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The Power of One  By  cover art

The Power of One

By: Bryce Courtenay
Narrated by: Humphrey Bower
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Editorial reviews

Why You Should Download This Audiobook: Good character dramas are best shared with others, like good wine on special occasions. Bryce Courtenay's wonderful story of a child coming of age in a country ripped apart by racism is such a vintage—rich and complex, an experience you'll want to talk about long after the last words are spoken.

Publisher's summary

"First with your head and then with your heart." So says Hoppie Groenewald, boxing champion, to a seven-year-old boy who dreams of being the welterweight champion of the world. For the young Peekay, it is a piece of advice he will carry with him throughout his life.

Born in a South Africa divided by racism and hatred, this one small boy will come to lead all the tribes of Africa. Through enduring friendships with Hymie and Gideon, Peekay gains the strength he needs to win out. And in a final conflict with his childhood enemy, the Judge, Peekay will fight to the death for justice.

©2013 Christine Courtenay (P)2014 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

What listeners say about The Power of One

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best book of all time.

I've read this book at least 10 times. Over the last 20 years. It's the best book I've ever read. It's a great book for boys. And men. it's about a boy who will do anything to become the welterweight boxing champion of the world. He goes through a lot of hardship and takes it in stride.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Three cheers!

It has it all. Made me laugh, cry and want to shout with joy. Now, I go around saying 1st with the head, and then with the heart. It applies to everything. This one has put Courtenay on the top of my list as well as Bowers. I already listened to the Potato Factory trilagy and was doubtful he could do anything I would like as much, but here you have it.

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Favorite book of all times

Superb story told magnificently read beautifully. Didn’t want it to end. I highly recommend this book in this version.

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Just a great listen!!!

Loved this book, Courtney is an amazing author. He grabs you by the gut and takes you on an adventure.

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    5 out of 5 stars

great story in an interesting setting

The author has such broad knowledge of the cultures, Afrikaners and Africans. Fabulous narrator. A bit far fetched that the protagonist is so perfect, but still interesting and absorbing.

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Best combination

If you could sum up The Power of One in three words, what would they be?

performance adds power

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

Bower is terrific at presenting a variety of langauges, accents, ages and genders into a very comfortable telling. He seem to pitch the story perfectly. It is never boring and never hyped.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

not really. The memories that it creates are vivid enough that it was always easy to return.

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One of the best audiobooks ever

very emotional but very interesting and captivating story. I couldn't stop listening.

it tells tye story about a boy growing up in the very hostile south africa and making his way to become the welterweight champion of the world.

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outstanding book

I loved this story & all the characters. This is a literary and beautiful triumph!

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Wow. Just wow.

I hung on every word. I laughed, cheered, and cried tears of both grief and of joy. Thank you for this book Bryce Courtenay.

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Enjoyable

Really enjoyable book/audio book.
As an ex South African, although most of the books' atmosphere is before my time, it gave me a glimpse of my parents SA and could almost imagine my dad's slightly exaggerated stories coming to life.

Great journey, and great colour to the book.

Very well narrated with SA accent, which I think made the story for me.

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