entangles these concerns with strands of poignant romaticization...." Read more

"...The book is full of humor, love, sorrow, pain and joy and still doesn't feel contrived...." Read more

"...But for somebody looking for poetic words and something that builds on suspense and excitement, there is much to be desired...." Read more

49 customers mention "Story quality"37 positive12 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, describing it as a wonderful and timeless classic with a rich history, and one customer specifically notes how well it covers South African history.

"This timeless classic is one I couldn't put down. An hour would wiz by in no time...." Read more

"...Good story line The extra information in the book -- a glossary and some historical information -- was very helpful...." Read more

"...Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and The Power of One has taught me a lot about the history of South Africa...." Read more

"There are many parts of this book that I loved. I was disappointed in the ending...." Read more

29 customers mention "Humanity"29 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's portrayal of compassion and humanity, with one customer highlighting its exploration of relationships in South Africa and another noting its high moral lesson about generosity and malice.

"...Nanny provides physical and emotional nourishment. Grandpa is a male figure-head with some, but little, positive influence. Father unknown...." Read more

"...Entertaining, insightful and educational..." Read more

"...A great book and learning tool to understand racism of every sort, to understand ignorance, and to read about love, redemption and acceptance...." Read more

"...glory of the English Empire, the origin of Afrikanerdom, the philosophy of apartheid, the disposition of cacti versus roses, and the significance of..." Read more

24 customers mention "Humor"24 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous, with several noting it will make them laugh at times, and one mentioning that even the saddest parts are funny.

"...Entertaining, insightful and educational..." Read more

"...The book is full of humor, love, sorrow, pain and joy and still doesn't feel contrived...." Read more

"This engaging story is filled with a world of characters-wise, comical, intelligent, confused, evil-who step into the life of the philosopher-..." Read more

"...The book is humorous, easy to read, & definitely enjoyable for all ages...." Read more

