The Power of One

By: Bryce Courtenay

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

Length: 21 hrs and 33 mins

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

Powerful Inspiration beautifully done

Near perfect narration with talented accents for many different characters bring the story alive. Even better on the second listen!

Engrossing

I loved the characters in this, and they have stayed with me. Maybe not the most smoothly edited novel here and there, but the story and characters made up for it.

incredible all around. a must read/listen

incredible all around. a must read/listen (& I rarely engage in fiction). powerful, gut wrenching & inspiring. incredibly performed on audio.

Love this book!

This is a fascinating and intricately woven story. I love of all the historical and cultural aspects as well. The narrator is fantastic. I didn’t want it to end. Side note, the sequel Tandia is also quite good, but The Power of One can stand alone as a masterful work of literature. If you love books like Love in the Time of Cholera or Daughter of Fortune, you will cherish this book as well.

A favorite

This has always been a favorite book of mine. I've read the print version half a dozen times. The narrator has done an excellent job.

A Great Novel - not widely read in the U.S.

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

Powerful, Redemptive, Inspiring

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Power of One?

Boxing Scenes

Have you listened to any of Humphrey Bower’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Excellent. He has become one of my favorite narrators.

If you could take any character from The Power of One out to dinner, who would it be and why?

PK

Any additional comments?

A great bildungsroman set in 1940's South Africa. The setting, characters, and plot balance nicely in a triumphant and heart breaking story. I'm not sure why this book never really took off in the U.S. The narrator, Humphrey Bower, could read the IRS tax code, and I would still listen. Secondary characters can be a bit "type" driven, but that's a very minor criticism. It's the only book about boxing I would recommend to my wife. If you like Ken Follet's Pillars of the Earth, I think you would enjoy this book. In terms of pace and blend of place, subject, and character, The Power of One and Pillars are similar.

I loved this book!

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

Heartfelt, compelling, entertaining

Who was your favorite character and why?

PK and doc

Any additional comments?

This has become one of my favorite books. I absolutely loved this story. On top of the book the narrator was great! Couldn't have been better. The main character goes through so many hardships but the author does such a good job emphasizing the good things that the book doesnt get you down.

Captivating Characters

What made the experience of listening to The Power of One the most enjoyable?

The most enjoyable part of listening to the Power of One was the exceptional story telling combination of Bryce Courtney & Humphrey Bower. I first listened to the Potato factory series by Bryce Courtney & narrated by Humphrey Bower and was left wanting more of Mr. Courtney's exceptional story telling narrated by the very gifted Mr. Bower. It was this wanting that lead me to listen to the Power of One.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Power of One?

One of the most memorable moments in the Power of One for me was the shower scene when Pee quay first went to the boys boarding school in the beginning of the story. The sense of terror, confusion and shear determination to remain his own person at age 5 is so moving and memorable. It stirred a lot of emotion in me.

Which character – as performed by Humphrey Bower – was your favorite?

I have two favorite characters in the Power of One. The main character, Pee Quay surely steels the book, but I must say that the Professor truly a memorable supporting character. That being said, so many of the characters have endearing qualities that make you root for their cause.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The Power of One moved me to re-examine my own set of values and vision of my influence on my family and my life. Am I allowing others to mold my vision or am I standing strong and holding true to my own core values and beliefs? The extreme passion Pee Quay has for becoming Welter Weight Champion of the World seemed to solidify his core morals and values rather than corrupt them as we see extreme passions often do.

The power

What made the experience of listening to The Power of One the most enjoyable?

The in depth of the story tell, made me feel like I was there.

Have you listened to any of Humphrey Bower’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Love listening to Humphrey Bowers narrating, very easy to listen to.

Any additional comments?

Great fantastic

Great Read !!

Imaginative beyond my scope of recollection.It is a story , yes beyond belief, but so interesting and engaging it holds you in its grip.It turns and twists as a good story should, just a wonderful time with a well written book!