Reviews

The Power Of One by Bryce Courtenay

jessicamusch's review against another edition

adventurous inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I feel like Peekay is a little too simplistic in that he is amazing at literally everything, everyone loves him, and is extremely progressive thinking for his time - while these are all amazing qualities, Peekay would have felt more grounded and relatable if we saw some faults. 

Also why does literally everyone die once they have served their purpose in the narrative?

I also found the boxing parts a little boring, but I acknowledge this is a book aimed at men, not women which might explain the long sections detailing many boxing matches. 

Still love Bryce Courtenay though. 

joaniesickler's review against another edition

5.0

It left the greatest impression on me of any novel I've read in the last 8 years. Absoloodle. Uplifting.

calamity_katie's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted

3.75

salgalruns's review against another edition

4.0

The Power of One is a richly told tale of Peekay, who is growing up with one single goal in mind - to be the welterweight champion of the world. I've got to hand it to him. He had the dream when he was 6 years old and it defined who he was, carving his path to success in life and gave him character like no other. He is someone that you'd want to get to know and can understand why he has the admiration of so many he meets.

The author does an amazing job of introducing the reader to the various friends or acquaintances that Peekay has throughout the story. They all serve a purpose to further his life in some way, whether it's to instill a dream, teach him beyond his years, provide him with an income, tell him he has sinned, or provide conflict in some way. Doc was most likely the most influential in the eyes of the author as he kept reappearing, where many of the characters were in the story for only a brief time and then were never referenced again.

I loved the story (even though I realized I must have read most of it before), but was not as happy with the ending sequence. It just didn't seem to ring true to who Peekay was - what about a set fight? Wouldn't that have been better?

Spoiler

The final scene actually annoyed me - it just seemed so out of character for him to get back in such a vindictive way. I would have expected him to rise above it and be a better person as a result.

Overall, a worthwhile read - just under a 4 star rating for me, but worthwhile.

thesauraz's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

I don’t know why I loved this book, since it isn’t my typical style, but I did. It was one of those long grinds where although I was engrossed I only managed a few pages at a time. The book is content-rich, and with so few breaks Courtenay packs many storylines into one chapter, so many sensational moments. I like especially how he immersed culture at appropriate points, showing where his life journey opened his mind to equality and goodness in a South Africa reeling from World War II Nazi sympathizers straight into apartheid. Great, uplifting storytelling. First with the head, then with the heart!

peonierose's review against another edition

3.0

A powerful coming of age narrative against the backdrop of apartheid South Africa. It is to be admired as a moral tale of perseverance and resilience, patience and resourcefulness. Patchy language and at times, forced and sentimental hold it back from being absolutely great. Interesting and engaging characterisation. An enjoyable read.

aporteous's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

utahmomreads's review against another edition

4.0

It took me some time to read it but I really enjoyed this novel about a young boy growing up in South Africa during World War II. After a harrowing first year at boarding school, Peekay is determined to rise above his tormentors by becoming the welterweight boxing champion of the world. Through sincere dedication, hard work and some fascinating characters that influence and help him, Peekay works toward his ultimate goal. Peekay is clearly an outlier.

The writing is good. The book is long but full of interesting events, richly developed characters, action, humor and emotion.

cpnoyola's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional inspiring mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

vaekay's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

2.5