The Power of One
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2010
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    An amazing novel written brilliantly by Bryce Courtenay, it is the story of Peekay a young boy growing up in South Africa WWII. To say that I could not put this book down is an understatement.
    Courtenay has produced rich characters that come to life on the page. You cheer, cry and cringe in horror as you follow the life of Peekay and the people he interacts with. In addition, the lush, inspiring, beautiful and harsh descriptions of South Africa make the reader feel as if they are there and is not only the background of the story but Africa is the story of Peekay. The novel begins with Peekay being shipped off to a boarding school at age five. He is haraassed, tortured, and abused by the "judge" and his posse but is a survivor who is determined to live. On a semster break he encounters a man who is a boxer and shows him kindness, dignity and begins to explain the power of one. This has such a profound influence on Peekay that his life obsession after this meeting is to be the welterweight champion of the world. The power of one is really the power of believeing in yourself. To follow your dreams and to be authentic. Through a series of moving freindships with the adults in Peekay's life he begins to understand this. Doc, a brilliant musician and botanist plays a central role in his life and urges him to be himself and to show others his extraordinary intellect. He teaches him and shares in his love of Africa. As Peekay emerges from merely surviving to fully inhabiting his person he begins to understand more fully the power of one. He meets Geel Piet a man in prison who is more tortured than Peekay was in boarding school simply because of the color of his skin. He teaches Peekay how to box and Peekay in return accepts him for who he is and loves him. As Peekay finds his place through his acceptance of others he gains a mythical status with the African people in the community. He becomes the "tadpole angel" who can unite the black and white races together. His friendship with Morrie, who is Jewish, and also feels like an outsider has a profound effect on Peekay. At prep school for the first time he has a friend of his own age. Morrie finds that Peekay's immediate acceptance of him although he is Jewish amazing and the two find that they have much in common including their equal brilliance. Not only does Peekay's life change because of these friendships, but what he finds is that he has a profound impact on these people's life as well. There are many other people in Peekays life who influence it and move it and the reader is held spellbound as they watch the fine web that Cortenay has woven and marvels in the intricacies of life that can be conveyed through writing. This is a life changing book and the reader will be the better for having read it.
    14 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    this book is THE BEST BOOK EVER.
    i have given it as a gift maybe ten times and everyone agrees!!!!!
    i have read it three times.
    im not going to tell you any more. just buy it and read it. dont try to figure out if its a good read. just open it and start. you are welcome!
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2004
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Imagine this fairy tale:
    A boy of English heritage is born in South Africa after the Boer war and during the rise of Nazi Germany. He suckles at the breast of a loving nanny the first 2 1/2 years of his life. Nanny provides physical and emotional nourishment. Grandpa is a male figure-head with some, but little, positive influence. Father unknown. Mother has a nervous breakdown and is sent away.
    At 5 yrs of age, the boy is sent to a boarding school where he is taunted, teased and physically abused. The "Judge," (an older boy with a swastika tattooed on his arm), pronounces sins committed by the boy and punishment to follow. The boy is called "Pisskop" because he wets the bed. Pisskop learns it is better to endure the torture,and never give his tormenters the satisfaction of seeing him cry. He is a determined, precocious child of genius level intelligence. But how will he survive the mistreatment by Boer children and Nazi sympathizers?
    He miraculously survives the torture for almost 2 years. Then, he is called to live with his grandpa and now cured mother. For this meeting, he must no longer go bare-foot. Tackies are bought from a Jewish man who renames him "Peekay." What kind of name is "Pisskop" for a nice little boy?
    On the train ride home, Peekay meets a professional boxer. Within 24 hours, Peekay learns about boxing, sees a boxing match, and makes a definitive decision to become the welterweight champion of the world.
    His mother has become a born-again Christian. His grandpa - still a figure head. Peekay walks the countryside, meets Professor Von Vollensteen - the "Doc." Doc is the fairy godfather who becomes Peekay's most devoted friend, mentor and teacher. Doc is a musician, photographer and botanist. He is later imprisoned because he is a German.
    Peekay is sent to a boarding school to be educated. He is far more intelligent than peers his age. He moves upward quickly in educational ranks. He wins a scholarship to the Prince of Wales School where he meets Morris, a Jewish boy of like intelligence. They become best friends.
    Peekay has, from 7 years of age, learned to fight as a boxer. He shows unusual talent and is given boxing lessons. His best coach is the multi-racial prisoner, Geel Piet. Peekay visits Doc in prison, takes piano lessons and boxing lessons. The Black prisoners call him "Tadpole Angel" - an angel sent to rescue them. They know that Peekay smuggled tobacco, sugar and rations to them. Peekay feels the "power of one" after winning a boxing match. But it is not only about winning - "the power of one is above all, the power to believe in yourself."
    Peekay and Morrie test for Rhodes scholarships. The scholarship committee believes that Peekay's boxing goals make him a lesser candidate despite his remarkable intelligence and test scores. Peekay refuses Morrie's offer to pay his tuition to Oxford. Peekay goes to work in a copper mine, earns enough to pay his own way.
    At the copper mine, Peekay is met by his childhood tormenter, the Judge. The Judge, in a drunken stupor, threatens to kill Peekay. Peekay is lighter and smaller, but with superior intelligence and boxing skills, he pummels the Judge in vengeance and fury. He has his revenge. He is on his way to Oxford and boxing glory.
    A fairy-tale? Once tormented child conquers hatred, fear and ignorance, and spreads tolerance, love and knowledge and lives happily ever after? Simple story? End of story?
    No, there is more. There is love and emotion intertwined within the bonding of Peekay and Professor "Doc" Von Vollensteen. Doc - a Darwinian character who grades the best by "an eleven of ten" - yes, "schmarty pants," "absoloodle"! You cannot help but love and laugh with them. And learn...Doc teaches Peekay to find botanical specimens. Doc's description of the cactus is priceless. Doc teaches Peekay to play the piano well, yet knows Peekay will never be a great pianist.
    There is despair. You feel racial injustice. Hatred. Whites against Blacks. Boers against rooineks (Brits). Nazis against Jews. You swell with pride when young Peekay defends and helps the Blacks who are imprisoned solely because of their color.
    There is humor. You laugh when fat "Big Hattie," over 6 ft. tall gets trapped between bunks in the train.
    There is sadness. You cry when Geel Piet is hacked to death and there is no punishment for the crime. You feel Peekay's pain when Doc goes to his death. You feel his sense of spirituality in the atmosphere surrounding Doc's body.
    There is much to learn - about the Boer war, the Crimean war, Nazis and Hitler, religion, education, boxing, botany, prison life in South Africa, Apartheid, South Africa. You'd like to learn more. Research.
    Courtenay's characterizations put you there. He makes you feel. He makes you feel that even though the character named Peekay may be a Cinderfella, and the story may be a fairy tale, too good to be true, they are what life should be about. The power of one is really one person's power to improve the world. The power of one, when achieved, is power for all.
    I had mixed emotions about Peekay's need for REVENGE against the Judge. Peekay was devoted to humanitarianism and justice. If revenge is a form of justice, it is a in a negative sense. But most readers would say hooray for Peekay anyway!
    32 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This timeless classic is one I couldn't put down. An hour would wiz by in no time.

    Such a well crafted masterpiece, it almost felt like reading a true story.

    Entertaining, insightful and educational...

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Viviane BDO
    5.0 out of 5 stars Livre choc
    Reviewed in France on June 11, 2011
    Un des plus beaux romans que j'ai lus ces dernières années ! Roman d'éducation, dans un domaine qui pourtant n'est pas du tout un sport que je partage (la boxe), qui vous tient en haleine tout au long de ses pages. Je limitais mon temps de lecture à la fin pour faire durer le plaisir plus longtemps.
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars My favourite book of all time
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 14, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I have read this book multiple times over the years. It’s such a beautiful, raw and heart wrenching book. You develop love for the characters and feel engrossed through out.
    Bryce Courtenay paints a picture from the start as you are taken along this incredible journey of struggle, hope and determination. I recommend this book highly as well as many of his others.
  • ALICIA DIAZ BOOTH
    5.0 out of 5 stars Un excelente primer libro de Courtenay
    Reviewed in Spain on January 25, 2017
    Me gustan todos los suyos, pero este me impactó cuando lo leía por primera vez poco después de su publicación. He vuelto a comprarlo porque mi ejemplar se mojó y daba asquito.
    Muy recomendable.
  • Cliente Amazon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Un must-read
    Reviewed in Italy on June 29, 2018
    Bello, bellissimo. Non lo conoscevo. Ho visto il libro e mi sono innamorata del romanzo... da leggere... sul kindle è ancora più comodo.
  • Mitchell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in Canada on October 1, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Great book. Great read. Thank you .